Cygames have announced the release date and additional PlayStation 5 platform for Granblue Fantasy: Relink, along with over 20 minutes of gameplay.
Originally slated for just PlayStation 4, the action RPG will also be heading to PlayStation 5 and launching in Japan in 2022 on both platforms. As a western release was previously confirmed, it is likely this will be the same release date year in Japan and the west (though several months apart).
Cygames also revealed the game initially had a new protagonist- a girl called Blue. After 2015 however, Granblue Fantasy protagonists Gran and Djeeta became less of a blank slate. As such the pair also became Granblue Fantasy: Relink‘s protagonists, but will still gain clothes inspired by Blue’s design through their adventure.
The news comes via the first day of Granblue Fantasy Fes 2020, which also showed over 20 minutes of gameplay. Therein we see that players can switch between controlling Gran and Djeeta, but only one can be in the game’s world at a time.
As players combo enemies with basic attacks, they improve their “Class,” which can be expended to power up special attacks. We also see that skills can be leveled up, and that gear has levels and a 5-star rating system. Up to three other party members can join you in battle. The gameplay footage did not show the player take command of these other characters, but that does not rule it out.
As players fight along their allies, they build up a Link Level which seems to boost their stats. Players can also chain special attacks with their allies to deal more damage. Chaining all four party member’s attacks causes a Chain Burst special attack to be unleashed.
Bosses also have a few tricks, as they build up a “Mode” meter as they take damage. When full, they go int Over Drive, taking less damage while dealing out more themselves. However, the Mode meter empties as they take damage when in Over Drive, and when empty causes the Boss to enter a Break state. This stuns them for a short time, and has them take more damage.
You can find the gameplay below (starting at 6:16:50).
In 2019, PlatinumGames were dropped from the game’s development, with Cygames assuming direct development over the project.
