Granblue Fantasy: Versus

It really is a beautiful game. As I’ve said, Arc System Works have only continued to hone their craft and have offered this stunning, smooth and fast-paced fighter as a testament to that. I don’t think it’ll have as big an audience as other genre mainstays, but if you’re a fan of Guilty Gear or Dragonball FighterZ, this is well worth checking out.

A very good fighting game with strong and accessible gameplay, and superb visuals.

There's a lot of room for Granblue Fantasy: Versus to grow from here. There are a lot more characters that can be brought into the game, and many more stories that can be told through that RPG mode. As it is, however, this is a remarkably beautiful and intelligently-structured fighting game, which does justice to the source material and offers a stunning foundation for what might come into the future. It also works as the perfect introduction to Granblue Fantasy for the west, and now Cygames should be left with no other choice than to release the mobile game worldwide.

Quotation forthcoming.

Thanks to its brilliant mechanics, long and engaging RPG-based story mode, in-depth tutorials, and excellent audiovisual presentation, Granblue Fantasy Versus manages to satisfy all those gamers who may show interest in the game.

Tie-in games can be a shot in the dark, but it’s only blue skies here. The mix of approachable-yet- deep mechanics and a strong co-op story make this a fight worth having. [Issue#173, p.81]

To put it simply, Gran and his skyfaring crew are tasked to save the world from an evil long-haired man named Beezelbub who plans on restarting the entire universe. I put it simply because it’s entirely forgettable.

More importantly, the game has also renewed my interest in the fighting genre, making me want to figure out my main so that I can compete against the top players online, and maybe... just maybe... even become good enough to compete in the Granblue Fantasy: Versus tournament at EVO 2020. Hey, dare to dream, right?

Arc System Works return to the fighting fray with a sumptuous take on the Granblue Fantasy Universe. An essential purchase.

Even those who are unfamiliar with the franchise will likely enjoy the sheer fun combat and challenging opponents that Granblue Fantasy: Versus has to offer.

One of the Asian licenses with the most projection for the future debuts at last in the West along with its premiere on consoles, and goes hand in hand with the 2D fighting game and with a strong ally, Arc System Works, which once again demonstrates its power in the genre with a very powerful and accessible proposal, which will appeal to veterans of the genre and new users who come attracted by its powerful audiovisual section.

As the west’s first peek into the Granblue universe’s gaming side, Granblue Fantasy Versus is a fighter that can stand alongside its peers in terms of depth, but in addition offers a simplistic control scheme that even those less familiar to the genre can get to grips with quickly and easily. RPG mode is a unique way to to learn the basics of fighting, even if this and other modes could have been a bit more fleshed out.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a top-quality fighting game. It looks great and has carved out its own niche, introducing a style of gameplay that is both familiar and very new. The varied cast of characters and fun RPG mode enhance what is an already excellent package. A great game both for less experienced fighting game players who are interested in the genre, and an essential for those looking to conquer yet another game in ranked mode.

Another masterful fighting game by Arc System Works, especially suggested for new players willing to learn this incredibly complicated genre.

For newcomers, Granblue Fantasy Versus is an easy recommendation, and for more serious fans of Arc System Works, they already know about how beautiful their games are right now, and Granblue Fantasy Versus is no different. This is a piece of visual pleasure, with a decent amount of content that offers a compelling gameplay with a varied cast of, if limited at the moment, characters. It might not be Arc System Works’ best fighting game, but it is a welcomed addition to their catalogue that, from what history has shown us about the company, will no doubt improve as a series as time goes on.

Easily accessible 2D beat-em-up with gorgeous visuals. While the rpg mode is quite dreary, great playability and the online battles make up for that in abundance.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus feels like one of those games that will get better with time, as the rough bits get smoothed over with future patches, but as it stands, it’s only "pretty good" rather than "great." Thankfully, the core gameplay is actually a lot of fun, and punching folks feels and looks good with creative characters front and center. It’s better than "fine," but just misses out on being a real champion of a fighting video game.

A worthy competitive fighting game with superb production values, great graphics and well thought system but hindered by a less than ideal character DLC system and poor content for single players.

In the end, it's only a singleplayer mode away from true greatness - but if we've learned one thing from fighting games this generation, it's that none is ever going to get everything right. [Issue#344, p.118]

Fortunately for Granblue Fantasy: Versus, I think its accessible tutorials and easy-to-pick-up gameplay are going to appeal to a lot of existing Granblue fans, as well as people who have been anxious to get into the genre for a while. Fighting in this game is extremely fun and opening the doors to new players is only going to be a good thing in the long run. I appreciate the attempt at making a more varied single-player campaign too, and while I understand these games survive on their online play and longevity, I still think the game could have done better with its RPG mode. But as my first proper fighting game in around five years, it felt good to slip back into the fray, and this was the perfect game to help me do just that.

