Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising - Major Adjustments Revealed

In an 80-minute "Balance and System Adjustments" video published today, publisher Cygames and developer Arc System Works unveiled significant changes to the mechanics of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. These changes were made based on feedback from the first open beta test held in July. As we eagerly await the game's second open beta test in November, let's dive into the major adjustments that are sure to enhance the gaming experience for players.

User Feedback and Game Evolution

Tetsuya Fukuhara, the general director of the Granblue Fantasy series, acknowledged the valuable feedback received from the first open beta test. The adjustments were made with the aim of ensuring the game meets the expectations of both seasoned players and newcomers. Here's a summary of the key changes:

1. Second Beta Battle Adjustments

• Throws: Throws have been strengthened to address feedback that they were too weak.
• Raging Strikes: Raging Strikes, which were deemed too strong, have been adjusted.
• Ultimate Skills: Ultimate Skills have been modified to make them easier to use, providing more reasons to utilize your SBA gauge.

2. Plus Skills (Heavy Skills)

• In the last beta, there was a gauge penalty when using plus skills, causing the gauge to fill up slower. This penalty has been removed, encouraging players to use plus skills proactively.

3. Changes to Ultimate Skills

• Ultimate Skills now cost 50% of the SBA Gauge to activate.
• They can be followed up with additional attacks, making them more versatile.
• These skills can be chained into mid-combo, albeit with damage scaling.
• They can also be activated during skill cooldown, although the damage is halved.

4. Changes to Dash Attacks

• Light dash attacks now cover more ground when approaching opponents.
• Heavy dash attacks have become more rewarding, and they cause a screen effect on counter-hit.

5. Changes to Throws

• The throw break window has been reduced.
• Throw breaks can now be performed with any attack button, mitigating damage and providing an advantage to the attacker.
• Late throw breaks grant opportunities to apply additional pressure.

6. Changes to Raging Strikes

• Raging Strikes now cost 1 BP to activate, eliminating the need for the SBA gauge.
• They cause guard crush and deplete 1 BP from blocking foes.
• The start-up is slower, but the reach has been extended.
• These strikes can be chained into from cancelable attacks, introducing a new layer of strategy.

7. Changes to Bravery Points

• Damage taken increases as BP is depleted.
• 3 BP: No change.
• 2 BP: No change.
• 1 BP: +20% damage taken.
• 0 BP: +50% damage taken.
• Guard crushes inflicted by a Raging Strike and Skybound Arts/Super Skybound Arts further deplete BP.

8. Changes to Skybound Arts / Super Skybound Arts

• These arts now deplete a foe's BP upon successfully connecting at close range.
• Upon a successful hit, BP is also depleted, potentially significantly increasing damage dealt.
• Activating these arts restores 1 BP, but only applies to SBA or SSBA that deal damage.

9. Changes to Raging Chains

• Raging Chains now cost 25% of the SBA gauge to activate.
• A gauge penalty has been introduced, making them more challenging to land.
• However, successful Raging Chains can lead to powerful combos, turning the tide of battle.

10. Changes to Technical Inputs

• Skills performed using technical inputs now deal 10% more damage, and a "Good!" notification appears when using them.
• Technical inputs have been favored to encourage strategic gameplay.

These comprehensive changes are aimed at refining the gameplay experience, making it more enjoyable and accessible to all.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam on November 30. Get ready for a thrilling gaming experience that caters to both veterans and newcomers to the Granblue Fantasy universe.