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CRITIK

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Item: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Side View Perspective, RPG, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableDec 13, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperArc System Works

Overview

Dare to rumble with the best like never before with all-new characters, mechanics, and modes in the sequel to the revolutionary fighting game praised by both newcomers and fighting game veterans alike. Experience even smoother and more responsive online play with rollback netcode and engage in battle cross-platform against players on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam!

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are varied. Several critics, such as Areajugones and CGMagazine, appreciate the expansion of the story and the introduction of new elements that make it engaging for both new and existing players. They highlight the visual novel format and the ability to introduce new players to the unique characters of Granblue Fantasy. Additionally, critics like Noisy Pixel and SpazioGames praise the comprehensive and engaging story mode, with beautifully presented cinematic sequences and side-scrolling combat against various creatures. On the other hand, some critics express their disappointment with the story mode. Critics like GamingTrend and Shacknews mention that the story can be hard to follow, especially for newcomers to the series, due to confusing terminology and a lack of depth. GamingBolt also states that while the story mode is decent, it is not the greatest in a fighting game. GameGrin criticizes the retelling of the previous game's RPG Mode story, feeling that it lacks the depth and features of the original, making it feel like a downgrade. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as But Why Tho?? and Hobby Consolas, appreciate the expanded story and fun character interactions, others, like GGRecon and The Games Machine, find the story uninspired and lacking challenge. Critics like God is a Geek and Metro GameCentral find the story engaging and enjoyable, especially for those familiar with the series, while critics like Gamer Escape and IGN feel that the stakes may not feel high due to the limitations of the story mode. However, the majority of critics acknowledge that the story mode serves as a good introduction to the game's universe and its inhabitants. In conclusion, the opinions on the story of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are mixed. While some critics appreciate the expansion of the story and the introduction of new elements, others find it lacking in depth and challenge. The story mode is praised for its visual presentation and ability to introduce new players to the series, but criticized for its confusing terminology and limitations. Overall, the story mode of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising offers a varied experience, with both positive and negative aspects according to the critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising's story. Some praise its expansion and engaging elements, while others find it lacking depth and challenge. The visual presentation and character introduction are highlighted positively, but confusing terminology and limitations are criticized. Overall, the story mode offers a varied experience with both positive and negative aspects according to critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the accessibility and depth of the combat system, making it suitable for both newcomers and genre veterans. Areajugones commends the solid gameplay, while CGMagazine highlights the updated controls that make complex combos easier to perform. COGconnected emphasizes the accessibility and depth of the fighter, allowing newcomers to pick up and play instantly while providing nuances for veterans to delve into the mechanics. Dexerto and GameGrin both mention the simplified control scheme that makes it easy for new players to pick up, while still offering enough technical depth for fighting game pros. The negatives regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are relatively few. Some critics, like God is a Geek, mention that the focus is more on mastering button inputs and the nuance of different combinations rather than remembering every moveset for each character. While this may be seen as a positive by some, others may find it limiting in terms of character variety and strategy. Additionally, Hobby Consolas mentions that each fighter has their own unique fighting style, which could potentially limit the overall variety in gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is excellent. The majority of the critics found the gameplay to be accessible, easy to pick up, and suitable for both newcomers and genre veterans. The addition of new mechanics, such as Ultimate Skills and Raging moves, adds depth and variety to the matches, as mentioned by GamingBolt. The variety of skills, arts, and super moves, as mentioned by GameGrin, make battles flashy and exciting. The gameplay is praised for its accessibility, depth, and refined mechanics, as mentioned by The Games Machine. The positive reception from the critics indicates that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praise Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising gameplay for its accessibility, depth, and updated controls that cater to both newcomers and genre veterans. While some mention a focus on mastering button inputs over character variety, the consensus is that the game offers a satisfying and enjoyable experience with flashy battles and refined mechanics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the stunning visuals and vibrant colors of the game. Areajugones, CGMagazine, GameGrin, and Gamer Escape all mentioned the stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and highly detailed character models. They also highlighted the expressive animations and easy-to-read information, which added to the overall appeal of the game. The art direction and character design were also highly praised, with critics such as But Why Tho?? and Dexerto commending the game for its mesmerizing special effects and stylish characters. The anime aesthetics of the game were also a standout feature, with critics like GGRecon and God is a Geek mentioning the game's resemblance to an anime in motion. The addition of the "Modelos Digitales" mode, as mentioned by Areajugones, was also appreciated as it allowed players to experiment with digital statues of characters. