Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an action role-playing game set in a vibrant fantasy world, brought to life with a distinctive anime/manga art style. Players engage in mechanically deep combat with direct control, offering an experience that is easy to approach yet challenging to master. The game features both a substantial single-player campaign and a generous multiplayer component, providing a wealth of content and extensive progression systems centered around its compelling world and cast of characters.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink: A Sky-High Adventure Forged in Fire and Time

The realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) has long been a bastion of grand narratives, unforgettable characters, and captivating worlds. Yet, even within this rich tapestry, few titles arrive burdened with the weight of expectation and a development saga quite like Granblue Fantasy: Relink. From its humble origins as a mobile gacha game to its tumultuous eight-year journey to console and PC, Relink emerges not just as an adaptation, but as a bold statement. As a game historian and critic, I contend that Granblue Fantasy: Relink, despite a crowded 2024 release schedule that threatened to overshadow it, ultimately delivers a visually stunning, mechanically robust, and deeply engaging action RPG experience that proudly upholds its legacy while setting new standards for the genre. It is a testament to perseverance and a thrilling reinterpretation of a beloved universe, securing its place as a gem that deserved far more prolonged discussion.

Development History & Context

The story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s creation is almost as epic as the adventures within the game itself, marked by ambitious vision, significant collaboration, and a dramatic change of hands.

The Genesis: Cygames’ Vision

At its heart, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is the brainchild of Cygames, Inc., the Japanese developer and publisher behind the hugely popular mobile and browser game Granblue Fantasy, which launched in 2014 and boasted over 25 million downloads by 2019. The company’s vision was to translate the sprawling Sky Realm and its beloved cast into a full-fledged 3D action RPG, moving beyond the turn-based mechanics and 2D fighter spin-offs (Granblue Fantasy: Versus, Versus: Rising). This monumental task was overseen by a dedicated team, including Tetsuya Fukuhara (General Director), Yasuyuki Kaji (Director), Sanshiro Hidaka (Narrative Director), and Shingo Noguchi (Lead Writer). Their goal was not merely to port the existing experience but to craft an entirely new, self-contained entry that could appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The PlatinumGames Chapter

The journey began with tremendous promise, announced at Tokyo Game Show 2016 as a collaboration between Cygames and the acclaimed Japanese studio PlatinumGames. Known for their mastery of character action combat in titles like Bayonetta, Vanquish, Nier Automata, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, PlatinumGames’ involvement instantly elevated Relink‘s profile. Early trailers showcased gorgeous visuals and fluid, high-octane combat, generating immense hype among JRPG fans and action enthusiasts. However, in February 2019, after approximately three years, PlatinumGames announced their departure from the project. While the exact reasons remain speculative, the development shifted entirely to Cygames. This was a critical juncture, raising questions about whether Cygames, primarily known for mobile games, could deliver on the ambitious action RPG vision without Platinum’s specialized expertise. The eventual release, however, shows that much of Platinum’s influence, particularly in the core combat design, was retained and refined.

Technological Foundation and Artistic Craft

To bring the Sky Realm to life, Cygames utilized established middleware such as Bink Video for cinematic playback and Simplygon for 3D asset optimization. The game aimed for high performance, offering a smooth 60 FPS experience on PlayStation 5 and up to 120 FPS on PC, alongside a “Quality” mode on PS5 targeting 4K resolution at 30 FPS. This commitment to visual fidelity and performance was crucial for rendering the game’s dynamic battles and sprawling, fantastical landscapes. The artistic direction was spearheaded by Hideo Minaba, a veteran from Squaresoft (now Square Enix) known for his work on Final Fantasy V, VI, IX, and XII, lending the game a refined and evocative visual aesthetic that draws from classic JRPG sensibilities while embracing modern anime-style rendering. The musical score, featuring contributions from the legendary Nobuo Uematsu (the primary composer for Final Fantasy) and Tsutomu Narita, ensures an auditory experience befitting its grand scale.

A Release into a Crowded Cosmos

Granblue Fantasy: Relink finally launched on February 1, 2024, for Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The eight-year development cycle, filled with delays (initially targeting 2022, then 2023), culminated in its arrival at an incredibly competitive time. The early months of 2024 saw an unprecedented barrage of high-profile RPG releases: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth just days before, Persona 3 Reload a day later, and, most significantly, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth a mere month after. Adding to this formidable lineup were Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Unicorn Overlord, both releasing within two months. This exceptionally crowded gaming landscape, as many critics observed, likely contributed to Relink being “overlooked” or “forgotten” by the broader gaming public despite its undeniable quality, a “travesty” for what many considered a “9/10 masterpiece.”

