A New Take on Console RPG’s
Genshin Impact drops today, bringing a combination of anime-style Action RPG gameplay and a vast, Breath of the WIld-esque open world.
The game is set in Teyvat, a world where people are chosen by the gods and given a vision, magical gemstones that let them control an element, puts players in the shoes of an unnamed traveller searching for a missing sibling, although you will be able to control different characters you meet along the way, each with a unique personality and skillset.
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Unlike many console RPG’s, especially ones this ambitious, Genshin Impact is free to play, but uses a gacha system – an integral part of Japanese Mobile Gaming Culture similar to lootboxes, where you use either in-game currency or real-world money to purchase capsules containing random gear. In addition to gear, some characters are only available through the gacha system, so while the game itself may be free – although a paid version exists that gives players a head-start – be prepared to spend some money if you want a specific ultra-rare character.
Like its inspiration, Breath of the Wild, the game is wide open from the start, letting you explore the vast world at your own pace and traverse the world how you see fit. The battle system utilizes elemental combos, letting you combine the different skills of your teammates to unleash devastating effects on your opponents as you uncover everything Teyvat has to offer.
Despite the focus on random drops, Genshin Impact isn’t an MMO – although it does have plenty of the trappings you’d expect from MMO’s, with plenty of side-activities like cooking, daily challenges, and item hunts to keep you busy.
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