Arc System Works and Cygames has unveiled quite a lot during its Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising EVO 2023 special developer panel.

Creative director Tetsuya Fukuhara talked about new features and elements about the upcoming major update to the game (which can be considered a sequel to Granblue Fantasy Versus), but most importantly showed off a new character’s novelist and a tease of an upcoming fighter. The former is Nier and the latter is Grimnir. Nier fights using a spirit named Death and acts as another controllable character, similar to Carl Clover in BlazBlue.

Grimnir is a rushdown character with emphasis on his wind spells and mobility options. He can command the winds to advance across the battlefield in multiple directions and shift the trajectory of his projectiles at will. By utilizing his superior mobility options, he can rush down foes and oppress them with attacks from every angle. Kinda like Rashid from Street Fighter 6 but prettier.

Check out the gameplay & the title’s new features list below.

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising Features

Enhanced Visuals

The visuals of Rising feature stunning, anime-like expressions through new post-processing effects. All in-game visual effects have been enhanced, along with some character models being updated for a more refined appearance.

Rollback and Cross-Play

Rollback and cross-play are coming to Granblue Fantasy: Versus at long last!

We’ve been working on making this happen ever since the launch of Granblue Fantasy: Versus. After extensive research and discussion, we decided to rework everything into Granblue Fantasy Versus: Risingas the cost to implement these features would nearly amount to the cost of making a new game.

It wasn’t a cheap solution by any means, but we’re glad we finally made it a reality!

Feeling Lonely? Try Using Partners!

Introducing “Partners”! Here to encourage, praise, and advise you! All partners fully voiced!

Costumes

Characters can now equip alternate outfits in GBVS Rising.

Versus Ranks

Versus ranks will be determined on a per-character basis!

New Training Mode Features

Seamless situational training and combo practice.

Trials have been integrated into Training Mode.

Engaging New Features

The online lobby is expanding into an entire island! Aside from the standard match stations, other fun attractions will also be available for players to take a break from their matches.

It’s a party! Team up against enemies or go head-to-head with other players in a variety of obstacle courses and survival games! It’s a topsy-turvy battle royale!

Transferrable Data from Granblue Fantasy: Versus

For those who enjoyed Granblue Fantasy: Versus, you have our sincerest thanks. The following data can be transferred to Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising:

• Story Progress
• Tournament Trophies
• EX Colors
• Battle Pass Rewards (Weapons, Colors)

GBVS Rising will be out in 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4; no release date has been announced yet.