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of Granblue Fantasy: Relink serves as a vibrant, if sometimes conventional, entry point into the sprawling lore of the Sky Realm, designed to welcome both veterans and newcomers to Cygames’ celebrated universe.

The Sky Realm Unveiled: Plot and Premise

Granblue Fantasy: Relink casts players as the Captain of the skyfaring crew of the Grandcypher, an iconic airship journeying through a world composed of countless floating islands known as the Sky Realm. Players choose between male (Gran) or female (Djeeta) avatars, accompanied by their loyal dragon companion Vyrn and the mysterious blue-haired girl, Lyria, whose extraordinary powers are central to the story. The crew, a “colorful cast” of established characters including the knight Katalina, the gun-wielding Rackam, the young mage Io, the mercenary Eugen, and the enigmatic Rosetta, embarks on what is presented as a “self-contained entry point” to the series.

The plot kicks off when the Grandcypher arrives in the Zegagrande Skydom, a new set of islands guarded by powerful “primal beasts” and shadowed by a secretive organization known the Church of Avia. After their airship is damaged, forcing a stop in the port town of Folca, the crew is swiftly embroiled in a web of intrigue. The narrative unfolds as a classic JRPG quest to “prevent the apocalypse,” with the Captain and their allies fighting to determine the fate of the Sky Realm against forces that threaten to engulf it. This core storyline, while clocking in at a relatively brief 15-20 hours for the main campaign, is praised for its “streamlined narrative” that “doesn’t overstay its welcome” and manages to tell a “tantalising narrative” without “unnecessary filler.”

Characters: Familiar Faces and Fresh Perspectives

The game’s extensive roster of over 20 playable characters is a cornerstone of its appeal. For long-time fans, seeing their favorite skyfarers in fully realized 3D with unique combat styles is a dream come true. For newcomers, the game makes a concerted effort to introduce these characters, even if it feels like “jumping straight into a story you had no part of” for some. Each character brings distinct personality and backstory, contributing to the “lovable” and “fantastic” cast.

A critical narrative mechanic, the Fate Episodes, plays a pivotal role in deepening character connections. These visual novel-style cutscenes, sometimes accompanied by mini-quests, delve into each crew member’s past—how they met the Captain, their motivations, and personal struggles. For instance, Zeta’s Fate Episodes explore her interactions with a young boy, showcasing her protective side and inspiring him. These episodes are “eloquently written” and “fully voiced,” providing “extra insight into the personalities/lives of specific characters.” While some critics argued that character development is “barriered off behind tedious text segments” that newcomers might struggle to appreciate without prior context, many found them invaluable for understanding the rich history of the Grandcypher crew.

Dialogue and Thematic Nuances: A Mixed Sky

The quality of Relink‘s story and dialogue garners a notably mixed reception. On the positive side, many critics lauded the narrative for its “sincere” and “engrossing” quality, with some proclaiming it “well-written and properly paced,” featuring “good character development” and “even better hype moments.” The game’s numerous “beautifully shot cutscenes” and “grand story moments” were highlighted as “some of the best in all of JRPG history.” The “execution is S tier” for those who connect with its anime sensibilities.

However, a significant portion of feedback points to a narrative that is, at best, “passable,” and at worst, “uninspired and obvious.” Common criticisms describe the story as “cliché,” “generic like any anime,” and “tamer than below average.” Many felt it primarily served as an “excuse so we can do big set-pieces and have a few characters interact.” The reliance on “a few contrivances to make a few plot points work out” and the feeling of receiving “only a very small snippet into the world of Granblue” left some desiring more depth. The protagonists, Gran/Djeeta and Lyria, were occasionally singled out as “bland, one-dimensional, and taciturn,” with Vyrn even comically pointing out the Captain’s tendency to merely “say mhm and nod.” Antagonists like Lilith, Maglielle, Gallanza, and Id, while providing compelling boss battles, were sometimes considered underdeveloped or “silly” in their motivations.

The overarching themes, typical of high fantasy JRPGs, revolve around friendship, determination, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The journey to the fabled island of Estalucia, a core premise of the wider Granblue Fantasy universe, subtly underpins the Zegagrande Skydom adventure, providing a sense of purpose and grander scale even within this contained story. Ultimately, while the plot might not reach the narrative complexities of its contemporaries like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth or Trails of Cold Steel, its “appealing storytelling” and focus on character interactions via Fate Episodes still resonated strongly with many players.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

If Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s narrative drew a mixed critical eye, its gameplay mechanics and systems stand as the game’s undeniable “crown jewel,” celebrated for their depth, fluidity, and sheer entertainment value.

