Granblue Fantasy: Versus

Granblue Fantasy Versus is such an amazing fighting game. The mechanics are both intuitive and full of depth, making it a solid choice for both fighting game casuals and veterans. The visuals are gorgeous, with an animated aesthetic that allows it to stand out amongst the crowded genre. Its online features, although simple, are functional and allow you to really test out everything you've learned from its decent tutorial. The only downside is its RPG Mode, which may be filled to the brim with monotony, but it still has moments that are worth checking out. I cannot recommend Arc System Works an...

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is the series' first game release outside of its original mobile title. Since there's so much potential in a franchise that started as a simple mobile gacha, going the straight fighting route with devs familiar with what makes it fun was the right turn of events. Versus has fantastic combat that's easy for newcomers to pick up quickly, while adding enough complexities that anyone familiar with fighting titles will be able to really bring out some fantastic plays with its unique combat system. Although it would be nice if the base roster had been a bit larger instead of...

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a delightful spin-off from the mobile game, accessible for beginners and fun for veterans of the fighting genre, though the limited roster and lack of genre innovations are drawbacks.

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...

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.

Just be warned that the presentation here is not always smooth. Despite playing on the PlayStation 4 Pro, we encountered low framerates and choppy sound on more than one occasion. These elements are far from game-breaking, but they did take away from the polish the rest of the game features.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a game that has something to offer to a wide variety of fans. Arc System Works and Cygames created a game that is approachable to newcomers, while still meeting the expectations of long-time fans of the franchise and fighting games alike.

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.

First I'm gonna get ya, once I got ya, I gacha.

Despite an inconsistent RPG mode, Granblue Fantasy: Versus contains well-balanced and rewarding gameplay for fans, experienced players, and newcomers alike.

It seems like everything is getting a fighting game adaptation these days. Dragon Ball Z, RWBY, Power Rangers, League of Legends, you name it. Granblue Fantasy, one of many mobile role-playing gacha games that asks players to spend real money on virtual slot machines, is the latest to jump aboard the train. While I have literally zero experience spending my life savings on a chance at winning a JPG of my waifu, I do know fighting games, and Granblue Fantasy Versus, out March 3 on PlayStation 4 and March 13 on PC, is an excellent new entry in the genre.

It’s been a minute since I’ve indulged in fighting games. Granblue Fantasy: Versus sparked my interest based on its rabid mobile following, but it was the inclusion of a side-scrolling beat ’em up story mode that spoke to me. Having a fighter we could play together and against one another seemed like a great investment for our PS4 library.