PREVIEW
GRANBLUE FANTASY: VERSUS
This RPG phenomenon appears like a bolt from the blueMobile smash Granblue Fantasy is
getting its console debut with two
games, an open world RPG and this
fighter. Massive in Japan, the turn-based
RPG is much less well known abroad, and these
new entries will be an introduction for many.In the first to be released, Granblue Fantasy: Versus,
characters return from the app to duel one another.
They’re all here: turncoat knight Katalina and her
young amnesiac charge Lyria, pint-sized captain of
the Holy Knights Charlotta, and spooky catgirl Ferry,
as well as male player avatar Gran. Plenty more yet
to be announced will join them.
As it’s being developed by Arc System Works,
expect over-the-top action and satisfying combos.
Much like Arc’s previous game, Dragon Ball FighterZ,
Granblue uses low-framerate character animation
combined with high-framerate backgrounds to create
an aesthetic that feels more traditionally animated
than 3D modelled. Coupled with Hideo Minaba’s
character designs, the visuals already look great.
Your (occasionally questionably) armoured fighters
battle with sword and sorcery, with Versus carrying
over characters’ special abilities from the mobile
game. Lyria, for example, the blue-haired girl with apenchant for running around barefoot,
may not appear as a fighter herself;
however the trailer teases her power
over the big beasties called Primals as
possibly a support ability for Gran.CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER
Granblue is known for its large cast,
and Lyria isn’t the only mysterious
girl. The aforementioned Ferry, one of
a series-specific race called the Erune,
fights with a whip and a ghostly
menagerie. Determined Charlotta
wields a blade as big as she is and
should not be underestimated. (She
does have a childish side, and is partial
to the Little Skyfarer’s Lunch off the
kids’ menu.) Also announced as a
fighter is the dual-wielder Lancelot.
Dedicated to protecting his kingdom,
he can never quite apply himself in
the same way to keeping his room
tidy. Very relatable, if you ask us, and
we’re looking forward to getting to
know this cast better when the battle
commences later this year.FORMAT PS4 / ETA 2019 / PUB CYGAMES / DEV ARC SYSTEM WORKSAbove Loyal knight and
sword collector Katalina
fights with a long blade that
gives her lots of reach. Look
out when you face her!How’s this for graphic
violence? It looks
more like a traditional
animation than a game.“VERSUS CARRIES
OVER CHARACTERS’
SPECIAL ABILITIES FROM
THE MOBILE GAME.”