Is Genshin Impact a free-to-play open-world adventure, or is it the precursor to a gambling problem?
Yes.
Anyway, I still, in good conscience, recommend Genshin Impact because I believe it’s a forgiving side project. The game is accessible upfront; it’s free-to-play and available on iOS, Android, Windows, and PlayStation. With a solid story and engaging quests, Genshin Impact is already a palatable single-player experience. The multiplayer mode is just a means of cooperating with friends to fight bosses or roam the map. As a general rule, you never have to dedicate a set amount of time to progress. If fifteen minutes is all you have, the game recognizes those fifteen minutes of effort. Building your characters with weapons, artifacts, and talents is a labour of love (it’s tedious, but we’ll touch on that later).
Here are some notable pros and cons so you can decide if Genshin Impact is for you.
PRO: Presentation
The character designs empowered me to start playing. One day, I saw Zhongli, thought he looked neat and needed no more persuading. The developers also produce character demos, which are striking trailers with an abundance of personality. The visuals in the character demos are identical to the actual gameplay, which I think is no small feat. Pay attention to Teyvat, the world of Genshin Impact, and notice how detailed and grand it is. I love how the soundtrack is specific to areas and events, heightening a sense of adventure.
CON: Gacha System
The method for obtaining certain characters and weapons in Genshin Impact might make you feel like you’ve aged fifty years in a single day. You spend a premium in-game currency to receive a random virtual item, which is, as it sounds, entirely based on luck. In Genshin Impact, players typically strive for five-star characters and weapons. The odds of pulling a five-star is 0.6%, and this measly number only dwindles if you’re vying for something particular. Now, there is a pity system in place. I’ll leave you to determine whether it’s a game-changer or not. You are guaranteed a four-star after ten “wishes” and a five-star after ninety. As a free-to-play player, you can probably wish once or twice a day.
The gacha system is easily the most disputed aspect of Genshin Impact. It begs consumers to spend money on the game, and it’s always a gamble. When desperate players invest in microtransactions, they’re securing more opportunities to roll, but they still might not get what they want. The limited-time character banners may pressure players into the dangerous mentality that spending is the only option. However, several of my friends have impressive accounts with zero financial cost. They have overcome the paywall with luck and willpower.
PRO: Exploration and Combat
Many of the mechanics and even the overall feel of Genshin Impact are similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The latter is a mesmerizing game, so this is definitely a compliment. In both titles, you can run around interacting with shiny objects on the ground. Or, you can experiment with your surroundings and have your ingenuity rewarded. You are free to explore a vast world, full of chests, monsters, and domains; it’s delightful.
The combat system in Genshin Impact is elemental and action-packed. Switching between your party and executing combos will defeat enemies much faster than mindlessly swinging a sword. For example, cryo (ice) and pyro (fire) create an effect dubbed melt that deals extra damage, pyro and electro cause overload, and so forth. The weapons and artifacts you equip also affect the battle’s outcome, requiring you to premeditate a little. Every character in Genshin Impact is viable, so you should tailor your party to your play style instead of fretting about tier lists.
CON: Repetition
Genshin Impact receives constant updates that add features, characters, and story beats, but when there isn’t new content, the game can feel predictable and formulaic. Although I have not reached the late game yet, there’s already arduous grinding involved in strengthening characters and obtaining artifacts. An energy resource called Resin caps the number of challenge rewards you can claim in a day. Exasperating limitations like these may drive you to log off immediately after completing your daily commissions, which is only fifteen minutes of playing.
The Verdict
Genshin Impact stands out from other popular, mainstream games such as League of Legends and VALORANT. There is less emphasis on skill here, but I prefer pacing myself and enjoying trivial fun. If you’re at all intrigued, exit this tab and go play. Trying out Genshin Impact costs nothing.