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, there were a few minor criticisms. GamingTrend mentioned that some character design changes may not be well-received, suggesting that there may have been mixed reactions to certain design choices. Vandal also pointed out that the level design and arena changes fell a bit short compared to Guilty Gear: Strive, indicating that there may have been some missed opportunities in terms of environmental variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are highly impressive. The game was described as visually stunning, with gorgeous character models, vibrant colors, and incredible visual effects. Critics such as Hobby Consolas, Metro GameCentral, and Push Square all praised the game for its gorgeous visuals. The distinct art style and anime aesthetics were also widely appreciated, with critics like Noisy Pixel, PlayStation Universe, and VG247 commending the game for its beautiful art direction. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics indicate that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers a visually appealing experience that captures the essence of an anime in motion.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising's Graphics and Visual Design, praising stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and detailed character models. The anime aesthetics and expressive animations add to the game's appeal. While some critics mention minor issues with character design changes and level design, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics commend the game for its mesmerizing special effects, stylish characters, and the "Modelos Digitales" mode. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers a visually impressive experience that captures the essence of an anime in motion.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are generally positive. CGMagazine praises the soundtrack for its mix of hard rock and orchestral compositions, capturing the whimsy of the fantasy setting and the intensity of combat. GameGrin also commends the music, describing it as consisting of standard fantasy orchestra pieces with impressive scores throughout the story and battles. They also highlight the well-done voice acting that adds to the immersion of the game. Gamer Escape mentions that the music is familiar to veterans of the browser game and sounds great, while also noting that the game is fully voiced with custom dialogue for head-to-head matches. Everyeye.it specifically mentions the standout feature of the game's soundtrack, with each character having their own theme, some composed by Nobuo Uematsu. PlayStation Universe mentions that the soundtrack holds up well and provides epic battle tunes. However, there are some critics who do not provide specific opinions on the music. GamingBolt, for example, only mentions that the voice acting holds up well and the sound design is solid, without delving into the music specifically. Metro GameCentral describes the music as mostly fantastic but sometimes cheesy, and mentions the subtitled Japanese voice-acting in the story mode. Worth Playing mentions that almost every spoken line of dialogue and musical track have been taken from the first game with no changes, which may be seen as a negative for those looking for fresh content. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are strong aspects of the game. The positive comments from CGMagazine, GameGrin, Gamer Escape, Everyeye.it, and PlayStation Universe highlight the quality of the soundtrack, with praise for its composition, immersion, and epic battle tunes. While there are some critics who do not provide specific opinions on the music, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive. The few negative comments, such as Worth Playing's mention of reused content, do not seem to outweigh the positive reception. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are considered to be a positive aspect of the game by the majority of the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising's sound design and music, with standout features like character-specific themes and epic battle tunes. Positive feedback from CGMagazine, GameGrin, Gamer Escape, Everyeye.it, and PlayStation Universe emphasizes the quality and immersion of the soundtrack. Some critics offer mixed opinions, noting reused content as a potential downside. Overall, the game's sound design and music are viewed positively by most critics, despite minor criticisms.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is predominantly positive. Critics such as GameGrin and Gamer Escape commend the attention to detail and the immersion that the voice acting brings to the game. They highlight the actors' ability to convey emotion, making the characters feel more real. Noisy Pixel also praises the fully voice-acted story mode and engaging cinematic sequences, further emphasizing the positive impact of the voice acting on the game's storytelling. However, there are a few minor criticisms regarding the voice acting. GamingBolt mentions that some conversations can become long-winded, suggesting that there may be instances where the dialogue could have been more concise. Additionally, Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe note that while the game features Japanese voice acting, it relies on subtitles for non-Japanese speakers. While this may not be a negative aspect for all players, it could potentially detract from the overall experience for those who prefer localized voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is well-done and adds value to the game. The attention to detail and the use of the characters' usual actors in the Japanese version are commended by Gamer Escape. The Games Machine even suggests that activating the Japanese voice acting provides the maximum enjoyment. The positive aspects of the voice acting, such as the immersion, emotion, and engaging storytelling, outweigh the minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics. Therefore, the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is positive.

