If you tasked me with curating a list of the premier RPGs of the 2020s, the usual suspects would undoubtedly appear. While I’d certainly give a nod to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3, I want to throw a genuine curveball into the mix. Granblue Fantasy: Relink has firmly secured a spot in my personal top five, effortlessly outclassing several of the genre’s most celebrated juggernauts.
<p>I realize that’s a bold take, but the game’s massive new expansion, <em>Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok</em>, has only deepened my conviction. This update introduces a wealth of content, ranging from an engaging roguelike mode to potent summons and grueling narrative challenges. Furthermore, the arrival of this action-RPG on the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a match made in heaven; the bite-sized mission structure is perfectly calibrated for quick, pick-up-and-play sessions. Whether you’re dusting off your max-level party or jumping in for the very first time, <em>Endless Ragnarok</em> cements <em>Granblue Fantasy: Relink</em> as an criminally overlooked gem overflowing with personality.</p>
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<p>Debuting in 2024, <em>Granblue Fantasy: Relink</em> successfully transitioned its mobile roots into a high-octane console experience completely free of microtransactions. While the DNA of its gacha heritage is visible in its expansive character roster and intricate progression systems, the pay-to-win elements are entirely absent. That alone was a compelling reason to play, though I never anticipated becoming so thoroughly captivated by its gameplay loop.</p>
<p><em>Relink</em> doesn’t win you over with its narrative—honestly, the plot is a bit of a blur—but it triumphs through its sheer, unadulterated combat spectacle. Battles against colossal dragons and towering desert golems rival the grandest cinematic encounters seen in <em>Final Fantasy 16</em>, offering ample room to experiment with each character’s distinct combat style. Returning after a two-year hiatus, I was struck by how unique each hero feels; it’s akin to playing a high-level fighting game roster housed within an action-RPG framework. With deep progression systems, formidable end-game bosses, and charming character-focused side stories, it’s a remarkably polished package.</p>
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<small class="body-img-caption">Image: Cygames</small>
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<p>With <em>Endless Ragnarok</em>, developer Cygames has clearly decided to double down on the excess. The expansion adds fresh story missions that essentially serve as a gauntlet of "Chaos" difficulty boss encounters tailored for veterans. Truth be told, as a returning player, diving into this felt like attempting a thesis in astrophysics after years of neglecting the subject. The game is so dense with numerical data and resource management that finding my footing was a struggle. Its new content is a steep skill check explicitly designed for the most devoted Level 100 players.</p>
<p>However, none of that matters once you succumb to the sensory overload. The initial skirmish—a brutal test against a tag-team duo—was a masterclass in chaotic, high-energy action. The thrills only escalate from there; the new summon gauge allows you to command massive ice and stone titans, adding a layer of grandeur to an already frenetic combat engine. Furthermore, the “Full Burst” attacks have been overhauled, culminating in a cinematic flourish where a dragon obliterates the opposition with a massive laser beam. It is, quite frankly, a beautiful display of overkill.</p>
<p>Cygames seems to operate under the assumption that power caps are merely suggestions. <em>Endless Ragnarok</em> pushes every boundary, mocking the idea that you could ever be "finished" with your character. Maxed out your stats? Time for “weapon transcendence” to shatter your limits entirely. The game practically dares you to get stronger—a challenge I’ve been all too happy to accept, especially when it involves wrestling a gargantuan hermit crab out of an arena.</p>
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<small class="body-img-caption">Image: Cygames</small>
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<p>While I appreciate the relentless push for more power, grinding the same bosses on "Chaos++" difficulty can eventually lead to fatigue. Wisely, Cygames introduced "The Conflux," a new roguelike mode. While not exactly reinventing the wheel, it provides a much-needed venue for players to experiment with builds they wouldn't normally touch. It’s the perfect addition for casual players who might feel overwhelmed by the base game’s power creep and suits the portable nature of the Switch 2 perfectly.</p>
<p>I’ve only just scratched the surface of this massive expansion, which also introduces six new playable characters—I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Eustace, a long-range specialist who blends evasive rolls with surgical marksmanship. While <em>Endless Ragnarok</em> won't be winning awards for its narrative depth, it undoubtedly secures the title of "Most Extra RPG" for the foreseeable future. The ball is in your court, <em>Final Fantasy 7 Revelation</em>.</p>
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</div>Source: Polygon
