
The overall feel of the fighting system is in between Blaze Blue and Smash but closer to Blaze Blue on that spectrum. Performing a special in Granblue Fantasy Versus only requires the press of a button in time with a single directional input, and super moves require only a quarter circle motion. The game successfully mashes up the auto combo mechanic common to Anime Fighters like Blaze Blue with a simplified method for performing special moves. These mechanics are the high point of the game by far. At the same time, the game eases the player into its fighting mechanics. The game throws the player into the deep end of a fully developed universe created for the Granblue Fantasy mobile game. Playing through the story mode in Granblue Fantasy Versus is an exercise in surprising delight followed by slowly mounting disappointment.

Granblue Fantasy Versus succeeds at bridging that gap mechanically but fails in some critical ways related to the presentation of those mechanics. In theory, a fighting game that fits in between traditional fighters, like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat and technically more straightforward brawlers like Smash, is a really great idea. Developer: Cygames Inc., Arc System Works