TL;DR

voice acting

Voice acting in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising earns high praise for its immersion and emotional impact, with critics lauding the attention to detail and fully voice-acted story mode. While some critics mention minor issues like lengthy dialogues and reliance on subtitles for non-Japanese speakers, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting how the voice acting elevates the game's storytelling and character realism.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, the majority of critics praised Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising on both the PS5 and PC platforms. On the PS5, reviewers such as Areajugones, But Why Tho??, Dexerto, GameGrin, Hobby Consolas, IGN, Push Square, SpazioGames, and Worth Playing all highlighted positive aspects of the game's technical performance. They mentioned smooth gameplay with no framerate dips, lags, or crashes, consistent 60 FPS, responsive online matches with no lag or stuttering, comfortable and fluid controls, impressive audiovisuals, and the inclusion of rollback netcode for smooth online play. These positive comments indicate that the game performed well on the PS5, providing an enjoyable and stable gaming experience. On the PC platform, critics such as Everyeye.it, Gamersky, INVEN, Multiplayer.it, Shacknews, The Games Machine, and VG247 also had positive feedback regarding the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. They praised the solid netcode, crossplay functionality, improved online aspect, smoother matches with minimal lag, reduced loading times, and the overall stability of the game. These comments suggest that the PC version of the game also delivered a satisfying technical performance, enhancing the gameplay experience for PC players. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, there were a few minor negatives mentioned. GameGrin pointed out a noticeable drop in frames when wandering around the 3D lobby on the PS5, and Worth Playing expressed disappointment that the lobby was locked to 30fps. However, these issues were overshadowed by the overall positive feedback from critics. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is very good on both the PS5 and PC platforms. The game received praise for its smooth gameplay, stable online matches, impressive netcode, and improved online experience. The positive comments from multiple critics highlight the game's technical proficiency, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre on both platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising for its top-notch technical performance on both PS5 and PC. Smooth gameplay, consistent 60 FPS, responsive online matches, and impressive audiovisuals earn high praise. Minor issues like frame drops in the lobby don't detract from the overall positive reception. Overall, the game delivers a satisfying and stable gaming experience, making it a solid choice for genre fans on both platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising are generally positive. Many critics highlight the variety of game modes available, including arcade mode, versus mode, training mode, and online modes, which provide hours of enjoyment (But Why Tho??, GameGrin, Gamer Escape). The addition of new modes, such as Grand Bruise Legends, which offers mini-games for players to pass the time with or compete in, is also praised (CGMagazine, COGconnected, Dexerto). Critics like GamingBolt and GamingTrend appreciate the extensive gallery of unlockables, including cosmetics, alternate colors, weapon skins, illustrations, and avatars, which add to the overall replay value. The inclusion of a free edition with restricted content, allowing users to try out the first chapter of the story mode and the game's online functionalities, is seen as a positive aspect (Dexerto). However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. Some critics mention that finding players for certain modes may be difficult, potentially affecting the overall experience (GGRecon). Multiplayer.it states that the single-player modes are disappointing, suggesting that the game may not offer enough content for solo players. Shacknews mentions that while the expanded roster and improved online play are positive additions, they may not justify the game's existence for those who extensively played the previous game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising offers a good amount of content and replay value. The various game modes, including story mode, arcade mode, challenges, and online modes, provide a diverse range of experiences for players (Gamer Escape, GamingTrend, Hobby Consolas). The inclusion of mini-games, unlockables, and customization options adds depth and longevity to the game (GamingBolt, God is a Geek, PlayStation Universe). However, there are concerns about the availability of players for certain modes and the limited single-player content (GGRecon, Multiplayer.it). Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with the game being praised as a good buy for fighting game fans and offering a lot of content (Gamer Escape, GamingTrend, Hobby Consolas).

