Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Reviews
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising fully realizes the potential that the vanilla game showed back in 2020. This is a feature rich and absolutely gorgeous 2D anime fighter with a deep roster of 28 fantastic characters, great netcode, and well implemented gameplay tweaks that reinvigorate the already exciting fighting system.
Arc System Works aren't exactly pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, but this is another polished and highly enjoyable 2D fighter that is not nearly as insular as you'd think.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a decent anime fighter and a clear step up from its predecessor, but it isn't without its problems, some of which persist from the last game. I'm also not entirely sure of the longevity of the game, especially with how extortionate the Season 1 Pass is and the low install base this soon after launch, but fans of anime fighting games and the Granblue universe should be pleased with the overall package here.
It's not the best fighting game of the year (the competition has been fierce), but it's a good bet for those who want a versatile and accessible show.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
However, it’s hard to feel like that alone, plus an expanded roster, justify Versus Rising’s existence, especially if you played Versus for any length of time. If you missed the original Versus, though, then that doesn’t really matter. Rising is an excellent fighting game, even when the narrative context flies over your head.
GranBlue Fantasy Versus Rising is a major expansion that significantly changes the gameplay. The new mechanics open up longer combos and more active defense options while making simplified inputs the standard. The story mode is engaging but short; offline-loving players may find it lacking. However, the new characters are well-designed and fun to play, and the improved netcode is a welcome addition for online players.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The original Granblue Fantasy Versus was, frankly, bodied by Covid-19. At a time when online infrastructure was so important, it was found lacking. Now, it's perfect. It plays wonderfully. It's as if the original release was the first draft. An initial attempt that, while respectable, fell short in key spots. Rising feels like the revised version. A Pythagorean theorem for fighting game accessibility, that manages to balance a good entry level experience with competitive depth.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a gorgeous looking fighter with a simplistic approach to combat that welcomes players of all skill levels.
With great netcode, a large roster, beautiful graphics, and beginner-friendly footsie-based gameplay, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising might be what resurrects this fighting game franchise and makes it stick around this time.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a small step forward from the original, but all those tiny tweaks make it feel that much better. Online matches feel seamless, the new and changed characters have a lot of variety, and the story is a fun if incomprehensible ride. However, it takes a bit too much of the first game out including offline unlockables or even getting kicked back to the main menu in single player if you lose your connection. Still, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses by a wide margin and is an absolute blast to play.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a redemption and course correction that the series sorely needed to compete against some fantastic FGs out on the market already. If not for the overpriced DLC and lackluster single player content, it could have been “THE” anime fighter to beat. As it stands, it’s one I’m sure to go back to play from time to time and eager to see played at a high level during the majors coming later this year.
There is a lot to love about Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising. From its excellent story mode, simple yet complex combat that's made accessible to every type of player. But what steels the show is the extremely fun Grand Brute mode. There is a lot to love about Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising, and it's easily the sleeper-hit fighting game this year.
Rising is the game that the original Granblue Fantasy Versus should have been, and while it's a bit cheeky that players are being asked to pay for it all over again — with yet more DLC characters incoming — it's hard to argue with the overall package. This is a gorgeous fighter that feels great to play.
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is a fighting game that makes immediacy its strong point, easy to approach but incredibly deep. The mechanics of the first chapter have been honed to perfection, and a rich roster offers hours of fun in company. It's a pity that the content reserved for solo players is very limited, classifying the game as a feast for those who like to compete online. Those simplified controls I just can't bring myself to like.
Review in Italian | Read full review
There's plenty of content for those seeking to shell out the cash, however, and that's the best part. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising offers plenty of content for both its single-player and multiplayer components to justify its price tag and its new mechanics and highly refined visuals are just a beautiful sight to behold.
GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an accessible and deep fighter. You can easily combine moves and unleash cinematic super moves which allows newcomers to pick up and play instantly. However, nuances permeate the combat which allows veterans of the genre to delve into the mechanics to hone their skills. While at a glance, the game looks similar to its predecessor, new combat and online options flesh out the game to make this a superior fighter.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a real surprise.
Review in Italian | Read full review
All that said, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising largely achieves its central tasks. It lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers while also offering a well-designed roster with enough complexities to keep things exciting for seasoned hands. I found myself pulled into matches that balanced flashy techniques with the more deliberate pacing of old-school genre entries, creating compelling duels I’m eager to return to. Perhaps most notably, it addresses the core issue with the last game, adding rollback netcode that makes online play dramatically more stable. Although there are a few whiffs, such as the inability to filter opponents by connection speed and regressions in its story mode, it generally hits as hard as its colorful cast of combatants.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising improves on the original in almost every way, and while not quite at the level of the very best in the genre, it still offers enjoyable fighting experience.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising once again shows Arc System Works' skill in making fighting games. Its new features are sure to please Granblue Fantasy fans.
Review in Chinese | Read full review