Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a 2D side-view fighting game set in the fantasy world of the Granblue Fantasy series, where players control iconic characters like Gran, Djeeta, Lyria, Vyrn, Katalina, Lancelot, Percival, and others in intense anime-style battles with direct control gameplay.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Review

Introduction

In the vast skies of the Granblue Fantasy universe—a sprawling mobile RPG empire that has captivated millions since 2014 with its epic tales of skyfarers, primal beasts, and astral adventures—Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising emerges as a triumphant aerial assault on the fighting game genre. Born from the ashes of its predecessor, the 2020’s Granblue Fantasy Versus, which launched amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and struggled with outdated netcode, Rising soars higher with rollback technology, an expanded roster, and innovative party modes. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a phoenix reborn, blending anime flair with accessible yet deep combat. My thesis: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising cements itself as the gold standard for anime fighters, democratizing the genre for newcomers while satisfying veterans, and carving a lasting niche in the competitive fighting game circuit.

Development History & Context

Cygames, the visionary studio behind the Granblue Fantasy mobile juggernaut, took the reins as both publisher and co-developer, partnering with Arc System Works—the undisputed masters of 2D fighters known for Guilty Gear and BlazBlue. Directed by Tetsuya Fukuhara, produced by Yuito Kimura, and designed by Kazuto Sekine, Rising was conceived as a full sequel rather than a mere PS5 upgrade for the original Versus. Fukuhara revealed in interviews that the COVID era exposed Versus‘s Achilles’ heel: lackluster online play without rollback netcode, which would have cost as much as building a new game to retrofit. Thus, Rising was announced at the GBVS Cygames Cup Special in January 2023, initially slated for November 30 but delayed two weeks to December 14 for polish— a move Fukuhara called “immeasurably” vital for quality.

Built on Unreal Engine 4, Rising navigated a ferocious 2023-2024 FGC landscape dominated by Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1, and Tekken 8. Technological constraints of the PS4 era lingered in the original, but Rising embraced crossplay across PS4, PS5, and PC (Steam), with rollback netcode ensuring buttery-smooth 1v1s even on spotty connections. Cygames’ mobile roots influenced bold choices: a Free Edition with rotating characters to hook players, lobby-based minigames inspired by Grand Blues! comics, and a digital-only release prioritizing longevity over physical sales. This vision—esports-ready with EVO main-stage aspirations—reflected Cygames’ post-Relink push to globalize Granblue, amid a fighting game renaissance fueled by streaming and accessibility demands.

Key Milestones

• January 2023: Announcement with beta tests showcasing Dash Attacks and Triple Attack.
• November 2023: Delay for combat tweaks.
• Post-Launch: Rapid DLC (Lucilius Day 1), collabs (Nier: Automata‘s 2B, Uma Musume), Battle Pass for cosmetics.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Rising‘s story mode is a narrative triumph, retelling Versus‘s tale across three acts while forging ahead—eschewing the original’s grindy RPG mode for streamlined, cinematic battles. Part 1 recaps the skyfarers’ journey: protagonists Gran or Djeeta (gender-selectable, voiced by Yuki Ono/Kyle McCarley and Hisako Kanemoto/Erika Harlacher) flee Estalucia with Lyria (Nao Toyama/Kira Buckland), Vyrn (Rie Kugimiya/Sandy Fox), and knight Katalina (Miyuki Sawashiro/Erica Lindbeck), battling primal beasts amid Erste Empire pursuits.

Part 2 mirrors the original’s RPG arc—exploring islands, facing bosses like Beelzebub and Belial—but excises grinding for pure spectacle. Part 3, the longest and most original, introduces antagonist Lucilius (a fallen astral, later DLC), weaving themes of primal temptation, familial bonds, and ascension (“Rising” symbolizes growth). Gran/Djeeta confronts time-displaced mother Rein (as Versusia DLC), primal knights (Siegfried, Lancelot), and Eternals, climaxing in sky-shattering doomsday prevention.

Dialogue sparkles with Granblue‘s wit—Lowain‘s (Minoru Shiraishi/Greg Chun) stoner banter, Charlotta‘s (Kaori Nazuka/Cristina Vee) pint-sized bravado—exploring loyalty vs. power (Percival’s pragmatism), identity (Djeeta’s mirror to Gran), and redemption (Vaseraga’s curse). Critics lauded its accessibility for non-GBF fans, though Italian localization gaps frustrated some. Cameos (Rackam, Io) and Figure Studio epilogues deepen lore, making it a gateway to Relink (2024).