The Core Loop: Monster Hunter Meets Tales of Arise

Granblue Fantasy: Relink masterfully blends elements of character action RPGs with cooperative mission-based design, creating a gameplay loop often likened to a hybrid of Tales of Arise and Monster Hunter. Players alternate between progressing through the main story, which unlocks new locales and narrative beats, and tackling an abundance of side quests and post-game content. This cycle encourages players to power up their party through diverse missions, preparing them for increasingly challenging foes. The main campaign, while relatively short, serves as an extended tutorial, culminating in a “robust, whimsical, and flashy multiplayer component that can entertain for hours.”

Combat: A Symphony of Steel and Magic

The combat system is Relink‘s most lauded feature, described as “one of the most mechanically deep and rewarding action-RPGs in recent memory.” It’s “easy to pick up, yet difficult to master,” offering “fluid combat against inventive bosses in gorgeous landscapes.” Real-time, party-based combat allows players to control one of four active characters, with intelligent CPU teammates acting “like humans.”

Character Diversity and Unique Playstyles

What truly elevates Relink‘s combat is its extensive roster of over 20 playable characters, each boasting “completely distinct fighting styles.” This design philosophy, heavily influenced by PlatinumGames’ initial involvement and Cygames’ background in fighting games, ensures that every character feels unique.
* Zeta is a mobile, aerial combatant who excels at chaining endless attacks and parrying.
* Rackam turns the game into a third-person shooter, delivering devastating shotgun fire based on his Heat gauge.
* Eugen functions as a sniper, capable of posting up to rain down bullets.
* Vane serves as a slow-attacking, heavy-hitting tank.
* Lancelot focuses on relentless, fast-paced combos.
* Narmaya builds up “butterflies” for increased damage, demanding precise combo execution.
* Ferry utilizes spirits to unleash powerful blows.

This variety encourages players to experiment, find their ideal playstyle, and switch characters to exploit elemental weaknesses or adapt to specific encounter mechanics. The ability to “master their chosen character’s fighting style” and the rewarding feeling of doing so is a major draw.

Party Mechanics and Epic Boss Fights

Teamwork is paramount, facilitated by mechanics such as Link Attacks and Chain Bursts, triggered by activating multiple Skybound Arts (character-specific ultimate moves) in quick succession. These cinematic, high-damage abilities are visually spectacular and deeply satisfying.

The game’s boss fights are a highlight, described as “epic,” “inventive,” “climactic,” and “top-notch.” These multi-stage encounters feature powerful team-wiping attacks and unique movesets, requiring strategic thinking and character synergy. Some bosses, like the Radis Whitewyrm, introduce specific mechanics, such as requiring players to take down weaker enemies to collect items needed to remove the boss’s buffs. The “level of scale” and “superlative boss design” are consistently praised.

Accessibility

Cygames ensured accessibility with Assist Modes, including “Full Assist,” which automates all actions during battle. This thoughtful inclusion allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game’s core experience without feeling overwhelmed by its combat depth.

Character Progression and the Grind

Character progression in Relink is robust, centered around a Mastery system for unlocking skills, and a wealth of weapons and Sigils. There are over a hundred weapons to upgrade, and Sigils, which function as equipable perks, allow deep customization of character builds to accommodate specific playstyles and team compositions.

The grind is an integral, if polarizing, aspect of Relink‘s gameplay, especially in the endgame. While some critics found it “excessive,” “tedious,” and “repetitive,” particularly for solo players, many fans embraced it. For them, the “endless grinding and getting stronger” is “the essence of what Granblue Fantasy is” from its mobile roots. The pursuit of S++ ranks in side missions, acquiring rare loot, and perfecting builds provide an “addictive and rewarding” loop. The “wealth of content” in the post-game, including challenging quests and the pursuit of “final weapons (Terminus) for each character,” ensures longevity for dedicated players.

UI and Exploration

While the core systems shine, the User Interface (UI) received some criticism, especially from newcomers. The “clutter of all of the character’s stats pressed to the left, as well as indicators at the bottom left and right, often felt overwhelming” initially.

Exploration in Relink is present but not a primary focus. Side quests, while numerous, are often “fetch quests or ‘go to location X and slay creature Y’,” and the world design can feel “linear” despite its beauty. However, the inclusion of Shrouded Treasure puzzles and Omen Stones (which summon higher-level enemies) attempts to add layers to the exploration and reward players for venturing off the beaten path.

