Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an action RPG that is Cygames first in-house developed video game. Relink serves as an entry point for newcomers and fans of the Granblue Fantasy series.
Relink’s features a single-player campaign that can be played solo in addition to a quest-focused, four-player online co-op mode. The main protagonist is Captain and is meant to be a self-insert character for players with Lyria and Vyrn as partners to the Captain. There are a number of other playable characters with each its unique playstyle. It’s recommended to watch the Granblue Fantasy anime to get a sense of the characters’ backgrounds, at least watch episodes one and two. Also, the Primal Beasts are central part of Relink’s storyline and each of them will feature a unique boss fight. There’s also a Proto Bahamut that will be a playable part of this too.
When I played the demo, the real draw for me was the sense of cooperation with the four-member parties which can be played with others or with AI. These four-player quests can be initiated from a hub world or through online matchmaking and Relink will feature over 100 quests ranging from boss battles, time attack, and survival objectives. Each character’s playstyle becomes a crucial part of the battle, with each character focusing on close combat, ranged guns, and magic spell attacks.
During the combat scenarios, players can initiate a Link Attack where all party members can unleash a powerful attack on an enemy. If enough of the Link gauge is filled, time will slow down and create a window to deal damage. These moments of unity are furthered with Skybound Arts, an ultimate technique for each character, which in succession can create a chain burst.
There’s also robust character customization in Relink too as players can upgrade, customize their loadouts, and learn new abilities. For newcomers to Granblue Fantasy, a handy Assist and Full Assist mode is available to ease into the game’s combat with single-button combo presses, map navigation, as well as automatic use of skills and abilities.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink will launch with a Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Edition which will retail for $59.99, $99.99, and $179.99 respectively. The Deluxe Edition features a special outer box, artbook, soundtrack CD, postcards, and in-game items. The Collector’s Edition will feature a Proto Bahamut Figure, Sword of Eos charm, in addition to all the items in the Deluxe Edition.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink releases on Playstation 5, Playstation 4, and Steam for PC on February 1, 2024. You can preorder the game starting tomorrow.
