A potential banger in the making.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink was on my radar. At first, it wasn’t at the top of my list of my most anticipated games. Now, all this has changed now that I have played the demo. And I was really impressed with the it.
This game is now a day one purchase for me. Relink will probably conflict with Persona 3 Reload for me. Since they both come out at the same time. But I can’t wait for this game. And you will learn through my impressions why.
Presentation
Visuals
Granblue Fantasy is beautiful. It is one of the most visually appealing games I have seen. The game has an anime aesthetic. But this doesn’t stop Relink from being one of the best-looking RPGs. I compare it favorably to the likes of Xenoblade Chronicles and Tales of Arise.
I really dig the character designs too. The environments are crisp and clean. And everything is rendered with vivid details and vibrant colors. Also, I like the character portraits and menu designs. The blue sky and light color palette give off impression of the blue open sky.
Performance
I am happy to report that I had no issues with the demo. The framerate held up. The animation is smooth and fluid. And the game had some cool and vibrant special effects.
The performance of the demo is reassuring. Relink has been in development for a long time. And it had been delayed several times. So, the demo having a good performance with no issues is good news.
Gameplay
Battle
I am loving the battle system so far. In battle, you release melee attacks with the square button. However, you can execute different combos and finishers with the triangle button. Of course, the game has your basic necessities such as guard and evasion. When holding R1, you execute your characters special arts.
Special arts ranged from elemental arts, spells, buffs, debuffs and healing moves. And the special arts are unique to your character. For example, Gran uses a variety of special arts.
Gran’s affinity is wind. And the type of art he can execute is a mid-range wind art. Gran had a rushing Armor Break which reduces an enemy’s defense stat. Finally, Gran has a healing spell to restore any party in the spell’s range.
Link Attacks
Enemies have stun gauges. Once those attacks are stunned, they are vulnerable. But, stunned enemies are open to link attacks. By pressing the circle button, your player character unleashed a combination move with a nearby party member.
Executing link attacks will rises the overall link level. When the link level reaches 100% percent, the party will enter Link Time. During Link Time, enemies will move as a slower pace. The party will receive huge buffs which they can inflict major damage to enemies.
Skybound Arts
Each character has their own signature move. There moves are called Skybound Arts. Skybound Arts allows each character to unleash devastating finish moves or cast massive buffs.
In order to activate these unique killer moves, each party member has to fill their SBA gauges. Once filled, characters can unleash their SBAs. Lastly, if all four characters unleashed their SBAs in succession, they will activate a “Full Burst.” The elemental affinity of the full burst depends on the first character’s SBA and their element.
Party Members
All the characters are good to great. My least liked character was Ghandagoza. The Eternal Rage Grandmaster has an awesome design. But he was sluggish compared to the others. Of course, it could be my affinity for fast and balanced characters. Plus, I am not the best with characters like Ghandagoza.
Narmaya
My favorite characters are Narmaya, Zeta and Yodorha. Narmaya is a master swordswoman with a mix Iaido and fast attacks. Narmaya has two stances: Dawnfly and Freeflutter. Freeflutter allows Narmaya to release successive quick attacks.
In her Dawnfly, she sheathes her sword. You can charge her attacks. Every charged attack grants her butterfly. The more butterflies she has, the stronger her attacks and arts will be. Finally, Narmaya has the coolest and most devastating SBA with her Butterfly Effect: Moonrise.
I admit Narmaya is not the strongest character. And she is a glass cannon character with low health. But her skill set is simple and easy. And when you use it right, Narmaya can be a mighty force to be reckoned with. She is so fun to play!
Zeta
From my experimentation, Zeta is the strongest character in the game so far. Zeta’s skill set involves air combos. Ending a ground combo with the triangle launches Zeta in the air. Once she is airborne, Zeta can unleash devastating air combos. With well timed attacks, Zeta can keep these all combos going. Zeta can end with air combos with a punishing dive bomb.
Yodorha
Yodorha is my last favorite character. The retired sword master has not lost a step as he is super-fast. When you press the triangle button, Yodorha can chain combos successively. Completing combos grants Yodorha a Triple Shroud Mark. The mark will enhance Yodorha's next skill upon immediate consumption.
Story
The demo had one story quest. This story quest involves recusing stragglers from goblins. Once you faced off with the big boss of the goblins, the quest ends. I feel the light story quest is supposed to introduce the characters and the world of Relink.
I am not surprised that the story quest is light on content. After all, this is a demo. Therefore, you are only going to get a taste of the game.
But judging by the trailer that shows at the end of story and quests. I can tell that the story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is going to crazy. We may be in for a wild ride. And I love stories like that especially on the emotional side.
Day One Purchase
After playing the demo, I am getting this game day one. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is right up my alley. It is an action RPG which I tend to favor more these days. The combat is great. And I am looking forward to the story too.
My one dilemma is how I am going to play this game and Persona 3 Reload at the same time. Well, I will figure something out. Anyway, let know in the comments below how you feel about Relink’s demo.
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