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising for its diverse game modes, unlockables, and customization options, offering hours of enjoyment. Some concerns include difficulty finding players for certain modes and lackluster single-player content. Overall, the game is seen as a solid choice for fighting game fans seeking a variety of experiences.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics, with the majority considering it a very good game. The first paragraph of the analysis will focus on the positives highlighted by the critics. According to Areajugones, the game is a triumphant rebirth for the series, with technical improvements, expanded content, and a solid proposition. But Why Tho?? praises the game as a fantastic 2.5D fighting game that provides players with an almost perfect and complete package. Dexerto commends the game for its gorgeous anime aesthetics, stylish characters, and easy-to-pick-up/hard-to-master fighting mechanics. These positive aspects mentioned by the critics highlight the game's technical improvements, complete package, and appealing aesthetics. Moving on to the second paragraph, we will discuss the negatives mentioned by some critics. GamingTrend points out the removal of offline unlockables and potential connection issues as drawbacks. Tech-Gaming mentions the disappointment of removing RPG elements and the lack of innovation for those who purchased DLC for the original game. Despite these negatives, it is important to note that they are mentioned by only a few critics, indicating that they are not major concerns for the overall reception of the game. In the third paragraph, we will focus on the overall consensus of the critics. The majority of the critics consider Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising a great fighting game with improvements over the original. CGMagazine describes it as an absolute gem and a genuine step forward in the genre. PlayStation Universe highlights it as the sleeper-hit fighting game of the year. Vandal praises it as a fantastic addition to the original game, offering a visually stunning experience for both fans and newcomers to the genre. These positive opinions from multiple critics reinforce the overall sentiment that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a highly enjoyable and recommended game. Overall, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising receives high praise from the critics, with the majority considering it a very good game. The positive aspects highlighted include technical improvements, complete package, appealing aesthetics, and enjoyable gameplay. While there are some minor negatives mentioned, they do not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the game. With its strong consensus among the critics, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a highly recommended choice for fans of the fighting game genre.

TL;DR

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a highly acclaimed fighting game praised for its technical improvements, complete package, and appealing aesthetics. Critics laud it as a triumphant rebirth for the series, offering a fantastic 2.5D fighting experience with stylish characters and challenging mechanics. While some mention minor drawbacks like the lack of offline unlockables, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

71 reviews found

100

VG247

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as a major update that fixes many issues from the original release. It is recommended for fans of the art style and the Granblue IP. It is also recommended as a nice side game for fighting game fans.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an absolute gem of a fighting game and a genuine step forward in the genre.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Dec 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising as a fantastic upgrade to an already stellar fighter, with excellent and accessible combat, a wide selection of characters, and the sleeper-hit fighting game of the year. The rollback net code and the Grand Brute mode are highlighted as standout features.

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The Games Machine

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review overall recommends Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising to fans of old-school fighting games, praising its accessibility and depth. However, it criticizes the simplified commands that may be too tempting for some players.

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IGN

PlayStation 5

Dec 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is a feature-packed update that corrects previous issues and provides a fantastic re-entry point into the game.

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Everyeye.it

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising competes with the best fighting games and is a must-buy for genre enthusiasts. It offers a visually clean and less chaotic experience with a rich single-player content.

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an enjoyable game with improvements over the original, but it has some drawbacks like the removal of offline unlockables and potential connection issues.

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Areajugones

PlayStation 5

Dec 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising se presenta como un renacer triunfante para la serie, con mejoras técnicas, expansión del contenido y una propuesta sólida. A pesar de algunos desafíos potenciales, demuestra un compromiso continuo con la calidad y la evolución de la franquicia.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 5

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a highly enjoyable fighting game with a diverse roster of characters and a fluid online experience.

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Gamersky

Dec 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

GBVSR is a solid fighting game with improvements in gameplay and network quality, but its niche appeal and relatively high price may limit its future success.