Daigo & Fuudo Showcase Granblue Fantasy Versus Exhibition Ahead of Beta

CyGames is in a pretty unique position when it comes to their upcoming fighting game collaboration with Arc System Works, Granblue Fantasy Versus. With the CyGames Beast stable of FGC competitors on hand, we get to some impressive talent handling demonstrations of the game. Daigo “The Beast” Umehara and Keita “Fuudo” Ai recently played an exhibition which saw many of the characters put on display - A great look at the action in the game ahead of the upcoming Granblue Fantasy Versus online Beta, the registration for which closes on May 23.

The Daigo/Fuudo match-up was posted on the Granblue YouTube on May 16, 2019. The exhibition saw each player choose a couple characters to show off in competition. Daigo chose Katalina and Charlotta while Fuudo got Lancelot and Ferry for his squad. Katalina has been a straight-forward fencing and offensive time while Charlotta is small, yet speedy and powerful. Meanwhile Lancelot brings his own speed and confusing mix-ups to the game while Ferry’s long-range whip and use of spirits make her a good zoning character. You can check out the whole video below.

Though Fuudo and Daigo only had short time to practice, their skill shows the versatility of many of Granblue Fantasy Versus' more unique systems. For one, Arc has brought in a hybrid version of previous simplified control schemes for the game. An ability button and directional input allows players to use their moves with one-button press, but then the move goes on cooldown. Cooldowns are extended based upon the strength (weak/strong attack button) of the skill. Each ability also has technical inputs and the cooldowns can be reduced by using the inputs, which reward learning the skills as opposed to relying on the easy-use system, but the ability button is a good option for those who have issues with technical inputs. Either way, this game forces players to choose when to use their skills as opposed to readily spamming them, which may be difficult for some players, but also make for some interesting strategy.

Meanwhile, this is one of the first Arc System Works games which includes a block button. Holding back still blocks, but the block button can assist the player in working against tricky cross-ups with enemy players moving from one side to the other, rapidly attacking through player directional blocks. It will make cross-up attacking more difficult, but plenty of ground, overhead, and other fighting elements still mean players will have to play well to stay defensive in this fast game.

With a fighting game being handled by CyGames, we were bound to see the CyGames Beast players put this game on display, and Daigo and Fuudo didn’t disappoint in the least. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to get in on Granblue Fantasy Versus, this is a good look at what to expect from the game. Registration for the closed Beta closes on May 23, 2019 at 11PM PST, so be sure to register before then if you want a chance to get in on the first public opportunity at the game.