Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

The story mode of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising receives praise for its expansion on the original game’s narrative and accessibility for newcomers. Critics like Malditos Nerds highlight that the story introduces new characters from the RPG while allowing players to skip prior chapters, making it approachable for those unfamiliar with the franchise. Areajugones notes the three-act structure with additional acts presented as a visual novel, while But Why Tho? emphasizes the 50-story chapters and engaging boss battles against familiar and new faces. CGMagazine applauds its ability to introduce characters to newcomers while offering fresh elements for fans, and Noisy Pixel praises the cinematic sequences that immerse players in the world. Additionally, IGN Brasil acknowledges the story as a backdrop for combat, which, while not deeply compelling, serves its purpose effectively. These reviews suggest the narrative is well-structured and ambitious, with efforts to balance depth and accessibility. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the storytelling. COGconnected criticizes the overly complex narrative, which alternates between jaw-dropping anime-style cutscenes and basic text-based segments that feel outdated. GameGrin describes the story as a "downgrade" from the original RPG mode, lacking depth and feeling shallow despite engaging voice acting. GGRecon calls the plot "uninspired and contrived," while Siliconera labels it "dull" despite impressive visuals. TheSixthAxis notes that beat-'em-up segments disrupt the flow of the fighting mechanics, and LevelUp criticizes clichéd narratives and easy battles that undermine engagement. Additionally, GamingTrend and Shacknews highlight confusion for newcomers due to unclear terminology or lack of context, while The Games Machine describes the story as "banal" with repetitive combat against weak enemies. These critiques reveal a narrative that struggles to balance ambition with execution. Overall, the consensus leans toward mixed reception, with many critics acknowledging the story’s effort to expand the universe but questioning its depth and coherence. While some praise its accessibility, visual novel format, and engaging elements (e.g., Malditos Nerds, Areajugones, Noisy Pixel), others find it lacking in originality or structure (COGconnected, GameGrin, GGRecon). The story mode is seen as a step forward for the franchise but not without flaws, with its strengths often overshadowed by repetitive mechanics, unclear storytelling, and a disconnect between its ambitious presentation and narrative substance. Despite these issues, many reviewers agree that it remains a worthwhile experience for fans, even if it falls short of expectations for newcomers or seasoned players seeking deeper engagement.

The gameplay of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is widely praised for its accessibility, depth, and refined mechanics, with many critics highlighting its ability to cater to both newcomers and seasoned fighters. Malditos Nerds emphasizes the intuitive controls and expanded tutorials, while Areajugones notes the strategic layer added by the Raging Strike system. But Why Tho? applauds the game’s exceptional training mode, which helps players master combat intricacies, and CGMagazine praises the unique character playstyles and updated control schemes. COGconnected and Dexerto both commend the balance between simplicity for beginners and technical depth for veterans, with the latter noting that "nuances permeate the combat" to reward skilled players. IGN and IGN France highlight the overhaul of the fighting system, including new mechanics like Brave Counters and Raging Strikes, which enhance strategic variety. The consensus is that the game’s design successfully bridges gaps between casual and competitive play, offering a "smooth and accessible" experience without sacrificing complexity. While the majority of reviews are positive, some critics point to minor drawbacks. Siliconera critiques the mission-based gameplay as awkward and uninspired, while TheSixthAxis finds the integration of beat-'em-up segments problematic. SpazioGames notes that the game “requires practice to master,” suggesting that its simplified inputs might not satisfy players seeking traditional fighting game complexity. IGN Italia also mentions that the focus on simplified inputs could alienate purists, and Vandal’s observation about auto combos and evasions hints at potential over-simplification for some. Additionally, several reviewers, including PlayStation Universe, note that the story mode remains unchanged from 2020, which might feel repetitive to long-time fans. These criticisms, while valid, are overshadowed by the game’s broader strengths. Overall, the critical reception of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s gameplay is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers agreeing that it strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and depth. Critics like GameGrin and Push Square emphasize its “easy to learn, hard to master” nature, while IGN and TechRadar highlight its beginner-friendly design paired with a high skill ceiling. The inclusion of new mechanics such as Ultimate Skills, Bravery Points, and Raging Chains has been lauded for adding variety without overwhelming players. Even when pointing out flaws, reviewers like SpazioGames and TheSixthAxis acknowledge the game’s broader appeal. With its refined controls, diverse character roster, and emphasis on strategic combat, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is seen as a strong entry in the fighting genre that successfully expands upon its predecessor while maintaining its core charm.

