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As part of our visit at Cygames HQ in Shibuya, Tokyo, we got a hands-on preview of the much-anticipated action RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink.
While we previously got to try the game out during Thailand Game Show 2023, we were given another go in a more in-depth hands-on experience this time, and it’s absolutely stellar.
Setting Foot in the Sky Realm
For our preview, we got to try out Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s main story mode in single player up to Chapter 3. Taking place in a series of floating islands called the Sky Realm, we set off on a journey with our dragon companion, Vyrn, to the legendary island of Estalucia, where we encounter new friends along the way, including Lyria, a girl who possesses mysterious powers alongside monsters that guard the islands called Primal Beasts.
The combat features hack-and-slash elements and it feels very polished and extremely satisfying. We were given the option to swap out party members, each of them felt unique in their own way. Each party member consists of different sets of abilities, but they’re mostly distinct from one another in terms of combat style, which makes it reminiscent to titles like Dragon’s Dogma with their varied classes and characters, and a sprinkle of Monster Hunter with its grandiose and intense boss fights.
You got mages, dual-blade users, katana wielders, hard-hitting one-handed swordsmen, axemen, gunners and even healers to choose from, with each of them having their own unique weapons, skills, and combat styles. What stood out to us were the Link Attacks and Chain Bursts mechanics in-game which can assist in defeating monsters in a very stylish way.
Multiplayer Experience
Aside from trying out the game in single-player, we also had the chance to try out the multiplayer mode with 3 other players. It is structurally different from the single player mode in the sense that players won’t need to play the Main Story mission, but instead completing Quests and Multiplayer missions with 3 other players, whether it be with real people or AI controlled bots. If you’re feeling extra confident and are looking for a challenge, you can also opt to leave empty slots in your party and take on challenges solo.
Total Playtime
In terms of total playtime, the Main Story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink will take around 20 hours to complete, which is a sizable amount all things considered. Once the credits roll on the main story, players will unlock additional story, quests, and even scenarios, by proceeding through a series of quests which would make up around 20 additional hours of total playtime.
That’s not all, after successfully completing all of the story content available, you’ll then unlock the Endgame, which is a series of challenging quests that can easily make up at least an additional 60 hours of total playtime.
These endgame content are also where you can get powerful equipment to take on even harder challenges, which is pretty reminiscent of the gameplay loop of Monster Hunter.
Endgame
Having experienced the endgame content, it plays very differently from the early to mid game of the story. It can be brutal as you fight even bigger monsters that have access to a diverse moveset, with each move potentially taking out one of your party members.
This is where the game tests you on your party composition, as well as the mastery of your characters’ skills. Fighting a boss in the endgame makes it feel like taking on a raid boss from an MMO, as it requires players to constantly be on the lookout for certain moves that could potentially wipe out your team.
There’s just so many aspects that you need to take into account, from making sure you’re in a favourable position while channelling that magic spell, making sure you’re not being animation-locked while performing a combo attack, or even making sure that you’re able to stun that monster in time.
Verdict
Taking into account all that has been discussed, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is shaping up to be a promising addition to the action RPG genre. From the captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and a treasure-trove of endgame content, this title is definitely worth keeping an eye on for both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
While our hands-on experience was limited, we are eagerly awaiting for the game’s full release on 1st February 2024.
We also got to interview the series’ General Director and Director during our visit, if you’re interested in reading our coverage you can check it out here.