Multiplayer Excellence

The multiplayer component, supporting up to 4-player co-op for quests, is a significant draw. It elevates the “already riveting combat” and is seen as an “incredibly generous offering.” While the lack of cross-play between PlayStation and PC was a “sting,” playing with friends against massive primal beasts is universally cited as a highly enjoyable experience, driving much of the endgame replayability.

In sum, Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s gameplay systems are a triumphant achievement. The diverse characters, satisfying combat, and engaging progression, despite the inherent grind, offer a deeply compelling action RPG experience that rewards mastery and teamwork.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Granblue Fantasy: Relink immerses players in a fantastical setting rendered with striking visuals and an unforgettable soundtrack, making the journey through the Sky Realm an artistic marvel.

A World of Floating Wonders: Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting, the Sky Realm, is a breathtaking expanse where “myriad islands float in a great blue expanse,” traversed by airships like the iconic Grandcypher. The adventure primarily unfolds in the Zegagrande Skydom, a new cluster of islands distinct from the original mobile game’s primary setting. This allows for a fresh perspective while maintaining the established lore. Environments are diverse and visually captivating, ranging from verdant grasslands and arid deserts to treacherous icy caves and fiery volcanoes. Hub towns like Folca and the bustling castle city of Seedhollow serve as beautiful, intricate social and preparation centers.

The atmosphere is one of grand adventure and high fantasy, imbued with a distinctly “steampunk fantasy world” aesthetic, where ancient mysteries and god-like primal beasts coexist with advanced airship technology. The “excellent sense of worldbuilding” is further deepened through Lyria’s Journal, an in-game archive offering extensive lore on the Sky Realm’s peoples, places, and history. Coupled with the character-specific Fate Episodes, which provide intimate glimpses into crew members’ backgrounds, Relink paints a rich, albeit fragmented, picture of its universe. While the main story itself offers only a “small snippet” of the vast Granblue Fantasy lore, it successfully establishes a captivating world that invites further exploration.

Visual Direction: An Anime Masterpiece in 3D

The game’s visual direction is consistently lauded as a major highlight. Utilizing an “Anime / Manga” art style, Relink delivers “gorgeous,” “stunningly gorgeous visuals” and “beautiful animations” that culminate in a “jaw-dropping mosaic-like visuals.” The “unique art style that’s a treat for the eyes” is a direct translation of the original game’s renowned aesthetic into a vibrant 3D environment.

Particular praise is given to the character models of the main cast. The “level of detail in the designs of the main characters is glorious to witness,” with examples like Rosetta’s intricate vines and rose imagery seamlessly integrated into her character model and combat animations. The scale of the “buildings, ships, and even enemies” is often highlighted, providing a sense of grandeur to both the environments and the epic boss battles. While critics noted that NPCs in towns often shared “the same face,” this minor flaw was largely overlooked due to the intricate design of the core cast and the stunning environments. The game’s flashy combat, replete with dazzling visual effects for skills and explosions, further amplifies the anime-like spectacle.

Sound Design: The Soul of the Sky Realm

The sound design in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is nothing short of exceptional, providing an “amazing music” experience that perfectly complements the on-screen action and emotional beats. The “incredible soundtrack” features contributions from legendary composers: Nobuo Uematsu, the iconic composer behind much of the Final Fantasy series, and Tsutomu Narita, who has a long history with the Granblue Fantasy franchise. This collaboration results in a score that is both grand and intimately fitting, with “about 140 tracks,” many of which are new or expertly remixed versions of familiar themes. The music is consistently praised for being a “banger soundtrack” that “gives you goosebumps” and elevates the overall experience.

Voice acting is generally strong, with the Japanese voice cast often recommended for its authentic delivery. While some English voice clips were occasionally described as “squeeky” or “out of place,” the overall quality of performances contributes significantly to character immersion and emotional impact during cutscenes and combat.

Together, Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s world-building, art, and sound design fuse into a cohesive and captivating experience, visually and audibly reinforcing the game’s high fantasy aspirations and ensuring players are fully immersed in the Sky Realm’s grand adventure.

Reception & Legacy

Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s journey from a prolonged, turbulent development to its launch was met with significant critical acclaim and commercial success, yet its long-term memory has been ironically overshadowed by its own release window.

Critical and Commercial Reception at Launch

Upon its release on February 1, 2024, Granblue Fantasy: Relink garnered widespread “glowing reviews.” It achieved a Moby Score of 8.3/5 with an 86% average from 28 critics and a 4.0/5 from players. On Metacritic, it held an average of 80% based on 54 critic reviews, and OpenCritic reported an 82% average with 75% recommended. Individual scores ranged from perfect 100%s (Hey Poor Player, Thumb Culture, Anime News Network) to solid 70%s (Game Informer Magazine, Edge, BagoGames).