If you want a fighting game and you feel overwhelmed with the main franchises, this can be a great option. The roaster isn’t the largest, but everything else –including its amazing graphics– is surprisingly good.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is yet another arcade fighting from Arc System Works and like many others, this one also doesn't disappoint, and while some gameplay mechanics might not be as deep and well-developed when compared to leading games in the genre, overall gameplay experience and the RPG mode are enough to make it one of the top choices for the fans of the genre.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is commendable title. It provides a solid start to what could be an exceptional series, and while it’s not without its flaws, there’s more than enough to satisfy fighting game fans of all stripes while they wait for what could be a new series primed to reach its full potential with a bit of polish.

A lengthy story mode, a host of characters to play as, and numerous online modes to fight your way through ensure Granblue Fantasy Versus definitely won't leave you wanting in terms of content. Learning through playing locally and online is distinctly better than relying on the game’s own resources. But if you’re looking for a casual, relatively simple fighter to play then it definitely fits the bill. Character designs may turn off a few people, but existing Granblue fans will definitely want to see their favourites brought to life through Arc System Works’ fantastic engine.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus strikes, a perfect balance within its systems, and it makes for hours of exciting matches. The RPG mode is something to go through once and probably forget about, but that’s okay because Arcade and ranked online matches will be there for you time and time again.

Alongside essentially being a new IP here in the West, Granblue Fantasy Versus bring a lot of new ideas with it which for the most part, work out in the end.

Even with its issues, Granblue Fantasy Versus is still hands-down one of the most beautiful and accessible fighters I’ve played in years, and with its prominent place on the mainstage at EVO 2020 and other major fighting game tournaments, I can’t wait to see how Cygames and Arc System Works support it throughout the year.

Fighting game fans may find it too simple but Granblue Fantasy; Versus is the easiest and most accessible fighting game I've ever played. Though a small roster and simple competitive game modes will be expanded on later, the big focus here is the game single-player RPG mode which the game pulls off wonderfully.

Arc System Works has done it again. Granblue Fantasy Versus is a fantastic-feeling fighting game that's jaw-droppingly gorgeous at times. It's also incredibly accessible, promoting an impressively smooth learning curve. This is a tight, satisfying fighter that gives way to some superbly paced matches, and the dedicated RPG Mode provides additional longevity if you primarily play alone. Our only real criticism is pointed at the title's disappointingly small character roster -- an issue compounded by the fact that so much DLC is already in development. An especially sour note that takes away from an otherwise brilliant release.

Following in the footsteps of BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle, Granblue Fantasy: Versus is one of Arc System Works’ most approachable fighting games yet. It smartly balances considerations for more casual fighting game players without ever stepping on the toes of its hardcore audience. The result is a more grounded and neutral-heavy ArcSys alternative with all of the usual ArcSys flair, which is a fantastic breath of fresh air. Its RPG mode is dull, and its 11 character roster feels way too light, but all things considered, Granblue Fantasy: Versus feels like it could be the start of another special 2D fighting franchise.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is the ultimate trick from Arc System Works: a fighter game that's easy to learn, perfect for beginners, but very satisfying at the same time.

With fun characters and cool movesets, Versus is an overall decent fighter that’s worth a look, but it’s not without its flaws.

For anyone wanting more out of these characters, there's almost nothing better. The voice acting and the dialogue are excellent at giving them life, while the RPG mode gives you a deeper look at these people and their personalities. Ultimately, my heart belongs to the battlefield. I'd rather be sharpening my skills and busting my thumbs than diving into back stories and prime motivations. The accessible move sets, the gorgeous character designs, and the distant skill ceiling mean that I'll be absorbed in this task for quite a while yet. If you're fishing for an anime fighter that will keep you at your seat's edge, look no further than Granblue Fantasy: Versus. ‎

A spectacle in visual and soundtrack terms with the seal of quality of Arc System Works, although it lacks in game modes and the Story becomes repetitive too soon. Luckily it's a pretty accessible fighter, so anyone can enjoy the epic nature of the battles.

Despite this slightly middling RPG addition, there’s not much to knock Granblue Fantasy Versus for. Purists may scoff at the low barrier to entry, and there’s not many characters to choose from without dipping into the DLC offerings, but it’s still a beautifully-presented fighter that holds its own. It’s just a shame there’s not more of it.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus makes a great first impression with its stellar visual flair but falls a bit short on the gameplay department with simplistic combat mechanics and a story mode that becomes boring a little too quickly.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a good fighting game that manages to add its great visual aspect to some very satisfying playable mechanics, which are developed in a very organic way to introduce its new players to the genre. However, its character roster is too short despite the quality it treasures and its story mode is little more than an excuse to introduce each of these protagonists. With all this, this video game can be a very valid gateway for those who want to get into fighting games or the Granblue Fantasy saga.

A fighting game developed for all levels of expertise. Great for newcomers, awesome for true fighters. Maybe a little short with the content, but the future releases can help to make GranBlue Fantasy Versus one of the latest greatest hits in the new golden era of the 2D fighting genre.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is an interesting experiment, that can bring new users into the fighting game community… unless they’re interested in the single player side: the built-in RPG does not offer a real challenge.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus offers promising gameplay that's sure to delight fans of fighters. On the other hand, there's so little content that it's probably best to wait for some sort of complete edition before giving it a try.

Hardcore players might scoff at the lower ceiling compared to other fighters, but there's a lot of potential here.

Despite its light roster and stage selection, Granblue Fantasy: Versus’ sheer charm and accessibility will appeal to veterans and newcomers alike.

The too repetitive combo system and a non-exceptional online do not allow it to enter the Olympus of fighting games, but it is certainly an enjoyable title that can be used as a "bridge" to other much more complex exponents of the genre.

These presentation issues definitely temper my excitement for what is easily one of the more accessible fighting games I’ve had the opportunity to play. Then again, that feeling of accessibility likely comes from the fact that I’ve mostly focused on the single-player mode here – a mode that everyone, not just fighting gamers, can enjoy. Would I recommend picking the game up just for the RPG Mode alone? No, definitely not, but it does make Versus more tempting for gamers looking to start their journey into fighting games.

Arc System Works' desire to appeal to both the fighting game faithful and gacha RPG fans has resulted in an intriguing mix of intensity and accessibility.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is a fun and addictive new challenger to the fighting game throne.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is an interesting game, both mechanically sound and simple with a diverse roster. Absolutely gorgeous to behold, and mostly pleasant to hear, this is the sort of fighting game esports was made for. It’s such a shame then that the single player content doesn’t hit the mark, especially the often frustrating RPG Mode.

There’s some fun to be had with Granblue Fantasy: Versus. Its cast is likeable and the accessible combat means that anyone can play and have a good time time. At least initially, anyway. And I’m sure I’ve already mentioned that it’s probably the best looking fighting game available. It’s just a shame that the combat lacks depth in the long run, that its RPG mode is a bit grindy, and that there isn’t a great deal of content. Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a good fighting game, but there are many better, more generous, offerings out there, even if they don’t look quite as nice.

Granblue Fantasy Versus presents a set of systems that are distinct and unique without putting up unnecessary hurdles for those that are just here to get a Granblue fix. Arc System Works has cleverly meshed RPG and fighting game mechanics, and the way that manifests in the core one-on-one battles is really exciting. In other respects, namely the campaign story mode and its gacha stylings, it leaves a lot to be desired. In bringing Granblue to the wider world, Arc System Works hasn't put its best foot forward, but Versus is definitely a game where you can come for the fantasy and stay for the fighting.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a decent fighter whether you play solo or not. My biggest drawbacks are the “story” and the game’s eleven-character starting roster. I suppose the plus side of having so few characters means that you’ll pick a favorite pretty quick and have time to master their command list. Some of the series’ more popular fighters are coming out as DLC relatively soon. Not a great selling point, if you ask me. But with roots in the gacha-game genre, I shouldn’t have expected any less.

A great game for novice fighting game players, with some interestingly unique ideas, but the bland fantasy world and lack of playable characters lessen its impact.

Lackluster RPG mode aside, Granblue Fantasy Versus has the looks and the gameplay mechanics to be a worthy contender in the fighting game ring. However, the lack of content and thin character roster work against it. The game has simply too little to offer at the moment to seriously challenge its more established fighting game rivals. More characters are promised to come but, of course, they will be paid DLC, that unfortunate bane of modern gaming. Only time will tell if Granblue Fantasy Versus has any staying power but I’m afraid it might be a bit too impersonal to appeal to bigger crowds.