Game: Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Platform: PC & Console
Price: $59.99 USD
Genre: JRPG, Adventure, Monster Hunting, Multiplayer
Overview
I'd say that I am someone who immerses themselves in the JRPG genre. Specifically, I have always been a huge fan of Bandai Namco games since I was a child. It's not because they are a huge company; it's just that since Tales of Phantasia, every game in their series has been reasonably well made and fresh. However, as time went on, that appeal faded until this developer took over my attention, in this case being Cygames, with their massive presentation for their new title recently released called Granblue Fantasy: Relink. A JRPG monster hunting adventure.
I understand the point of view that you most likely have right now. "It's too expensive."
If you're from a country or somewhere else where the currency rate makes it difficult to buy stuff, as a JRPG gamer who despises paying $100+ for games, I can say with certainty that this is one of the few games I've ever played that was worth the price.
Story
The plot takes place after the events of their gacha, Granblue Fantasy. So, if you're like me and this is your first introduction to the series, you'll be pleased to know that there is a lot of recap that you can go over if you want to learn more about everyone, but it's not necessary because this is essentially a standalone to the series.
It's your generic scenario in which the world is about to be erased and you, together with your friends, rush to the source in the hopes of saving the world and bringing peace once and for all. It's not sappy, nor is it done terribly. It has emotional moments where you truly care about the characters and want to help them fulfill their quest.
Issues
The English localization is not correctly translated. They changed the wording to include certain characters that were not there in the Japanese version. I personally didn't mind because I believe the additional personalities for each character really bring out more from them. People who can read and comprehend Japanese appear to be upset when they don't say what they say. I can understand that.
I don't really mind censorship. It's probably because I'm a little bit older now, but unless the full outfit and even the voice actors are changed from their original form, I don't see the issue. The main thing raising concern in the Granblue community is the alterations to several of the character fanservice designs. Most notably, the female characters who show some skin and their pants have been altered for the western version of the game to show less skin and replace the black or pink panties with shorts. This has absolutely no influence on the gameplay. I'd also like to point out that some people are complaining about the main character, who can also be played as a female and who wears shorts, and they want this changed as well.
Let this fact sink in. She's a 15-year-old girl, and they want to look up her skirt.
The only actual breaking point issue I have with the game is that the subtitles are a little too small; despite having plenty of room to increase their size, they should have applied shadows to the brighter scenes. The game does not have a subtitle setting, so I give it a 9/10 rather than a 10/10 because I usually enjoy the Japanese voice actors because it's usually the same English voice actors almost every time I play a new JRPG, and I do grow tired of it. Surprisingly, the English voice acting wasn't who I expected it to be, and thus, this isn't something that would break my experience.
Graphics & Presentation
You know how you watch all these game trailers and everyone is so excited to play a game, but when it is fully published, it either misses a lot of details or is unplayable? This has been a pretty refreshing perspective on my feelings toward expensive games. I expected this game to be of the same low quality as the majority of recent JRPG titles. However, I was terribly wrong, and the amount of nostalgia that seeped from this game is shocking, as it washed over me with its visuals, story and gameplay.
I don't expect anyone to remember these games because they were and continue to be quite niche. Rogue Galaxy for the PS2, which was a space-seafaring adventure in which you traversed the world by boat across the skies, and White Knight Chronicles 1 and 2, which was a very old MMORPG monster hunter for the PS3 that was shut down upon the release of FF14, which also has mechanics for some of the boss fights found in it and so many other elements like the FATE missions you would normally complete. Is there anything this game doesn't have!?
That's not even the end of it. I felt that I was also playing through God Eater 3 with some of these massive boss battles where you take them down, shattering their weak areas in order to gain more treasure and deal significantly more damage. I am saying that this game offers everything you could possibly imagine.
Cygames clearly researched what works and what sells. They merged so many components, their own games and other games to create something so rewarding to play while also providing you lots of reasons to return every day due to the number of missions and quests you can complete by yourself or with others.
Gameplay
It gets off to a good start and doesn't waste your time, but keep in mind that this is a story game first. Once you've completed the 15-hour story, you'll begin playing some of the more exciting and difficult boss fights, even repeating some of the story bosses if you want. While also having other events like hoards and conquest missions to truly test your abilities solo or with other players from around the world.
Normally, these types of games only allow you to log in, fight some monsters, and then log out, but perhaps because they are such a well-known and beloved Gacha developer, they understand how to keep players engaged, because I find myself wanting to play this game not only for the boss fights and helping other players, but also for the progression, unlocks, daily quests, and more. It's really hard to put down.
I'm not sure what it is about the game, or more specifically, the skills that each character possesses and how you can switch and equip them with various combos after you have unlocked their tree. It just feels like they are more than just skills, but an extension of that character's personality which felt very engaging towards them. Vane is a very friendly person and has a lot of support skills for his allies, while someone like Siegfried just felt very selfish and more focused on himself. Maybe I was looking too much into it but that is genuinely how I felt about playing everyone.
Conclusion
I want to sit down and thank the developers for bringing this game to life. When I say I haven't been this thrilled playing JRPGs since Suikoden 1 and 2, I mean it. Developers should use this game as a stepping stone to continue to create high-quality games and stop penny pinching from either their gameplay or their visuals.
This not only shows you that big developers have and can use a large budget but also that they can create a fantastic visual and gaming experience, that you can keep the player base happy with a game that is actually worth the asking price.
Hands down, one of the best JRPG games that I've had the pleasure of picking up and immersing myself in. Literally goosebumps. It's enjoyable and engaging, and it knows how to engage and wow you in every way. I can understand how they could make a mistake, such as neglecting to set the subtitles, but I could also see them creating patches and possibly rectifying this for folks who have vision issues.
Damn no Xbox Iām sad
2024-02-10
banday no IS square Enix?
2024-02-09
Bandai Namco is a Japanese game company who currently collaborates with Ufotable to create high-end visual anime games of the quality of Demon Slayer.
2024-02-09
coming from the perspective of a PS5 player I can say steadfast wholeheartedly that this game is absolutely amazing I have played RPGs for years obviously final fantasy at one point being the greatest one I thought this is definitely different but with final fantasy tastes intertwined and not only that but if you compare it to final fantasy 14 I mean everybody loves that game as far as RPG goers right But the combat in this one is so much more satisfying to where grinding is actually not boring or tedious.
2024-02-08
Author likedAbsolutely! I've always been a fan of tons of JRPGs but as the years go by, they just constantly change for the worst. Tales of Arise was just eye candy, DLC ads in the resting area of the in-game features. While looking back, games like Tales of Phantasia or Vesperia were on a whole different level of story and gameplay. Final Fantasy 14, Fire Emblem, and so many more over time just became more and more... dull and low budget at least in some area that being the visuals or the gameplay and writing. I truly hope that Cygames continues to go this route and more people support their content because we need developers like this to pave the way for the basic standard when it comes to expensive titles.
2024-02-08