Grand Blue Fantasy: Relink, an action RPG developed by SA Games, invites players to embark on an exciting journey through a world of floating islands in search of the legendary island of the Astrals, Estacia. As enthusiasts of JRPGs, both turn-based and action-oriented, and casual fans of Japanese animation, we found ourselves delving into this vibrant and energetic game, marking our first exposure to the expansive Grand Blue Fantasy Universe.
The game thrusts players into a group of characters already knee-deep in their adventure, creating an immediate sense of camaraderie and shared history. The art style is a visual treat—colorful, clean, and beautifully detailed, both in character design and the surrounding world. Taking on the role of a flying ship's captain navigating islands amidst the clouds, we were pleasantly surprised to find all dialogue, both main and side, fully voiced, enhancing the immersive experience. The character interactions, coupled with adventurous music, create a delightful and light-hearted vibe.
The action kicks off promptly with a boss fight acting as a tutorial, setting the stage for the main adventure. The initial hour unfolds with the arrival in a detailed and lively town, offering a sense of lived-in authenticity. The game rewards exploration with items and chests, promoting an engaging experience both in and out of town.
The second hour is dedicated to exploring the town further, familiarizing ourselves with different gearing and level-up mechanics. With an item shop for materials, a blacksmith for weapon upgrades, and a skill tree for each character, the game introduces a mix of familiar and unique elements. However, the skill tree's depth in terms of customization is somewhat limited, with static increases dominating.
Side quests and mission quests, akin to Monster Hunter, occupy our third hour, providing additional context through Fate Episodes—voiced backstories for each character. While informative, we hoped for a more in-depth exploration of character backgrounds. Moving into the fourth hour, boss fights and side quest farming for weapon upgrade materials add excitement, with character card unlocks expanding the party roster.
By the fifth hour, the pace accelerates, introducing high-production set pieces and an evolving battle system. Each character's distinct playstyle, variety in attacks, and the depth of customization options make for an engaging experience. The game's visual and auditory elements, alongside the varied gameplay, align with the pre-release expectations, delivering an action RPG with anime-inspired aesthetics, intricate party mechanics, and epic boss fights.
While the main story's brevity—estimated at 10 to 20 hours—might be a concern, the game's design hints at a focus on endgame content. The art style, music, and voice acting receive commendation, yet the narrative lacks some context, dropping players into the midst of the adventure. Additional background through anime or manga could provide a richer understanding of the characters and plot.
Grand Blue Fantasy Relink stands out as a fun and enjoyable action RPG. Its mission structure lends itself to bite-sized sessions, making it ideal for casual play. The prospect of online collaboration and challenging bigger bosses in the endgame has us eagerly anticipating more, ready to explore the depths of this vibrant fantasy universe.
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