REVIEW: ‘Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’ Shows Fighting Game Excellence (PS5)

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is the latest installment in Cygames’ Granblue Fantasy series and a follow-up to the Granblue Fantasy Versus 2.5D fighting game. The title includes several impeccable fighting game elements that are hard to criticize but also a few things that could have been executed better. As the latest installment, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, features a gigantic roster of about 28 characters, including returning fighters such as Djeeta, Vira, and Gran himself, as well as new characters such as Seigfried, Anila, and Nier. It also features several modes, including the arcade mode, Versus mode, Training mode, Online modes, and, of course, the Story mode.

The training mode is perhaps one of the best training modes in a fighting game. It trains the player by showing them all the critical combos and moves they need to learn that can be used with any character as well as basic attacks many players would otherwise not know if they didn’t try out the mode. It also gives players free rein to test out each character’s skills with tools that simulate several scenarios. This includes fine-tuning special attack bars, tweaking dummies to execute certain commands, switching sides on the go, testing different button layouts, and so much more. Even the most basic newbie can learn all the intricacies of the game’s combat before delving into its other modes.

In Versus Rising, the arcade mode allows players to select any of the 28 base characters and play through 7 back-to-back fights with them. The game gives you a quick description of each character at the start, different short cutscenes, and different dialogue depending on who the character is fighting. Additionally, players can choose to make each opponent harder or easier than the last, and all playthroughs always end with the same boss character. After defeating all opponents, the arcade mode concludes with a unique illustration of the character you chose.

While the Arcade mode in Verus Rising does its job very well as an arcade mode, it is disappointing that the only story it offers is through short dialogue, a brief summary, and some voice lines for each character. However, considering so many characters are on the roster, it’s unsurprising that the mode is so limited.

Then there’s the Story mode, which includes the largest narrative in the series thus far, including 50 story chapters from the Granblue Versus as well as its own narrative. Said narrative is spread through three chapters, each having its own focus and main characters. The story is told through cutscenes and a visual novel-style dialogue system. Players play quest battles between story moments with the occasional branching story where they temporarily control other characters besides the main characters.

The mode features a fun narrative that sees players fight against several new and returning characters in the game through boss battles. The story mode is also structured differently than the game’s other modes, as it gives players skills that recover health, boost attack, and raise defense. Unlike other modes, players will play multiple quests, engage various enemies simultaneously, and face bosses in a 2.5D side-scrolling structure, some with an NPC partner, some without. But overall, the story mode is highly engaging and entertaining, filled with endearing characters and many fantastic moments.

The online mode in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising takes the online experience to another level with an impeccable rollback netcode that creates a smooth online gameplay experience in its several Fall Guys-like modes. These modes include Rising Royale, a mode where players race to a finish line through obstacle courses, and Gold Brick Hoarder, which has players compete in teams to collect as many bricks as possible. While these modes provide a unique and almost jarringly different experience from the other parts of the game, they are still entertaining.

The online mode also features several new features and changes,  compared to the last game, including an enhanced lobby where players can choose their avatars and talk and play with other players through matchmaking. The online mode is incredibly engaging as it offers many hours of enjoyment. Thanks to the rollback netcode and other fun modes, it is the best it’s ever been.

In terms of visuals, Versus Rising is the best the series has looked specifically on PlayStation 5, which supports up to 4K visuals. The character models are highly detailed and emotive, the backgrounds show excellent art direction, and the special effects, especially seen through each character’s special attacks are mesmerizing. Performance-wise, the game also runs smoothly. There are no framerate dips, lags, or crashes, and everything runs at a consistent 60 FPS.

Overall, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a fantastic 2.5D fighting game that, despite some of its flaws, provides players an almost perfect and complete package that most Granblue fans will likely be proud of.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising launches December 14 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam.