In the realm of fighting games, few have managed to master the delicate balance between style and substance as effortlessly as the ‘Granblue Fantasy’ series. The latest installment, ‘Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’, has taken the leap from console screens to the world of portable gaming, making its mark on the esteemed Steam Deck. The brainchild of Cygames and Arc System Works, this title is a testament to the prowess of the studios, blending majestic visuals with intricate gameplay. But how does this latest iteration hold up on the Steam Deck, a platform known for pushing the boundaries of handheld gaming? Dive into our review to discover if ‘Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’ truly rises to the occasion on this revolutionary device.
Performance on the Steam Deck
Portability and Power, a Perfect Harmony
As expected from a modern, 2.5D fighting game, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ran remarkably smooth on the Steam Deck. The experience was nothing short of exceptional with beautifully rendered graphics and crisp character models at 1280×800 resolution. During intense matches, the deck’s 7-inch IPS screen showcased vibrant colors that popped against the dimly lit stages. Despite being a relatively power-hungry game, the Steam Deck’s custom AMD processor handled it effortlessly. With an average framerate of 60 FPS, there were no instances of lag or slowdown, allowing for seamless gameplay and quick reflexes.
Optimization and Technical Details
XSEED Games’ dedication to optimization shines through in this release, as it allows players to personalize settings to their liking. Notable settings include:
- FPS Limiting: Options to cap framerate at 30, 60, or 120 FPS for a balance between performance and power consumption
- Render Resolution: 50% to 100% scaling for a flexible performance/quality balance
- Shaders: Option to disable/enable custom shaders to free up resources
| Performance Metrics | Minimum | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 6W | 10W | 20W |
| Temperature | 50°C | 60°C | 70°C |
| Memory Usage | 4 GB | 6 GB | 8 GB |
A Solid Port for a Demanding Game
The Steam Deck’s port of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the game’s technical demands. Arc System Works has done an excellent job optimizing the game for the handheld console, ensuring a seamless and stutter-free experience. The game’s vibrant visuals and intricate combat mechanics are preserved, with no noticeable sacrifices in terms of graphics quality or performance.
- Performance metrics:
| Aspect | Steam Deck Performance |
|---|---|
| Frame Rate | Up to 60 FPS (stable) |
| Resolution | Up to 1280×800 (default) |
| Graphics Quality | Equivalent to low-medium PC settings |
With the combination of these key aspects, the Steam Deck port of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising delivers an experience that is virtually indistinguishable from its PC counterpart.
Visuals and Audio Make the Experience Shine
The already impressive visuals of Granblue Fantasy Versus have seen significant improvements in the Rising update, making the experience a treat for the eyes. The anime-style artwork is more vivid than ever, and the game’s environments and character designs have been lovingly crafted to transport you to a world of fantasy. The action unfolds at a blistering pace, yet the smooth animations and special effects never falter, even on the Steam Deck’s relatively modest hardware.
The sound design is equally impressive, with in-game voice acting and an epic soundtrack that perfectly complements the on-screen action. The sound effects are similarly well-done, ranging from the satisfying clang of swords to the explosive crashes of elemental attacks. Here are the key features that make the audio and visuals stand out:
| Visual Features: |
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| Audio Features: |
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These visual and audio features blend seamlessly together, creating a true masterclass in presentation that draws you into the world of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.
Gameplay Translates Perfectly to Steam Deck
With the power of Steam Deck in your hands, the experience of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising translates remarkably well, making it an absolute blast to play on the go.
Game performance is silky smooth, with high frame rates and minimal lag. Controls are responsive, and the device’s haptic feedback feature adds a satisfying layer of immersion to the gameplay experience. Key features such as easy access to movesets and stylish graphics are preserved, allowing for seamless transitions between battles, tutorials, and menus.
Key Features of Gameplay Experience on Steam Deck:
- Smooth 60 FPS Performance: Enjoy uninterrupted battles on the go.
- Responsive Controls: Quick actions, precise movement, and perfect timing.
- Immersive Haptic Feedback: Feel the rush of every successful move.
| Display Performance | Full Pixel Density Support |
| Graphics Quality | HD Resolution Support |
| Battery Life | Long-lasting, up to 4 hours of Battery Life during a single gameplay session |
Controlling the Chaos with Intuitive Controls
Mastering the intricacies of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising on the Steam Deck is made effortless with intuitive controls that marry seamlessly with the console’s precision. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned pro, navigating the game’s many layers becomes second nature thanks to expertly tailored button mapping and a responsive control scheme.
For a more immersive experience, players can opt to swap between the Steam Deck’s sticks, D-pad, or even take advantage of its touch-friendly interface, replete with customizable controls and an array of ergonomic settings to suit every playstyle. Key features to enhance gameplay may include:
| Button Mapping |
| Configure stick, D-pad, or touch-friendly controls |
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Responsive and ergonomic feedback tailored to player preference |
• Turbo function and Repeat Settings – toggle continuous button input and set custom delay time for effortless execution
• Controller shake – personalize and adjust the sensitivity of the sticks and D-pad to suit your fighting style
Accessible yet complex enough to satisfy veteran players, these cleverly implemented control mechanics serve as the cornerstone of a satisfying experience that is both approachable and deep.
