Let's be real, fighting games can sometimes feel incredibly intimidating to jump into, but Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising completely flips the script. If you are looking to add a visually stunning anime fighter to your library of PC games, this one absolutely hits all the right notes. Developed by the masters at Arc System Works, it takes the gorgeous 2.5D art style of the original 2020 release and gives the entire experience a massive, feature-rich upgrade. Whether you are a hardcore fighting game veteran or someone who just wants to pick up a controller and see flashy, explosive moves, this title welcomes everyone without sacrificing that competitive thrill.
Storyline
Unlike a lot of traditional fighters that just slap on a basic arcade mode and call it a day, this game actually gives you a proper narrative to sink your teeth into. You follow Gran and his skyfaring crew as they get tangled up in a brand-new, original saga filled with magic, airships, and some seriously cool villains. The developers completely streamlined the story mode this time around, ditching the tedious RPG item grinding from the first game so you can just focus on the epic battles and gorgeous visual novel-style cutscenes. It essentially feels like watching a high-budget anime where you occasionally get to beat up massive, screen-filling bosses.
Gaming experience
The gaming experience here is smooth as butter, largely thanks to the fantastic rollback netcode that makes online matches feel incredibly responsive and lag-free. The combat system gives you the choice between classic, complex fighting game inputs or simple one-button special moves, meaning absolutely anyone can pull off devastating combos from day one. But the absolute best surprise is what happens outside the ring. When you need a break from intense one-on-one fights, you can jump into "Grand Bruise Legends," a hilarious, chaotic obstacle-course party mode that plays a lot like Fall Guys. It is a brilliant, well-rounded package that easily stands out in the modern landscape of PC games.
