Granblue Fantasy: Relink

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics appreciate the engaging and enchanting nature of the story. Gamer Escape and RPG Site, for example, commend the story for its interesting spins on familiar formulas and its brisk pace with a good balance of tension, danger, humor, and respite. The Games Machine also mentions the captivating lore and the presence of charismatic villains and colossal monsters, which add excitement to the narrative. Additionally, RPG Fan praises the Fate Episodes and Glossary system for providing a brilliant method of handling character backstories and lore. On the negative side, some critics express disappointment with certain aspects of the story. Digital Trends and Metro GameCentral criticize the narrative for being weak, predictable, and cliché, with the latter mentioning weak and saccharine dialogue. Inverse and VideoGamer also point out that the story lacks character development and depth, with optional side quests being more interesting. COGconnected highlights the potential turn-off for players who haven't played the first game, as the story serves as a sequel to the original Granblue Fantasy. Furthermore, Worth Playing suggests that the story feels like something designed to fill space rather than being genuinely self-contained. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging and enchanting nature of the story, others find it lacking in depth and character development. The brisk pace, tension, and balance of elements in the narrative are generally praised, but the predictability and clichés in the plot are criticized by some. The presence of charismatic villains, colossal monsters, and the Glossary system are highlighted as positive aspects. However, the lack of character interplay and the feeling of recruitable crewmates being like guest stars are mentioned as minor weaknesses. It is worth noting that the opinions on the story may vary depending on the familiarity with the franchise, as some critics mention confusion for newcomers or the lack of background information provided.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were overwhelmingly positive. The combat mechanics were praised for being engaging, enjoyable, and well-executed. Critics such as But Why Tho? and Siliconera highlighted the swift and precise movements, as well as the unique feel and weight of each character. The combat system was described as deep, with a wide cast of characters that have radically distinct playstyles, allowing for building the perfect party and adding depth to late-game customization. The combat was also commended for its variety, with a massive and unique roster of characters, each with their own gimmicks and playstyles. This variety was seen as key to getting the most out of combat, as mentioned by GamingTrend and Wccftech. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Some critics, like The Games Machine and ZTGD, mentioned the limited number of monsters, which could lead to a feeling of repetition after a few hours. The inability to switch between party members on the fly was also seen as a drawback by Wccftech and VideoGamer, as it could have added more variety and strategy to the combat. Additionally, COGconnected pointed out that the combat mechanics and lore were under-explained, while basic actions were over-explained, which could potentially affect the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is highly enjoyable and engaging. The combat system was praised for its depth, variety, and tactical elements. Critics such as Digital Trends, Gamer Escape, and RPG Site highlighted the unique playstyles of each character, the seamless mechanics, and the challenging battles. The gameplay was also commended for its fluidity, well-timed blocks and dodges, and the thrill of mastering different combat styles, as mentioned by Inverse and RPG Fan. The ability to customize characters, the extensive collection of playable characters, and the inclusion of side quests and missions were also seen as positive aspects of the gameplay experience, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel and God is a Geek. In conclusion, the majority of critics found the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink to be very good. The combat mechanics were praised for their depth, variety, and engaging nature, with each character offering a unique playstyle. While there were some criticisms regarding limited monster variety and the inability to switch party members on the fly, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is enjoyable, exciting, and well-executed. The positive aspects of the gameplay experience outweighed the negatives, making Granblue Fantasy: Relink a highly recommended game for fans of action RPGs.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink, with many describing it as stunning, gorgeous, and visually breathtaking. They commended the game's art direction, vibrant colors, and detailed environments. The visuals were often compared to paintings, with watercolor-like backgrounds and a cel-shaded anime look. Critics such as CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Gamer Escape specifically mentioned the game's beautiful artistry and well-designed 3D models. The character designs were also highlighted, with characters described as expressive, characterful, and superbly designed. The game's visuals were further enhanced by impressive animations and fluid movements, as noted by Gamer Escape and GamerRD. The boss battles were particularly praised for their epic scale and dazzling spectacle of light, accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack, according to Digital Trends. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink was positive, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. One recurring critique was the inconsistency in the 3D character modeling, as mentioned by But Why Tho?. Some environments were also described as generic and lacking detail, as noted by GameGrin. Additionally, Worth Playing mentioned that while the character models and environments looked great, some areas were a touch lackluster. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics was that the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were very good. The game's stunning visuals, detailed environments, and vibrant colors were highly praised. The art style, reminiscent of the anime, was commended for its striking visual style and beautifully drawn characters. The game's visuals were considered a standout feature, with critics such as Inverse and RPG Fan emphasizing the breathtaking and eye-popping nature of the visuals. The positive reception from the majority of the critics solidifies the game's strong visual presentation and its ability to capture the distinctive style of Granblue Fantasy.

The sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Several reviewers praised the game's soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu and Tsutomu Narita, as exceptional and fantastic. Digital Trends and RPG Fan specifically highlighted the triumphantly showcased sound design in the boss fights, which added to the overall enjoyment of the game. The orchestral arrangements were described as epic, with RPGamer noting that they added to the whimsical nature of the adventure. The musical scores, ranging from relaxed town pieces to fast-paced battle themes, were also commended by GameGrin and RPG Site for their impressive quality and ability to match the tone of the game. However, a few critics did express some minor concerns regarding the sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Wccftech mentioned that the music felt more like background noise and did not stand out. GamersRD and Inverse did not provide specific comments on the sound design but mentioned that the soundtrack consisted of instrumental pieces that fit the genre. Additionally, COGconnected mentioned that while the voice-acting was not egregious, some players may prefer switching to the Japanese audio, suggesting that the English voice-acting might not have been as strong as the Japanese counterpart. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were highly commendable. The majority of reviewers praised the game's soundtrack, with many highlighting the exceptional compositions by Nobuo Uematsu and Tsutomu Narita. The voice acting was also widely appreciated, with several critics, such as Noisy Pixel and RPG Site, noting the strong performances from the voice cast. The positive feedback regarding the sound design and music, coupled with the minor concerns expressed by a few critics, indicate that Granblue Fantasy: Relink successfully delivered an enjoyable audio experience that enhanced the overall gameplay and storytelling.

The majority of the critics praised the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink, with many considering it to be very good. Critics such as GamingTrend, Gamer Escape, RPG Fan, and TRG all commended the voice acting, highlighting the charming and well-done performances of the main characters. Hey Poor Player even went as far as to say that the voice acting did a great job of drawing the player into the story. The availability of both Japanese and English options was also appreciated, with Gamer Escape specifically mentioning the excellent English cast and inspired casting choices. RPG Site singled out Erica Lindbeck's exceptional turn as Katarina and Kyle Hebert's portrayal of Rackem as standout performances. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics indicate that the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink was a strong aspect of the game, adding depth and personality to the characters. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink. COGconnected mentioned that while the voice-acting sounded like it was straight out of an anime, it may be preferable for some players to switch to the Japanese audio. Metro GameCentral criticized some voice-acting as annoying and felt that the dialogue was weak and saccharine. While these negative opinions exist, they were in the minority and did not outweigh the overall positive reception of the voice acting. In conclusion, the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink received high praise from the majority of the critics. The charming and well-done performances of the main characters, the availability of both Japanese and English options, and standout performances by certain voice actors were highlighted as positive aspects. While a few critics had reservations about certain aspects of the voice acting, the overall consensus was that it was excellent and added depth and personality to the characters. Fans of the game can expect a strong voice acting performance that enhances their immersion in the story and gameplay.

In terms of technical performance, Granblue Fantasy: Relink received positive feedback from the majority of critics across different gaming platforms. On PC, But Why Tho? commends the game for running excellently with a consistent frame rate and no lags or glitches. GamingTrend also highlights smooth gameplay on high settings, though it requires a powerful rig. The Games Machine further adds that the game runs at a stable 120 fps on ultra settings, showcasing the cross-gen nature of the game with captivating art direction. These positive opinions on PC demonstrate the game's optimization and ability to deliver a seamless experience. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by ZTGD regarding the PC port. They noted the lack of certain features and crashes, but still acknowledged steady frame rates. It is important to consider these issues, as they could impact the overall experience for PC players, especially if the crashes occur frequently. Additionally, ZTGD did not fully test the online multiplayer, which may be a concern for those interested in that aspect of the game. On the PlayStation 5, the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy: Relink was highly praised by multiple critics. GameGrin emphasizes flawless performance, with no texture pop-in or screen-tearing observed. GamersRD mentions smooth gameplay without any technical problems, while IGN specifically highlights the absence of connection or framerate issues during online play. RPG Site and Shacknews both mention the game's solid performance on the PS5, with no slowdown or frame rate issues even during intense combat sequences. TRG notes the availability of different options for resolution and frame rate on the PS5, catering to players' preferences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is very good. The positive remarks from But Why Tho?, GamingTrend, The Games Machine, GameGrin, GamersRD, IGN, RPG Site, Shacknews, and TRG indicate that the game runs smoothly, with stable frame rates and no major technical issues on both PC and PS5. While there were some concerns raised about the PC port by ZTGD, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive experience across all gaming platforms. Players can expect a well-optimized and enjoyable gameplay experience in terms of technical performance in Granblue Fantasy: Relink.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Granblue Fantasy: Relink are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's post-game content as a major factor contributing to its replayability. Siliconera mentions that the post-game allows players to explore new islands, engage in solo boss fights, and offers assist modes for easier playthroughs. Wccftech also praises the cooperative play with up to four players in quest missions, providing opportunities for experimentation with new techniques and team compositions. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions a plethora of quests and exclusive story beats in the post-game, further enhancing the replay value. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about the limited variety and repetitive nature of the game's content. VideoGamer specifically mentions the lack of variety and repetitive missions, which may limit the replay value for some players. The Games Machine also points out that the game offers a limited number of adversaries and some choices and concessions that may make the long-term challenge and interest less satisfying. These criticisms suggest that while the game does offer replay value, it may not be as varied or engaging as some players would hope. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Granblue Fantasy: Relink has a decent amount of replay value. The game's post-game content, including quests, boss fights, and character strengthening, is praised by multiple critics such as Gamer Escape, God is a Geek, and RPG Site. The multiplayer aspect of the game, with online co-op and cooperative quest missions, is also highlighted as a positive aspect by critics like RPGamer and Shacknews. While there are concerns about the limited variety and repetitive nature of the content, the overall sentiment is that the game offers enough replay value to keep players engaged after completing the main story.