The majority of critics praised Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising for its vibrant anime-inspired visuals, detailed character designs, and immersive art direction. Reviewers consistently highlighted the game’s ability to blend 2D aesthetics with 3D animation, creating a "gorgeous" and "stunning" experience. For instance, CGMagazine noted that characters are "incredibly designed and pronounced against detailed and vibrant backgrounds," while GameGrin described the visuals as "stunning" with "vibrant colors" and environments that "look like a painting come to life." The game’s combat animations and special effects were also lauded, with But Why Tho? emphasizing "excellent art direction" and "mesmerizing special effects," and IGN calling the character designs "spectacular." The use of 4K resolution on PS5, as noted by But Why Tho?, further enhanced the visual fidelity, while LevelUp praised the "masterful" use of the Unreal Engine to create dynamic camera movements. Overall, the game’s artistic identity—rooted in anime aesthetics—was seen as a major strength, with Metro GameCentral comparing it to "a high-budget anime film." While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed to minor drawbacks. A few noted that character designs, while detailed, could feel "generic" or less memorable compared to other titles, as mentioned by IGN Brasil, which criticized the lack of distinctiveness in some characters. Additionally, Vandal observed that the game’s level design and arena variety "fall a bit short" compared to Guilty Gear: Strive, and TheSixthAxis expressed a desire for more cutscenes rather than visual novel-style portraits. The PC port also faced criticism, with ZTGD pointing out its "barebones" nature and resolution issues, though this was a niche concern. Some reviewers, like Shacknews, noted that the story mode presentation lacked the polish of previous entries, and GamingTrend mentioned that certain character design changes might not resonate with all players. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s visual appeal. The overall consensus among critics is that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers a visually impressive experience that solidifies its place as a standout title in the fighting game genre. The anime-inspired art style, polished character models, and dynamic animations were universally praised, with God is a Geek calling it "a seriously beautiful game" and Siliconera highlighting its "stunning 2D artwork" reminiscent of anime series. While some critiques about character memorability or technical polish on PC existed, they did not detract from the general enthusiasm. As IGN France noted, the game’s "impressive 3D visuals in a 2D style" and "stunning combat animations" exemplify Arc System Works’ signature presentation, which PLAY! Zine described as "renowned in fighting games." For most reviewers, Rising succeeded in blending artistic flair with technical excellence, making it a visual delight for fans of the genre.

The Sound Design and Music of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its dynamic blend of genres and immersive qualities. CGMagazine highlighted the soundtrack’s fusion of hard rock and orchestral compositions, which effectively captures both the whimsical fantasy setting and the intensity of combat. IGN Brasil lauded the sound design and soundtrack as “impeccable,” emphasizing their role in enhancing the gameplay experience. Metro GameCentral noted that the music is “mostly fantastic,” while Everyeye.it celebrated the soundtrack as a standout feature, particularly praising character-specific themes composed by Nobuo Uematsu. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and TechRadar Gaming praised the OST for its “fantastic” and “phenomenal” quality, respectively, underscoring its contribution to the game’s overall presentation. The music’s ability to balance epic battle tunes with narrative depth was a recurring highlight, with PlayStation Universe noting that the soundtrack “holds up” and delivers memorable combat sequences. While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed out minor flaws or concerns. TheSixthAxis criticized the sound mixing, stating it occasionally made dialogue and effects difficult to hear, which could detract from immersion. Worth Playing noted that many musical tracks recycled themes from the original game without changes, raising questions about originality. Metro GameCentral’s observation that the music “sometimes [feels] cheesy” added a nuanced critique, suggesting that while the soundtrack is largely effective, its tone occasionally veered into over-the-top territory. Additionally, some reviews, like those from GamingBolt and Siliconera, did not explicitly address the music, though they acknowledged other aspects of the game’s audio design. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the overall enthusiasm for the soundtrack. The consensus among critics is that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s Sound Design and Music are a strong pillar of its appeal, with most praising their quality, variety, and emotional impact. While some noted issues like sound mixing or thematic repetition, these were overshadowed by the general praise for the soundtrack’s ability to elevate both combat and storytelling. The game’s music was consistently described as “epic,” “phenomenal,” and “impeccable,” with many highlighting its role in reinforcing the game’s fantasy aesthetic and competitive intensity. Critics like Everyeye.it and IGN Brasil emphasized the soundtrack’s standout qualities, while others, such as GameGrin and PlayStation Universe, acknowledged its technical strengths and emotional resonance. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the audio elements, which contribute significantly to the game’s immersive and engaging experience.

The voice acting in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising receives largely positive reception across multiple reviewers, with many praising its emotional depth and immersion. GameGrin highlights that the actors "bring emotion to their performances," making characters feel more real, while Gamer Escape commends the attention to detail in casting each character’s usual Japanese voice actor. Noisy Pixel emphasizes the engaging cinematic sequences driven by fully voice-acted story mode, and Siliconera notes the impressive voice acting that enhances cutscenes. TheSixthAxis also appreciates the Japanese voice acting with English subtitles, which contributes positively to the experience. Additionally, Meristation and ZTGD acknowledge the availability of both English and Japanese voice options, catering to diverse player preferences and enhancing accessibility. While most reviews are favorable, some critics point to minor drawbacks. GamingBolt notes that "some conversations can get long-winded," suggesting pacing issues in dialogue-heavy sections. TRG mentions that while voiced dialogue boxes improve narrative immersion, "more variety in presentation could enhance the experience." MeuPlayStation’s review, though brief, implies a lack of detailed analysis on the dubbing quality, which might hint at unexplored aspects of the voice acting. Additionally, some critiques focus on technicalities rather than performance—such as Metro GameCentral and Hobby Consolas noting subtitle availability—but these are more about presentation than vocal delivery itself. These points indicate that while the voice acting is strong, there are areas where refinement could further elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s voice acting, with its emotional resonance and technical execution being key strengths. Reviewers like GameGrin, Siliconera, and TheSixthAxis emphasize how the vocal performances enrich immersion and storytelling, while options for multiple language tracks (as noted by Meristation and ZTGD) broaden appeal. Though some critiques about pacing and presentation exist, they are minor compared to the widespread praise. The voice acting is consistently framed as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game’s narrative and character engagement, even if not without small imperfections.

