As an increasing number of players want immersive gaming experiences akin to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Elden Ring,” the open world action role-playing game “Genshin Impact” has skyrocketed to success during the last three years. It’s only expected to continue growing thanks to its massive legion of fans and majorly appealing graphics, characters, and music. 

“Genshin Impact” is a free-to-play action role-playing video game available on PC, Xbox, and mobile, where the player takes up the role of the Traveler and explores the world of Teyvat.

The game opens up with the Traveler and their companion, Paimon, in search of the Traveler’s lost twin. Throughout their journey, they will encounter ancient evils and political wrangling, all while uncovering the mysteries behind their sibling’s actions.

Utilizing seven elements—Cryo, Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Geo, Anemo, and Dendro—is the main focus of the game. Numerous reactions occur when different elements are combined, causing harm to enemies and making the players strategize ways to dish out damage.

Just like in any open-world game, you can pretty much interact with anything and everything. Although its main focus is battling, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, ranging from fishing to creating your own home and even playing a card game called Genius Invocation TCG.

One of Genshin’s most remarkable points is its graphics. No matter where you go, a diversity of stunning environments surrounds you, from the silent and eerie remains of Enkanomiya to the sky-high mountains of Liyue.

The scenery is pleasing to both eyes and ears: perpetually dark, otherworldly forests, haunting, ringing ambience, childlike mushroom creatures.

With notable soundtracks such as the hauntingly beautiful “Termination of Desires” and “Sumeru” with its vibrant and energetic spirit, Genshin’s original soundtracks create a memorable listening experience for players.

As much as all of these play an essential role, the characters are the true heart of the game, and their designs are unquestionably striking, combining an anime-estic style with cultural inspirations.

HoYoverse, the developer of Genshin, has been earning most of their profits through their gacha system, in which players pull on the banners to “wish” for their wanted character. Usually five star characters are the most useful and powerful characters for players to use, however getting them is difficult. The chances of receiving players’ desired characters are low, so they resort to using money. With the gacha’s addictive gambling mechanics, people are led to feel like they need to spend money in order to keep up with other players. Spending money can also take away from the enjoyment which the game otherwise provides.  

Most open-world games flaunt how much content they have to offer, but what sets Genshin apart is its sheer amount of updates and new content. Even after playing for hundreds of hours, there are always new and fun things to do.

While a lot of the content seems good, some players complain about burnout. Rather than being a way to unwind and relax, the drive to complete story quests and events as swiftly as possible overwhelms people to take their time and enjoy the game. This is a shame since players miss some genuinely heartwarming moments that are present in the game’s multitude of stories.

Genshin is filled to the brim with treasures to find and lands to explore, all with breathtaking graphics, beautiful character designs, and an astounding soundtrack. “Genshin Impact” has its flaws, but it’s well worth your time.

“The Record” by Boygenius: Boy, Is It Genius

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