Product Info

Platform

Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Series

Granblue Fantasy

Genre

Fighting

Release Date (NA)

Dec 14, 2023

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Steam

Home » Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Legendary Edition (Review)

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Legendary Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid fighting game package that delivers various ways to play for any level of experience. The game does show a minor visual downgrade, but it’s a trade-off for a smooth performance on handheld mode.

Beautifully Done

Screenshot captured on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally released in 2020 as Granblue Fantasy: Versus, then re-released in 2023 as Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising as an updated version with many new features and improved modifications. In fall 2026, a complete software bundle that includes all DLC passes was introduced as Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Legendary Edition. After selling exclusively for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam platforms, the anime-style fighting game finally arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2. And it plays wonderfully.

Versus: Rising offers various modes from playing solo to online play. Players can jump into the Story Mode, where they’ll play through the original Granblue Fantasy Versus story, giving a more detailed perspective of the story that can be challenging to follow if you’re not paying attention. It also provides a way to learn the battle mechanics in a smooth transition rather than just a training room to learn for yourself. Battles in this mode carry a different vibe, like side-scrolling beat ’em-up gameplay, but I found it enjoyable to go through and learn about the characters and the game’s mechanics.

Like many fighting games, there are different styles of fighting modes, like Training, Arcade and Versus modes for local co-op and CPU-controlled opponents that can be adjusted to different difficulty levels. It’s a good way to get to know the individual character’s unique design and skill set. There are 40 characters to choose from, and they are all beautifully designed. If you haven’t played Granblue Fantasy before, you’ll have some difficulty choosing a character. We suggest trying each one, as they all have unique move sets that can change your playstyle. Some are long-distance attacks, while others have heavy attacks but are not as quick. Initiated special attacks generate a short animated feature that looks both beautiful and transitions remarkably well back to the battle. With Arc System Works involved, expect a well-developed fighting game.

The characters aren’t the only gorgeous-looking design. The battlefields come with vivid and intricate backdrops, like something out of an art gallery. The soundtrack also hits the mark with its symphonic scores and various styles that generate upbeat tunes that add value to the battle. With composers like Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger) aiding his talent for the game’s soundtrack, along with other composers like Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler, Octopath Traveler 0), you’re going to get a well-deserved soundtrack.

More Ways to Pick Up a Sword

A feature that’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the Gyro Versus, a new game mode that’s limited to its specific offline versus mode but carries a different style of fighting. Players will use either the Joy-Con or Joy-Con 2 controllers to initiate moves by shaking and moving their controllers. Button commands and blocking are automatically initiated when not moving your fighter. Veterans and those who prefer controller input won’t find the need to use it, but it does bring in a different way to play and a new way to incorporate new players who have little experience with fighting games.

Versus: Rising also offers control schemes such as Super Ultimate and Super Ultimate+ to cater to various skill levels who are learning the mechanics. Those who are having difficulty initiating powerful skills can initiate a button press to execute it. Additionally, blocking is automatically triggered to give a handicap to players who are adept with their manual combo inputs. However, these control schemes are only offered in offline matches. You’ll need to get accustomed to more in-depth commands if you want to play against others online.

There’s also the Grand Bruise Legends, which is treated as a party-style mini-game mode that features battle royal gameplay. It doesn’t take away or give any big impact to the game itself but adds a fun little extra. As you play through the game, you’ll also earn in-game currency to use to unlock weapon skins, character colors, etc. If you lack patience, you can buy them with real money, but having both options is nice.

I like how Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising offers a variety of methods to play, allowing any skill level to enjoy the game. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a fighting game that’s for everyone with its beautiful designs and more content for those who are more invested in the game. You can play online matches against other players or play offline with your friends to improve your skills.

Performance Over Quality

Granblue Fantasy, played on different platforms, looks both visually excellent and performs smoothly. With the port to the Switch 2, the game does provide a solid 60 frames per second (fps) during battles, but its visuals suffer due to jagged outlines and a softer appearance. For example, the character drop shadows look ok from a distance, but when close up during an animated scene, they’re very noticeable. Cutscenes do look appealing since they are pre-rendered. Fighter animations during mid-battle look excellent, and when they transition to the gameplay, it’s smooth both visually and in performance.

It’s unfortunate we can’t have both the visual and smooth performance when docked. Having the performance is indeed more needed in handheld mode for battles, but having the opportunity to play this purrtastic fighting game in handheld mode is a trade-off worth having.

Playing matches online, the Switch 2 kept up its performance, as I was able to continue to perform moves against my opponent without having to worry about performance drops. Switch 2 owners will need to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership if they want to play online matches. The fighting game is cross-platform with both PlayStation and PC users, a fantastic and must-have feature. If you wish to play only with Switch 2 players, you can turn off the cross-platform option in the game’s menu.

Overall, it’s a very solid port with very minor trade-offs. If you’re looking to play a fighting game on your Switch 2 with beautiful visuals and a large cast of detailed characters along with the capability of playing in handheld mode, then yes, it’s worth it.

The Final Round

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Legendary Edition brings a purrtastic fighting experience to the Nintendo Switch 2 with 40 beautifully designed characters, accessible combat options, and an excellent soundtrack. While the visuals take a small hit to deliver smooth performance, the compromise is a worthy trade-off for fighting on the go.

An Nintendo Switch 2 code was provided by the publisher for this review. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Legendary Edition is available now for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam). Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.