Critics universally lauded its combat system as “mechanically deep and rewarding,” “fluid,” and “addicting,” frequently drawing comparisons to Monster Hunter and Tales of Arise. The diverse roster of over 20 playable characters, each with unique playstyles, was a major highlight, as were the epic, multi-stage boss fights. The game’s “gorgeous visuals,” “anime / manga” art style, and “amazing music” (featuring Nobuo Uematsu) were consistently praised. Accessibility options, including “Full Assist” mode, were also well-received.

However, common criticisms included the relatively short main story (15-20 hours), which some found “generic,” “cliché,” or “passable” and more of a setup for action than a deeply compelling narrative. The extensive endgame grind, while embraced by some as core to the Granblue Fantasy experience, was seen by others as “excessive” and potentially “repetitive” for solo players. Issues like UI clutter and a lack of deep exploration were also noted. Despite these points, the overwhelming sentiment was that the game was “well worth the wait.”

Commercially, Granblue Fantasy: Relink was a significant success. It quickly amassed over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam shortly after launch, a notable achievement for a JRPG on the platform. Furthermore, Cygames announced that the game sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, demonstrating strong appeal to both existing fans and new audiences.

Evolution of Reputation and Industry Influence

Despite its strong launch, Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s reputation almost immediately faced an unexpected challenge: the sheer density of high-profile RPG releases in early 2024. Releasing around Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 3 Reload, and just a month before the colossal Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, followed by Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Unicorn Overlord, meant that Relink was “uniquely positioned” to be “swiftly pushed aside.” Many critics and players lamented that it “faded into obscurity” and was “completely overlooked” or “forgotten” amidst the continuous stream of “industry-changing titles.” This context is crucial to understanding why a game so praised could drop out of mainstream discussion so quickly.

Despite being overshadowed, Relink‘s influence and legacy are quietly significant. It successfully proved that the Granblue Fantasy IP could transition into a full-fledged, high-quality character action RPG, setting it apart from its mobile gacha origins and fighting game spin-offs. Its combat system, often lauded as a “gold standard future action RPGs are held to,” demonstrated how fluid, diverse character-based action could be executed. The game is seen as a potential “start of a very big new property that will rival the best that Bandai Namco, SEGA and Square Enix produce,” with many hoping for a sequel that expands upon its solid foundation. Its model of a premium, non-live-service action RPG with substantial free updates (e.g., Lucilius boss, new characters) stands in contrast to many modern industry trends, earning it further goodwill. Even if not constantly discussed, Granblue Fantasy: Relink cemented Cygames’ reputation as a developer capable of delivering console-grade experiences that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established genre giants.

Conclusion

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a resounding testament to the power of a persistent vision. After an arduous eight-year development saga that saw the initial involvement and eventual departure of PlatinumGames, Cygames delivered an action RPG that not only met but, for many, “blew expectations clear out of the water.” It stands as a glorious translation of the beloved Granblue Fantasy universe into a dynamic 3D experience, proving that patient development can indeed lead to triumph.

The game’s strengths are undeniable: a mechanically deep and rewarding combat system with an astonishingly diverse roster of over 20 playable characters, each a joy to master. The epic boss battles are cinematic spectacles, demanding strategic thinking and teamwork, while the gorgeous anime-style visuals and phenomenal soundtrack by industry legends like Nobuo Uematsu create an immersive and breathtaking Sky Realm. The generous multiplayer offering elevates the experience, making the post-game grind an engaging and social endeavor.

While Relink is not without its imperfections – a main narrative that can feel generic or brief, side quests that lean towards repetition, and a UI that might initially overwhelm newcomers – these are minor caveats against a backdrop of exceptional craftsmanship. Its most curious legacy might be its status as a “9/10 masterpiece” that was “forgotten” almost as quickly as it arrived, a victim of the unprecedented deluge of major RPGs in early 2024.

However, for those who sought it out, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a “sleeper hit” that redefines what an anime-inspired action RPG can be. It’s a game that respects its mobile origins while forging a new path, showcasing Cygames’ immense talent and potential in the console space. As a historian, I can confidently assert that Granblue Fantasy: Relink is more than just a successful adaptation; it is a significant entry in the JRPG canon, a benchmark for character action, and a vibrant, unforgettable adventure that deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated for years to come.