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If you’re even a casual fan of fighting games, you’ve likely heard chatter around the water cooler about Granblue Fantasy Versus. This anime-styled 2D fighter first arrived on the scene back in 2020, bringing together the dream team talents of Cygames and genre veterans Arc System Works. It dazzled with gorgeous graphics and accessible mechanics, but ultimately fell short of greatness due to flawed netcode and lacking content.
Now the world has been granted a second chance to dive into this vibrant world of fantasy combat. Enter Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, a robust update jam-packed with fan-requested features and massive quality-of-life improvements. We’re talking expanded fighter rosters, overhauled combat systems, smoother-than-butter rollback netcode, and wacky new multiplayer hijinks.
Rising takes the strong core framework of the original Versus and injects it with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s the definitive way to experience a franchise that already dazzled with its visual flair and easy-to-grasp gameplay flow. Whether you’re a hardcore fandom member or a total newbie looking to get their feet wet in the genre, this refreshed package has something special to offer across the board. So strap on your sword and brace for adventure, because a rich fantasy awaits in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising!
Fighting Refined to a Science
One boot sinks into the muddy earth while your opponent charges, blade drawn. In the split second their steel clashes with yours, the true dance begins. This is the brutal ballet of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – where martial theory and reactive rhythm rule the battlefield.
At its core, Rising upholds the foundational pillars established by the original GBFV release. We’ve still got a flashy 2D anime fighter bursting with vibrant special effects. Combat adheres to recognizable genre norms – health bars, super meters, light/medium/heavy attacks, the usual trappings. But peer beneath the chrome-coated hood and you’ll discover an engine finely tuned for both accessibility and depth.
Let’s start with the basics: dishing out damage has never been easier thanks to auto-combo chains and simplified special inputs. By just mashing the attack buttons, newbies can unleash flashy combos with minimal effort. Special moves utilize simple directional taps rather than complex stick motions, with each fighter getting unique abilities linked to recharging cooldowns. This keeps the focus on reading opponents rather than memorizing convoluted controls.
Veterans can still flex their execution muscles by manually inputting specials for enhanced properties. But if you just want to experience the core mind games without excessive practice, the option exists. It’s a compromise that opens the genre floodgates without losing technical depth.
Several clever new mechanics expand the toolkits for both rookies and experts. The Raging Strike delivers a meter-burning unblockable attack, either as an emergency button or a combo extender. It chains into the Raging Chain for bonus hurt. The Brave Counter reinforcement calls upon your inner anime hero to reverse momentum against aggressive foes.
Rising also shakes up the selection screen with four wildly diverse new fighters. Whether you vibe with Anila’s fired-up kicks, Nier’s creepy living puppet, Sig’s smashmouth blows, or Seofon’s graceful iaido stances, fresh faces bring distinct appeal. Balancing tweaks even give the returning roster a chance to shine brighter.
Sadly, Rising does drop the original’s rather tedious RPG progression elements in Story Mode, possibly streamlining things too far. But on the whole, Granblue’s signature blend of simplicity and depth remains wonderfully intoxicating. For those craving fierce anime duels with mechanics made for all skill levels, this is a feast fit for kings. Just bring bandages, because someone’s definitely getting carved up!
Eye Candy Overload
Let’s cut to the chase: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising boasts visuals so stunning they should be illegal. We can thank developer Arc System Works for conjuring up their signature secret sauce to take anime-styled graphics to mouthwatering new heights. If you’re searching for a fighting game that transforms clashing swords into a fireworks display tailor-made for your optic nerves, your quest ends here.
ArcSys borrows the cell-shaded 3D models of the Granblue Fantasy mobile game, then injects them with a dazzling 2D fighting overhaul. Characters become fluid wonders of exaggerated motion and vivid color. Attacks explode with screen-filling particle carnivals, earth-shaking screen shakes amplifying each blow. It’s a virtual anime brought to bleeding-edge life.
Rising also continues ArcSys’s knack for buttery smooth online connectivity. They pioneered the gold standard of rollback netcode with Guilty Gear Strive, and fans can expect the same flawless flow here. Whether you’re trading blows continents away or in your buddy’s basement, fights feel identically local. Granblue Versus: Rising sets a new high mark for delay-free virtual martial arts.
Not all has changed for the better, however. Eagle-eyed fans may notice subtle touches altering their favorite characters in ways that don’t fully land. Cygames opted to shift shading and coloration to better match the mobile source, but certain tweaks miss the mark. Countering blows spark less visceral oomph than before. A few models seem oddly smooth or subdued.
Of course, fresh players diving in for the first time likely won’t spot inconsistencies compared to early footage. And Rising’s visual splendor still stands leagues beyond nearly any fighting game today. But it’s worth noting where over-eagerness to align with Granblue cannon stifles earlier art direction triumphs.
Minor nitpicks aside, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising brings gorgeous anime pugilism to new technical and aesthetic peaks. Let it soak into your visual cortex and achieve fighting game nirvana. Caution: may cause uncontrollable drooling.
Solo Warrior Chronicles
While the thrill of competitive clashes drives Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s long-term appeal, the solo content proves meaty for those flying solo. Alongside genre staples like training tools and arcade ladders lies a story mode sporting radical changes for returning warriors.
Rising once again drops players into a twisting narrative covering Granblue lore new and old. The original release framed this as an RPG, with stats to grind and items to equip. Unfortunately those systems slowed pacing to a crawl. Rising opts to trim the fat considerably, retaining snappy fights connected by anime cutscenes and text.
It’s a streamlined focus on what matters: bombastic narrative moments complementing white-knuckle battles. Boss encounters now test pure fighting game skill rather than statistical bloat. The campaign benefits in brevity and impact, even if it removes Granblue’s unique identity touches for something more standardized.
