60fps makes all the difference on PlayStation 5.
This is a bold, colourful action RPG that combines compelling storytelling with a bombastic and exciting combat system.
We also see a good workout for some of the game’s key rendering tech here as well.
Of particular note is the post-processing, namely the motion blur and depth of field.
Relink has extremely high-quality motion blur that makes the game look very smooth in its default performance mode.
The character rendering is an obvious highlight in these scenes too.
They also bear some trademarks of illustration - namely horizontal shading lines in the character texture details.
Those illustration-derived artistic flourishes do extend to the rest of the game if you look closely.
Other key areas of the visuals hold up quite well.
The environmental lighting, for example, looks pleasing and is reasonably sophisticated.
You do feel the lingering remnants of that PlatinumGames co-development in the game’s action sequences.
Relink has exciting, visually engaging combat, with fluid animation and satisfying hit effects.
In terms of the game’s basic visual design, I don’t have many complaints.
Overall though, the game looks and feels excellent.
I didn’t come in with super high expectations, but the final game exceeded my presumptions.
Relink features two visual modes on PS5 hardware.
We have a performance mode which targets 60fps and a quality mode which aims for 30fps.
Performance mode has a 1080p resolution, while the quality mode steps up to a full 4K.
UI elements are similarly decimated and clearly lower resolution.
The quality option is quite crisp and stable in contrast.
Frame-rates in the performance mode are nearly impeccable.
Here, the game runs at a nearly locked 60fps, throughout all gameplay and cutscenes.
The quality mode offers a consistent frame-rate as well, albeit targeting 30fps.
These kinds of tweaks are noticeable throughout the environment and give the PS4 version a less accurate lighting presentation.
Assets also appear to be cut-down somewhat, with lower-resolution textures in some scenes.
Motion blur has also been completely stripped out of the PS4 code.
PS4 clocks in at 1080p resolution, which feels about right for the vintage machine.
Both PS4 and Pro target 30fps, but the frame-pacing issues from the PS5 version have returned.
Relink just never feels smooth on last-gen machines.
As a game, Relink is an interesting and novel RPG.
The last bit of weirdness comes down to the story.
Going in fresh, I was very confused.
Beyond any narrative issues, I did enjoy my time with Relink.
I also thought the music was superb, and the voice acting was very evocative.
Relink is a visual treat as well, offering a beautifully animated world with bold action combat.
Overall, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a bold and visually striking action RPG.
