Summary
After years of waiting,Granblue Fantasy: Relinkfinally has a firm release date, launching at the beginning of February 2024. Having been announced over five years prior, interested players will soon be able to get their hands on this action-RPG adaptation ofGranblue Fantasy. WhileGranblue Fantasy: Versushas been out for a few years,Relinkwill mark the first traditionalGranblueRPG adventure to hit Western shores, and it’s aiming to impress. Its full-length singleplayer narrative will be backed up by many familiar faces fromGranblue’s cast, as well as a significant multiplayer component.
For a franchise that hasn’t exported its main mobile game to global storefronts yet, the wide appeal ofGranblue Fantasy: Relinkshould be just what it needs to gain a foothold. Cygames seems to have made all the right moves polishingRelinkfor so long, but another massive fantasy RPG franchise could trip it at the finish line.Final Fantasyhas entered the action-RPG genrein recent years, withFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthset to come out in early 2024 as well. However, even that competition may pale in comparison to the recent launch ofFinal Fantasy 16.
RELATED:If Final Fantasy Can Take On Any Form, a ‘Monster Hunter’ Style Game Seems Obvious
The Hot New Action-RPG Is Undoubtedly Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16will be the name to beat in action-RPGs in the immediate future, owing both to its gameplay and presentation. A return to a low fantasy medieval aesthetic is a welcome change of pace for the often futuristicFinal Fantasyseries, andFF16’s character action gameplayhas been much better received than previous attempts withFinal Fantasy Type-0andStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Even thoughFinal Fantasy 16’s new genre came at the expense of many RPG mechanics, it still tells an epic story with stellar presentation, and its Eikon battles go above and beyond the epic bosses found in just about any contemporary action title.
There are many similarities betweenFinal Fantasy 16andGranblue Fantasy: Relink, and the most obvious is their structure. Both games feature old school hack-and-slash levels, with towns and cutscenes breaking up the action. Other shared traits include their flashy super moves, staggering enemies for big damage, and aprominent Bahamut summon in both titles. However, betweenFF16’s franchise name and its commitment to presenting its high-octane climaxes with the most spectacle possible, a long shadow has been cast over fantasy action-RPGs.
How Granblue Fantasy: Relink Can Stand Apart From Final Fantasy 16
Fortunately,Granblue Fantasy: Relinkis already prepared to make a name for itself. Although it is a singleplayer game first, its multiplayer options have been deeply integrated to the point of bearingsimilarities to aMonster Huntertitle. Much of the game’s long-term appeal comes from this, with plenty of customization centered around either improving a character’s personal abilities or how they support a larger party. Exactly how the story and multiplayer content will coexist is unknown right now, butGranblue’s world encourages players to bring their friends.
One could say that describes its singleplayer experience as well. Although much ofFinal Fantasy 16is spent with a small party, Clive holds the overwhelming majority of the gameplay’s focus. Comparatively,Granblue Fantasy: Relinkpresents ahuge cast of popularGranbluecharacters, all of which play differently and can be further customized through skill trees and equipment.Final Fantasy 16has some progression, but Clive’s core moveset doesn’t change much, and extra Eikons only offer a few more abilities regardless of their loadout.Granblue Fantasy: Relinkcould satisfy players in ways thatFinal Fantasy 16cannot, but it still needs to bring its A-game to beat aFinal Fantasy.
Granblue Fantasy: Relinkwill be released on June 17, 2025, for PC, PS4, and PS5.
MORE:Every Video Game Release Coming Soon For PS5 And PS4