The technical performance of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising across platforms received largely positive feedback, with notable improvements in online stability and netcode. On PS5, multiple reviewers highlighted the implementation of rollback netcode as a major upgrade, ensuring smoother multiplayer experiences. Critics like But Why Tho? praised the consistent 60 FPS and absence of lag or crashes, while IGN France noted significant improvements in online infrastructure compared to its predecessor. GameGrin acknowledged minor frame drops in the 3D lobby but emphasized overall stability during matches. On PC, the game also saw praise for its netcode, with TechRadar Gaming and Shacknews highlighting minimal lag and improved responsiveness. INVEN noted better performance on PC and PS5, citing reduced loading times, while Multiplayer.it called the netcode "one of the best experienced." Crossplay functionality was a shared positive across platforms, as mentioned by Malditos Nerds (PS4) and Everyeye.it (PC). However, platform-specific technical issues were also reported. On PS5, while rollback netcode was lauded, some critics pointed to inconsistencies. GameGrin noted frame drops in the lobby, and TheSixthAxis mentioned matchmaking problems and occasional connection hiccups. GamingTrend warned that server disconnections could disrupt offline play, though this seems less relevant to online performance. On PC, optimization challenges persisted: TechRadar Gaming and TRG criticized slow initial server connections and poorly optimized lobbies, while ZTGD mentioned "several issues" with the PC port despite solid netcode. VG247 noted that while long-distance matches were largely issue-free, the original release’s delay-based netcode was subpar. These issues suggest that while the core online experience is strong, platform-specific polish remains a work in progress. Overall, critics consensus leans toward positive technical performance, with the rollback netcode and crossplay being standout features across all platforms. The game’s improvements over its predecessor—particularly in online stability—are widely acknowledged, as noted by IGN Italia and GamingBolt. However, platform-specific quirks like PS5 lobby optimization and PC server delays highlight areas for refinement. Despite these minor flaws, the majority of reviews emphasize that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers a technically robust experience, with The Games Machine praising its "splendid" performance without imprecision. The mixed feedback underscores that while the game excels in core online mechanics, further optimization could enhance the experience for all players.

The majority of critics highlight the strong replay value of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising through its diverse array of modes and content. Malditos Nerds emphasizes the inclusion of a free version and the new "Grand Bruise Legends" mode, which adds flexibility for players to engage with the game in different ways. Areajugones and Dexerto note that the expansion offers a richer experience than its predecessor, with new characters, scenarios, and modes like "Grand Bruise Legends," which includes minigames and party-style activities. GameGrin and God is a Geek praise the arcade mode’s endless replayability, while COGconnected and IGN Brasil highlight how the variety of online and offline options—such as training modes, story campaigns, and competitive lobbies—keeps players invested. Additionally, GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe point to unlockable content like weapon skins, character customizations, and diorama modes, which further extend longevity. The game’s accessibility through a free edition also allows newcomers to sample its core mechanics without commitment. However, some critics express concerns about limitations in replayability for certain players. Siliconera notes that much of the content feels "standard or bland," potentially reducing long-term engagement for those seeking innovation. IGN Italia and ZTGD criticize the game’s reliance on online play, with the former pointing out that offline options are insufficient for solo players, while the latter warns that overpriced DLC could hinder long-term appeal. GGRecon and TheSixthAxis mention challenges in finding opponents for specific modes, such as "Grand Bruise Legends," which may limit accessibility. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and MGG note that single-player modes lack depth compared to the robust online features, and some critics, like Shacknews, suggest the game might not justify its existence for fans of the original who already own it. These critiques highlight a gap between the game’s ambitious scope and its execution in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely positive, with most agreeing that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers strong replay value through its variety of modes, online features, and unlockable content. While some concerns about single-player depth and DLC pricing persist, the game’s accessibility via a free version, robust training systems, and engaging mini-games like "Grand Bruise Legends" are frequently praised as key strengths. Critics like GameGrin, God is a Geek, and IGN Brasil emphasize that the title caters well to both casual and competitive players, though its success may depend on individual preferences for online interaction versus solo play. The game’s ability to balance familiar fighting mechanics with new experimental modes seems to resonate broadly, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy every player’s expectations.