Playing on the Go The Steam Deck Advantage
With the Steam Deck, players can take their fight on the go, making Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising a perfect fit for this versatile handheld console. Here are some of the key benefits that make the Steam Deck an ideal choice for playing Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising:
- Portable Powerhouse – Steam Deck’s powerful hardware allows for seamless and smooth gameplay, ensuring that players can enjoy the fast-paced action of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising wherever they go.
- Long-Lasting Battery – With the Steam Deck’s long-lasting battery life, players can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power.
- Customizable Controls – Steam Deck’s customizable controls allow players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences, offering the perfect balance of portability and performance.
In terms of performance, the Steam Deck delivers a smooth and stable experience for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s performance on the Steam Deck:
| Settings | Resolution | Framerate |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced Mode | 800p | 60 FPS |
| High Mode | 720p | 60 FPS |
| Low Mode | 540p | 60 FPS |
Cygames Brings the Heat with Versus Rising
A Fresh Fighting Experience
Cygames has delivered a masterclass in building upon a pre-existing game with a distinct sequel that retains the series’ unique essence. Character designs have undergone slight tweaks, while newcomers such as Anila, Narmaya, and Vaseraga shake things up with unique playstyles that make the combat loop even more engaging. The roster totals 25 combatants now, split between those available from the start and unlockable characters through the game’s RPG mode and online trials. Additionally, fighters can be upgraded through the acquisition of several skill shards that are placed in an equipment grid, capable of granting them abilities or stat boosts.
Roster Highlights and Game Modes
| Returning Fighters | New Additions |
| Gran, Katalina, Charlotta | Anila, Narmaya, Vaseraga |
New content in the game also brings RPG mode: Town and questing to participate in, where players gain rewards such as lore, resource materials, story chapters, and skill shards, in addition to Arcade and Survival. It also features ranked and casual matchups online, where quickplay is possible. Quick tech matchups bring the best of one game quickplay as well.
- Ranked
- Casual
- Quick Play
Where Flexibility and Customization Become King
A Masterclass in Anime Fighter Design
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| Granblue Fantasy Versus: | Other Fighting Games: |
| High-speed battles | Slower-paced battles |
| Colorful visuals | Less vibrant backgrounds |
Granblue Fantasy Fan Favorite Fighters Return
Granblue Fantasy fan favorites return, bringing their unique abilities and charm to the fighting arena. This new installment of the series boasts an impressive line-up of characters, including Narmaya, Soriz, and Cagliostro, each equipped with their distinctive fighting style and abilities. The addition of these characters expands the roster and offers fans new opportunities to experiment with different playstyles.
| Returning Characters | Signature Abilities |
| Narmaya | Claymore expertise, incredible strength and fighting spirit |
| Soriz | Experienced in spear combat, versatile and agile warrior |
| Cagliostro | Magical mastery, cunning and mysterious abilities |
- Narmaya’s expertise in melee combat with the Claymore sword is unmatched.
- Soriz’s adaptability and versatility in combat situations make her a formidable opponent.
- Cagliostro’s magical prowess provides a refreshing contrast to more physically-oriented characters.
Stellar Netcode Enhances Online Experience
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s transition to Steam Deck is further complemented by the implementation of Stellar Netcode, a sophisticated technology designed to provide seamless online interactions. With the introduction of this cutting-edge system, online matches are more fluid than ever, boasting significantly reduced input delay, latency, and overall disconnection rate. This boost in online stability elevates the overall gaming experience, ensuring an exceptionally responsive and enjoyable online play environment.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Latency | Stellar Netcode empowers faster data transfer rates, minimizing latency |
| Fewer Disconnections | The advanced technology dramatically reduces disconnections during online matches |
| Enhanced Input Processing | Optimized processing ensures input commands are executed more effortlessly |
| Responsive Experience | Blends optimal server speeds with enhanced client-side enhancements, providing lightning-fast gameplay |
Some of the improvements made possible by Stellar Netcode:
- Peak performance rates
- Widespread online stability
- Intuitive gameplay mechanics
Because of Stellar Netcode, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Steam Deck users are now able to enjoy consistently crisp and highly interactive online matches like never before.
Closing Remarks
As the curtains close on our review of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising on the Steam Deck, it’s clear that this game is a symphony of improvements and additions, elevating the already stellar fighter into new heights. Arc System Works and Cygames have once again proven their mastery of the genre, marrying technical depth with breathtaking visuals. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Granblue, Rising is an invitation to join the fight – and with the Steam Deck as your platform of choice, the boundaries between console and PC are blissfully blurred. So, gather your allies, sharpen your skills, and step into the fray – the world of Granblue awaits, and the fight is anything but over.
