Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Reviews

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
90 / 100
Jan 25, 2024

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising has many good features but is far from flawless. Nevertheless, it's a huge improvement over where the fighting game is and has been a fantastic experience. The characters are well-designed, and the new mechanics are satisfying to use, even though they might not revolutionize the series. Although there are still a few things that could use some tweaking, and we all know that long-distance matches are something to steer clear of, the game seems comprehensive. Consider giving Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising a go if you were unsure about buying it and hadn't tried the free version—you could end up liking it.

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Jan 17, 2024

Yes, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a good fighting game but its totes adorbs Grand Bruise Legends mode is what really won me over.

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9 / 10.0
Jan 14, 2024

In order to ensure the longevity of the game’s lifespan, they’ve focused on polishing the features that were praised for, all while implementing the highly anticipated rollback netcode and crossplay functionality. The launch of their free edition was well handled as well as the party mode gameplay which settles their unique position amongst other fighting games

Review in Korean | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jan 9, 2024

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is the blueprint for how making the right tweaks in the right places can enhance a good experience to a great one, as long as you want to take that experience online that is. Despite the gutting of single-player content and the overly grindy nature, the core game is still an absolute thrill to play, and shot it back up into my rotation of fighting games. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a serious contender among fighting games and the leader of the anime fighting game faction.

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85 / 100
Jan 9, 2024

Finding its feet for a second round, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising comes out swinging. Delivering an exciting, accessible, and shamelessly sexy fighting experience - packed with dramatic action, fun features, and bags of personality - GBVSR is a major improvement over its predecessor, fully deserving of a spot among the new year’s heaviest hitters.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 8, 2024

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising may feel like an enhanced release more than a sequel its impressive roster size and fast-paced easy to learn combat make this gorgeous fighter a delight to play.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 7, 2024

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising improves on everything that was the previous chapterz It adds content and makes what was already there much more enjoyable and easily accessible, thanks also to the presence of a free-to-play mode that allows you to play with a limited number of characters in all the modes present in the full game.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7 / 10
Jan 3, 2024

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.

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7 / 10.0
Dec 22, 2023

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising certainly looks like one of the most gorgeous fighting games out there and it plays well, even if the actual content feels a bit bland.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 21, 2023

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising brings substantial updates and new content, making it a standout in its genre despite the lack of an upgrade path from the original. With its expertly developed gameplay, expanded character roster, improved RPG mode, and innovative multiplayer options, it offers both accessibility and depth, catering to both newcomers and seasoned players in the fighting game community.

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8.5 / 10.0
Dec 21, 2023

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.

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ZTGD
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Dec 20, 2023

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.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2023

GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising made sure to perfect the main aspect, its combat system, in a way that changed completely the series' look and is a good choice for its diversified and well-rounded cast. Sadly, the previous extras, which were big attractions too, were reduced to mere decorations, which is a sin with such a rich creative source to use.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2023

This new game addresses the main issues from the original 2020 release and introduces a lot of additional content, such as new mechanics and characters. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is the definitive version. Although it might not be a must-buy for players who played the previous title, it's an accessible and deep fighting game that will appeal to both newcomers and experts.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

80 / 100
Dec 19, 2023

Truth be told, GBVS Rising's fighting mechanics can get overwhelming, and it still comes off a bit short when compared to this year's 2D fighting crown jewel Street Fighter 6. Still, you have to give credit where credit's due: instead of leaving this 2D game to die, Arc System Works and co. breathed new life to an already-solid 2D fighting game and reworked it for a new audience. Welcome back, Granblue Fantasy Versus. We've missed you and your half-anime-half-traditional-fighting-game-like ways.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 18, 2023

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.

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8.6 / 10.0
Dec 17, 2023

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

8 / 10
Dec 16, 2023

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.

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Dec 15, 2023

Overall, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a title that is safe, accessible, but lacking in challenge. It provides a story-mode that players will likely love or hate, a narrative that is safe but predictable, combat that is impactful but inconsistent, and controls that are accessible and intuitive. For fans of the series or players that struggle with other fighting games, this is a fine title to jump into. However, for those more experienced in the genre and are looking for something new, this is not the one to pick up.

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8 / 10
Dec 15, 2023

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.

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