Thematic Layers

• Skies as Metaphor: Floating islands symbolize boundless potential amid peril.
• Character Arcs: Zeta‘s (Kana Hanazawa) vengeance evolves into camaraderie; Metera‘s (Ryoka Yuzuki/Faye Mata) flirtation hides vulnerability.
• Length & Replay: ~5-10 hours, branching Arcade paths add depth.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Rising refines Versus‘ simplified scheme—no quarter-circles—into a footsies-focused powerhouse. Core loop: Reduce foe’s HP via pokes, combos, Skybound Arts (supers). New Mechanics:
– Dash Attacks (L/M/H): Forward pressure; L for pokes, H for combos.
– Triple Attack (upgraded Auto Combo): 6L (mid), 6M (low), 6H (overhead)—rock-paper-scissors mixups.
– Brave Counter/Guard Break: Proactive defense counters turtling.

Roster: 28 base (24 returning + Anila, Siegfried, Nier, Grimnir), diverse archetypes (Zeta’s spear rushdown, Vaseraga’s tanky grapples). DLC waves: Season 1 (Lucilius, 2B, Vane, Beatrix, Versusia, Vikala); Season 2 (Sandalphon+). Progression: Leveling caps (80 Free Ed.), Legend Ranks, Rupie Shop cosmetics.

UI/UX: Intuitive Training (frame data, hitboxes), Replays. Online: Rollback/crossplay lobbies (island hub), Ranked/Casual/Room. Grand Bruise Legends!: 30-player Fall Guys-esque minigames (Rising Royale, Gold Brick Hoarder) via chibi avatars—stress-relief genius.

Flaws: Simplified inputs irk purists; story streamlining removes co-op RPG. Free Ed. tempts but limits (Part 1 story, rotating chars).

Mechanic	Innovation	Impact
Rollback Netcode	Pandemic-proof online	Seamless globals
Grand Bruise	Party brawler hybrid	Retention booster
Free Ed.	4 rotating chars + lobbies	Low-barrier entry

World-Building, Art & Sound

The Phantagrande Skies—floating isles, primal beasts, astrals—pulse with GBF lore: Grandcypher airship as hub, Estalucia’s fall haunting arcs. Stages (Lumacie Isle DLC) evoke anime wonder, cel-shaded 2.5D visuals (Hideo Minaba/Hideaki Sawada art) gleaming on UE4.

Art: Anime perfection—fluid animations, EX attacks cinematic. Figure Studio: Pose chars in scenes. Sound: Stellar VA (JP/EN duality: Patrick Seitz as Ladiva), OST by Tsutomu Narita/Yasunori Nishiki et al.—orchestral swells, rock riffs amplify drama. Lobbies buzz with Grand Blues! charm, punchable balloons venting salt.

Atmosphere: Epic fantasy intimacy; minigames lighten stakes, forging community.

Reception & Legacy

Launch acclaim: Metacritic 81 (PS5), OpenCritic 83 (95% recommend), MobyGames 85% critics/4/5 players. Praises: Accessibility (“sleeper-hit” – PSU), netcode (“bountiful” – Tech-Gaming), Grand Bruise (“stole the show” – Video Chums). Critiques: “Enhanced re-release” feel (Hey Poor Player 70%), short solo (Hardcore Gamer 80%).

Commercial: Steam peaks ~7k (decline noted), but Free Ed./crossplay sustained lobbies. Esports: EVO 2024/2025 main, Arc World Tour, Cygames Cups—top chars (Grimnir, Siegfried) rotate Free Ed. Noms: DICE/TGA 2024 Best Fighting.

Influence: Pioneers Free Ed. model, lobby parties (Fall Guys x FGC); boosts GBF Westward (Relink synergy). Legacy: Versus struggled; Rising thrives, rivaling Strive.

Conclusion

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising masterfully evolves its lineage—rollback resurrection, mechanic mastery, content cornucopia—into an accessible apex predator. Surpassing Versus in every metric, it balances newbie joy with pro depth, its skies forever etched in FGC history as the fighter that rose against odds. Verdict: Essential masterpiece (9.5/10)—play the Free Ed., commit fully; your brackets await.