Review

Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game developed and published by Chinese video game development and animation studio miHoYo. The game features an open-world environment and an action-based battle system, using elemental magic and character-switching. Genshin Impact takes place in the fantasy world of Teyvat, which is home to seven distin...

Genshin Impact

  • Farrah Beaumont

Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game developed and published by Chinese video game development and animation studio miHoYo. The game features an open-world environment and an action-based battle system, using elemental magic and character-switching.

Genshin Impact takes place in the fantasy world of Teyvat, which is home to seven distinct nations, each of which is tied to an element and ruled by a god associated with it. The story follows a twin, referred to as the Traveler (with the gender chosen by the player), who has traveled across many other worlds but has become separated from their twin sibling (of the opposite gender) in Teyvat. The Traveler travels in search of their lost sibling with their companion Paimon, and becomes involved in the affairs of Teyvat's nations and gods.

Development began in early 2017, and was designed to combine anime style with more key elements from real world cultures. To supplement the game, miHoYo released a companion manga, and has plans for further tie-in media.

Gameplay

Combat

Genshin Impact's combat is action-based, with the player character being able to perform combos, dodge, and use special skills. It is also possible to switch between the four chosen party members with the player character as the leader, with the player character being able to perform skills unique to their class. The player has the ability to use skills from all four selected party members, as well as those from their equipped weapon.

Open World

The game features a vast open world, with a variety of different enemies and collectible items. The player is able to explore the map, completing quests and engaging with NPCs.

Graphics

Character Design

The character designs in Genshin Impact are anime-style, with the player being able to choose the gender of their character, and select from a variety of different characters with different roles and classes.

Backgrounds

The backgrounds in Genshin Impact are drawn in a variety of styles, and change depending on the location.

Replayability

Genshin Impact is a free-to-play game, with the player able to purchase specific items using in-game currency earned from completing quests, battles, and other tasks. In-game currency can also be purchased using real world currency. Genshin Impact was designed with replayability in mind, with the player able to return to previous locations and quests to achieve any missed objectives.

Conclusion

Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game with innovative game mechanics, and is the next game by miHoYo. The game features an open-world environment and an action-based battle system, with the player being able to switch between party members during combat, and is free-to-play with in-game purchases.

Genshin Impact has been positively received, with critics praising the combat and open-world freedom, while some criticizing its endgame content and monetization model. The game is a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion in six months of release, and has been favorably compared to other video games such as Dynasty Warriors and Lost Ark.

Pros:
  • Genshin Impact has a "cartoonish anime art style" and is rendered in 3D
  • The gameplay of Genshin Impact combines anime style gameplay with more key elements from real world cultures
  • The game features an open world environment and an action-based battle system that uses elemental magic and character-switching
  • The game is free-to-play
  • There is a lot of replayability in Genshin Impact
  • Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game
  • The game features an art style that is reminiscent of anime
Cons:
  • Genshin Impact is free-to-play
  • The game is monetized through gacha game mechanics
  • The game is fairly repetitive
  • The game is fairly easy
  • The game lacks content
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