I don’t know how Arc System Works manages to put out and support so many fighting games, but I certainly don’t mind it. After Dragon Ball FighterZ and BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle both released last year, you’d think it would take a bit for them to make a new fighting game. Not so, as it turns out, because Granblue Fantasy: Versus is here. Based on the mobile RPG Granblue Fantasy, Versus takes some big steps to make newcomers to the fighting game genre feel at home- something that I think will certainly pay off.
While I’m not particularly familiar with Granblue Fantasy, I’m fond of the character designs I saw in Versus. As I write this, only seven characters have been confirmed for the game, but I think they all stand out in their own way. I found myself really liking Katalina’s design and playstyle, while former Editor-in-Chief and current Gnarly Bro William Saw immediately took to Ferry. The FighterZ-esque visuals help as well, as it adds that “anime” feeling to these very anime-centric characters.
Rounds are fast but the combat feels like it goes at a more mellow pace. The lack of screen-spanning dashes makes the footsies-based combat feel more thoughtful and cautious. In the three matches I played, I found myself trying to dash as though I was playing Marvel vs Capcom, which would often get me punished. As much as I love fast-paced fighters, this change in pace is refreshing and makes Versus feel more unique. Auto-combos and one-button supers are both present, as are classic input-based attacks. I can understand apprehension when it comes to things like auto-combos, but I think the way Versus does it is perfectly okay, as it doesn’t feel like it gives those who use them any major advantage.
So despite not knowing much about Granblue Fantasy, I’m looking forward to Granblue Fantasy: Versus’s release on the PS4 later this year. It looks like it’ll be a fun fighter and a good starting point for players looking to get into the genre– especially if it brings in its source material’s fanbase. With fighting games, it’s really a matter of “the more the merrier”, so here’s hoping Versus can pull new groups into this wonderful genre.
