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If you're a fan of immersive, action-packed gameplay experiences akin to Monster Hunter or the expansive worlds and diverse character options found in Final Fantasy XIV, then Granblue Fantasy Relink is an absolute must-play. Its robust endgame content ensures that the adventure doesn't end with the main story, providing ample opportunities for continued excitement and challenge. With a vast array of characters boasting unique playstyles, abilities, and backgrounds, there's something to suit every taste and preference, whether you prefer to dive into the fray with a heavy-hitting warrior, support your allies with powerful magic, or outmaneuver foes with swift and agile tactics. Granblue Fantasy Relink offers a breadth of gameplay possibilities that will undoubtedly capture your imagination and keep you coming back for more.

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Embark on an epic journey through the vast skies and mystical realms of the Granblue Fantasy universe. Set in a world where islands float among the clouds and ancient civilizations thrive, the story follows a young hero who teams up with a diverse cast of companions, including skyfarers, magical beings, and powerful warriors. Together, they must uncover the secrets of the Astrals, formidable beings threatening the balance of the world, while unraveling the mysteries of their own pasts and forging bonds that will shape the fate of the skies. As they battle formidable foes, explore breathtaking landscapes, and encounter a myriad of colorful characters, players will immerse themselves in a captivating tale of adventure, friendship, and destiny. This all sounds incredible right? If you strip out the gameplay, and fantastic visuals, the story itself feels a bit phoned in. I found myself losing interest far before the credits rolled. All the characters are interesting in their own right, but the Story doesn't build on these connections in any meaningful way. You can do Fate missions, which are separate from the story, and delve deeper into the characters. But for the most part these become a slog as they gate stats for each of the characters and feel very low effort. As a whole, if you are buying Gran Blue Fantasy: Relink for the story alone, I fear you may walk away disappointed.

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Granblue Fantasy Relink bears the unmistakable imprint of Platinum Games, evident in its fluid movement mechanics and meticulously crafted character abilities. Each character boasts a diverse skill set that resonates with a global appeal, reminiscent of the intricate combat dynamics found in titles like Final Fantasy XIV. The game seamlessly incorporates elements like animation cancels and combo chains, lending depth and dynamism to every encounter. What sets it apart is its flexible character roles, mirroring the versatility seen in multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs). Whether players prefer to tank incoming damage, provide crucial support, or unleash devastating damage, every character can adeptly fulfill multiple roles, albeit with varying degrees of proficiency, ensuring a diverse and engaging gameplay experience for all.

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The cel-shaded art style in Granblue Fantasy Relink reaches new heights of visual splendor, surpassing even the notable achievements of titles like Borderlands. While Borderlands may have introduced cel shading to widespread acclaim, GBF: Relink elevates it to an art form all its own. Reminiscent of the enchanting visuals of Ni No Kuni, the hand-drawn aesthetic captivates players from cutscenes to gameplay, maintaining a harmonious balance that prevents screen clutter even during the most intense boss battles. This seamless integration of artistic design is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail exhibited by Cygames, showcasing a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern gaming. Every aspect of the game exudes a sense of care and dedication, solidifying Granblue Fantasy Relink as a visual masterpiece deserving of commendation.

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From a port perspective, its easy to tell this game was made for the Playstation 5 and then ported over. No ultrawide support is a big miss in my opinion.For a game that was ported from Playstation to PC, its strange that Playstation inputs are not available but Xbox inputs are. As bugs go, I have had no issues, everything has run smoothly since release.
Endgame & The Grind

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The journey doesn't end with the credits in Granblue Fantasy Relink; in fact, that's just the beginning of the thrilling endgame experience that awaits players. After approximately 20 hours trenching through the main story mission,, adventurers will find themselves diving headfirst into a challenging grind, taking on progressively tougher bosses until they face the formidable foe, Proto-Bahamut. The grind intensifies as players strive to level up their characters, acquire powerful sigils, and enhance their arsenal of weapons, immersing themselves in a cycle of resource farming that, while repetitive at times, is undeniably addictive. Despite the grind, the game's engaging gameplay mechanics and captivating world make it easy to invest countless hours, ensuring that players will find themselves eagerly sinking more and more time into the rich and rewarding experience that Granblue Fantasy Relink offers.

If you spent the time reading this review, thank you! I hope it helps you make the right decision in buying (or not buying) Gran Blue Fantasy: Relink