After a long wait spanning more than a decade, Granblue Fantasy: Relink finally launched officially in early 2024, bringing high hopes to millions of fans as well as new players seeking a gameplay experience different from the original mobile version. Developed entirely by Cygames after an initial collaboration with PlatinumGames, this title successfully transforms the game’s formula from a turn-based RPG into a stunning full 3D action RPG, boasting production quality on par with major modern console releases. For anyone wondering whether this game is worth playing, let’s take an in-depth look at its story, combat system, visuals, and long-term content.
Story: A New Adventure in a Familiar World
Relink is set in the same universe as the original series—the Sky Realm, a vast expanse consisting of islands floating above an endless ocean of clouds. The story centers on the Captain, leader of the airship crew aboard the Grandcypher, accompanied by Vyrn—a loyal little dragon—and Lyria, a young woman who possesses the power to control legendary creatures known as Primal Beasts. Their ultimate goal is to reach the mythical island of Estalucia, said to lie at the very edge of the sky.
In this game, their journey leads them to a new region called Zegagrande, a peaceful land that has begun to suffer from growing instability. Shortly after arriving, the group is attacked, and Lyria loses control of her powers, triggering a chain of unexpected events. They soon find themselves facing a mysterious cult known as the Church of Avia, which seeks to seize the power of the Primal Beasts for malicious purposes. While the story follows a fairly common fantasy narrative structure—saving the world and stopping the plans of villains—it is presented in a very polished and engaging way.
Completing the main storyline takes roughly 12 to 18 hours; the pacing is tight without feeling tedious. Though not as complex as the narrative of the mobile version, Relink still delivers emotional moments, grand cinematic sequences, and introduces intriguing new characters such as Rolan and Lilith. For players who have never experienced the original series, there is no need to worry—this story is designed as a self-contained side tale, so it can be easily understood without prior knowledge of the franchise.
Combat System: Fast-Paced, Deep, and Highly Rewarding
One of the main reasons Relink was so highly anticipated is its complete overhaul of gameplay mechanics. Shifting from a turn-based system to a dynamic real-time action format, it still retains the strategic depth that defines the Granblue series. Players control a party of four characters, each with vastly different fighting styles, weapons, and abilities.
The combat system strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and challenge. New players can jump right in using basic attacks, dodges, and blocks, while those looking to refine their strategy can make use of a wide range of advanced mechanics. These include Link Attacks to lock enemies in place, Skybound Arts which serve as powerful ultimate moves, and Chain Bursts that allow the entire party to unleash a coordinated assault with spectacular visual effects. There is even an auto-assist mode available, letting the game run its own actions if players prefer to focus more on the story and exploration rather than managing combat in detail.
The most impressive aspect is the boss battles. Each Primal Beast has its own unique attack patterns, changing battlefields, and requires strong teamwork to overcome. Fighting colossal foes such as Bahamut or Furycane feels like watching a high-quality action movie, where every strike carries weight and impact. More than 20 playable characters are available at launch, and Cygames continues to add new characters for free through regular updates, ensuring there is always fresh variety in playstyles.
Visuals, Sound, and a Living World
Graphically, Granblue Fantasy: Relink stands out as one of the most visually impressive games ever made. Its world design radiates the distinctive beauty of anime art style, enhanced with cutting-edge technology. Sunlight streaming through clouds, wind effects that sway foliage, the glow of magical energy, and fine details in the textures of clothing and weapons all appear sharp and refined—especially when played on current-generation consoles or high-performance PCs.
The land of Zegagrande feels alive and vibrant. Each island has its own distinct environment, ranging from quiet villages nestled in green valleys and mist-shrouded mountain peaks to ancient ruins that hold secrets of the past. The musical score is equally outstanding, composed by renowned artists who crafted tracks ranging from epic and sweeping to calm and tense, perfectly matching the mood of every scene. Combined with high-quality voice acting in both Japanese and English, the game delivers an even stronger sense of immersion.
Post-Story Content: Endless Replayability
For many players, the real fun begins only after finishing the main story. This is where Granblue Fantasy: Relink truly demonstrates its lasting appeal. Once the campaign is complete, access to high-difficulty missions opens up, allowing players to gather rare materials to upgrade weapons, unlock skill trees, and customize their characters to suit their preferred playstyle.
The progression system is quite deep, featuring character leveling, skill enhancement, equipping upgrade sigils, and collecting legendary weapons with unique attributes. Challenges such as the Chaos Zone and Convergence Trials provide special environments to test the strength of your party, while the online multiplayer mode lets up to four players team up to take on the most powerful enemies. Regular content updates continue to add new missions, additional bosses, and special game modes, giving players plenty of reasons to keep returning.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As a major title, Relink naturally has its share of highlights and areas worth noting. On the positive side, the combat is exciting and varied, the visuals and sound design are breathtaking, and the game can be enjoyed either solo or with friends through cross-platform online play. Free ongoing updates also add significant value for early buyers.
That said, it is not without its flaws. The main storyline feels somewhat short, and its narrative structure follows familiar conventions. Additionally, players who wish to fully develop a large roster of characters must be prepared to face a repetitive cycle of resource gathering, often referred to as “grinding.” While the difficulty curve continues to rise, repeating the same missions may eventually feel tedious to some players over time.
Conclusion
Overall, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a high-quality action RPG that successfully lives up to the high expectations built over many years. It delivers a satisfying gameplay experience, visually stunning presentation, and engaging combat mechanics suitable for both beginners and seasoned players. For fans of the series, it brings the beloved world they have come to know into full 3D, allowing them to finally explore it freely. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect gateway to discover the charm and wonder of the Granblue Fantasy universe.
With glowing reviews from various media outlets and sales exceeding two million copies in a short time, Relink has firmly established itself as one of the best titles released in its launch year. If you are looking for an action game that balances an enjoyable story, rewarding challenges, and breathtaking visuals, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an excellent choice to add to your game library.