Outside of the plot progression awaits typical single player offerings. Tutorials cover fighting game ABCs through advanced techniques, helping new recruits learn the tools of war. Versus A.I. lets you test skills against customizable computer foes. And Arcade’s the perfect training gauntlet when you’d rather not deal with human opponents and their unpredictable tendencies.
It’s worth noting Rising’s always-online dependence hinders offline enjoyment. Lose server connection and you’re kicked back to the title screen without warning, even mid-cutscene. And since progression systems link to remote profiles, don’t expect unlocking bonus goodies or leveling characters when offline. For stable solo experiences, stick to platforms with wired connections.
While Rising’s single player overhaul brings some controversial changes for returning veterans, it ultimately trim the cruft holding the original release back. The campaign tells its bombastic tale with renewed focus, while genre classics let you sharpen skills for the online arena. Just be sure your wifi’s on point before adventuring alone.
Battlegrounds Built for Community
While Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising brings solo content refinements, the multiplayer realm unveils biggest upgrades. We’re talking expanded social spaces and connectivity that finally realizes this franchise’s online potential. Ready your sword and prepare to carve an all-new mark across the internet.
The marquee multiplayer bullet point goes to Rising’s impeccable rollback netcode implementation. Gone are the days of spotty connections sullying Granblue’s online foundation; the switch to flawless new rollback architecture means all matches feel local. Distance becomes an afterthought when blows connect without perceivable delay.
Finding online opponents brings all familiar options: ranked for hardcore competition, casual for stress-free playtime. But the new dedicated lobbies seemingly pull inspiration from modern platforms like Multiversus. Your custom avatar can now mingle with others through various mini-games while awaiting fights. We’re talking classic pastimes like soccer, collectible cranes; they’re simple additions that foster community.
Best of all comes the outrageous new Grand Bruise Legends mode. Essentially Granblue Fantasy Fall Guys, this drops 6 players into an elimination race featuring power-ups, traps, and more random insanity than you can shake a greatsword at. It’s a party game twist perfectly complementing the main event’s intense focus. And gives folks wanting a quick giggle over tight combat a place to unwind.
If you faded from the original Granblue Fantasy Versus due to lacking netcode and anemic social spaces, consider those complaints rectified. Rising overlays gold standard online functionality with venues tailored for hanging with friends new and old. The future looks bright for this franchise to cultivate an online scene worthy of its ambition. Just be sure to stretch beforehand, as the road ahead holds endless alley brawls with the planet’s finest warriors!
The Gateway to Competitive Combat
Seeking a smooth on-ramp to the fighting game space without sacrificing depth? Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising rolls out the red carpet for new blood while avoiding genre dilution. By sculpting systems around accessibility first, veterans receive a worthy title to master as their skills grow.
The biggest obstacle facing wannabe pugilists is execution complexity. When simple actions require arcane stick motions and precise timing, basics become barriers before mind games even start. Rising provides multiple routes over this hurdle with easy input specials and auto-combo chains. Flashy attacks come easy by just tapping directions and buttons – no PhD required.
Yet rather than dumbing down gameplay, Rising adds new dimensions on top of this foundation. Simplified mechanics co-exist with combo customization, meter management, and various new counter tools. The knowledge gap’s lessened so fledglings can focus less on wrestling controls and more on outsmarting opponents. Strong tactics still win battles.
Supplementing newbie-friendly systems lies one of fighting gaming’s most robust tutorial suites. Over a dozen chapters explore topics from basic movements through advanced situational reactions. Alongside traditional lessons, a free training mode lets you set parameters to practice specific scenarios. Whether honing execution or ingraining match-up knowledge, the practice tools prove second-to-none.
Of course some genre elitists scoff at accessibility becoming fighting games’ new ideal. But Rising reveals how opening doors brings more eager minds into the competitive space, ready to level up skills over time. Lowering the skill floor raises the skill ceiling. And you better believe serious players have plenty to dig into across Granblue’s varied roster and combat additions.
The Definitive Fantasy Fighting Experience
Like a wayward hero returning home from intense training, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising comes back stronger, faster, and more well-rounded than ever. This robust update takes the unrefined original release and smooths nearly every rough edge to a polished sheen. Fantastic netcode? Check. Expanded content? You bet. Beginner accessibility without losing tactical depth? Achieved flawlessly.
Of course Granblue still retains certain niche appeal next to genre juggernauts like Street Fighter and Tekken; if you just can’t vibe with anime visuals, the core experience likely won’t convert you. But for anyone even slightly invested in Arc System Works’ previous titles, or those curious to try a more welcoming competitive fighter, Rising makes the strongest case yet to dive in.
Between substantial improvements cementing strong technical foundations and smart new ideas opening the door for incoming crowds, Granblue Fantasy Versus finally realizes immense potential. The fighting game space thrives on iteration and ingenuity – and with their work here, Cygames and ArcSys remind us how dedicating passion to an imperfect vision shakes genres forward. Project Rising? More like soaring skyward. What a comeback.
The Review
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
With gorgeous graphics, accessible-yet-deep gameplay, and excellent online connectivity, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising provides the definitive way to experience this anime-inspired fighting franchise. Substantial updates resolve original release shortcomings while retaining core appeal. Despite some subjective visual downgrades, Rising marks a genre standout.
PROS
- Gorgeous and vibrant anime graphics
- Accessible controls and move inputs
- Depth for veteran/competitive players
- Excellent rollback netcode for online play
- Fun new modes and social features
CONS
- Visual changes from original divisive
- Story mode streamlined too much
- Online dependence hinders offline
