Granblue Fantasy: Versus arrived on PS4 and PC in 2020 as a fighting game built around the characters of Cygames’ mobile hit Granblue Fantasy. It is a 2D fighter, not a 3D action game, and that distinction shapes nearly everything about it. The game asks players to pick two fighters each round, build combos with elemental attacks, and manage a health bar that resets between rounds. It is dense, demanding, and often rewarding.
The game borrows heavily from the mobile original, both in its cast and its lore. That is not necessarily a bad thing. The source material is deep enough to support a roster of over twenty characters, each with their own movesets and elemental powers. What is less clear is whether the game’s systems hold up outside the context of its own world.
Trailer, via グランブルーファンタジー公式チャンネル.
The Fighter List
Granblue Fantasy: Versus launched with a roster of over twenty characters, and it has grown since then through post-launch DLC. The base game covers a wide range of fan favorites, from the series’ main protagonist to several other key figures. Each fighter carries their own moveset, elemental type, and special moves, giving players plenty of options when building teams.
The game’s combat system is built around elemental attacks, which can chain together for extra damage. Players build combos by hitting enemies with attacks of the same element, then switch to a second fighter mid-combo to keep the chain going. This creates a rhythm where matches feel less like a straight fight and more like a puzzle built out of hits, switches, and elemental chains.
The roster is large enough to support multiple playstyles, but the sheer volume of characters can be overwhelming for newcomers. Some fighters are clearly designed for beginners, while others require a deep understanding of the combo system to use effectively. That gap is part of what makes the game interesting, but it also means new players have a steep learning curve.
Elemental Chains and Health Bars
The core of Granblue Fantasy: Versus is its combo system, which rewards players who understand elemental chains and timing. Combos start with a standard attack, then branch into elemental hits, special moves, and a final blow. The system is complex enough that it takes time to master, but it pays off when a long combo finally lands.
The game’s health system adds another layer of complexity. Instead of a single life bar, fighters have a health meter that resets between rounds. This means matches can last several rounds, and players need to manage their resources across the whole fight rather than focusing on one exchange. It is a design choice that separates Granblue Fantasy: Versus from other 2D fighters, and it changes how matches are approached.
The elemental system is central to the game’s identity. Different moves deal more damage against certain elemental types, so players need to watch their opponent’s moves and react accordingly. This creates a meta-game where players learn to predict what their opponent will do next, then plan their own attacks around it.
How the Game Looks
Granblue Fantasy: Versus runs at a smooth frame rate on PS4 and PC, though some players have reported occasional drops during intense matches. The game is rendered in 2D, but it draws on the character designs from the mobile original, giving it a distinct visual style. The stage backgrounds are detailed, and the animation is fluid, even during fast exchanges.
The game’s presentation is strong, but it is not revolutionary. It looks like a polished 2D fighter, not a leap forward for the genre. That is not a criticism, exactly — the game does not try to be something it is not. It is a solid example of what a 2D fighter can look like in 2020, with clean lines, readable animations, and a consistent frame rate.
The sound design supports the action well. Character attacks are distinct, announcer calls are clear, and the music fits the fantasy setting without overwhelming the gameplay. It is a solid package, though it does not stand out in a crowded field of fighting games.
Learning the Game
Granblue Fantasy: Versus is not an easy game to pick up. The combo system requires practice, and the elemental chains add a layer of complexity that takes time to understand. Players who jump in expecting a simple experience will likely be disappointed. Those willing to put in the hours, however, will find a deep and rewarding game underneath the surface.
The game offers a tutorial mode that covers the basics, but it does not fully explain the depth of the system. Players who want to understand the full combo structure will need to spend time experimenting on their own or watching guides online. That is a common problem in fighting games, but it is still a barrier for anyone new to the genre.
The game also includes online play, which allows players to compete against each other in ranked matches. The online infrastructure has held up well, though some players have reported occasional connection issues during peak hours. Ranked matches add a competitive edge to the game, but they also create pressure for players who are still learning the ropes.
The Mobile Connection
Granblue Fantasy: Versus is built around the characters and lore of the mobile original, and that connection shows in almost every aspect of the game. The story mode, for example, ties directly into the events of the mobile game, offering fans a way to see familiar characters in a new format. The game also includes references to the mobile game’s world, from locations to plot points, which will be meaningful to players who know the source material.
For players who have not followed the mobile game, the story mode can be confusing. The game assumes a certain level of familiarity with the characters and their histories, which means newcomers may struggle to follow the plot. That is a risk, but it is also a feature of the game’s identity. It is not trying to appeal to everyone, but rather to the existing fanbase of Granblue Fantasy.
The mobile game’s influence extends beyond the story. The character designs, the elemental system, and the overall aesthetic all come from the mobile original, making Granblue Fantasy: Versus feel like a natural extension of that universe. Whether that is a strength or a weakness depends on the player’s perspective.
The Critical Reception
Granblue Fantasy: Versus received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its depth, its visuals, and its execution, but they also noted its difficulty and its reliance on the mobile original’s lore. The game’s Metacritic score reflects this split, landing somewhere in the middle of the critical spectrum.
The game’s Metacritic score is 7.8 out of 10, which puts it in the upper-middle range of fighting games released in 2020. That score reflects a game that is technically proficient but also limited by its narrow focus on its source material. It is a solid game, but it is not a standout.
Here are the key facts:
- Platform: PS4, PC
- Genre: 2D fighting game
- Developer: Cygames
- Release Year: 2020
- Metacritic Score: 7.8 out of 10
Final Word
Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a deep, challenging, and visually appealing 2D fighter. It rewards players who are willing to invest time in learning its systems, and it offers a rich universe for fans of the mobile original. The game is not for everyone, and its difficulty may deter casual players, but for those who stick with it, there is a lot to enjoy.
The game’s elemental system, its combo chains, and its health meter all combine to create a unique fighting experience. It is not a game that will appeal to everyone, but for fans of the genre and the source material, it is a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus earns a 7.8 out of 10.
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