The Chinese studio MiHoyo, known thanks to Genshin Impact for its most recent success, has other games in its catalog such as Honkai Impact or Zombiegal Kawaii. Today, we bring you two glimpses that Onidra and I were able to have briefly during this gamescom 2022.
Honkai Star Rail
For those who have been able to play Honkai Impact, you can find several characters under a different identity, as well as the universe, since they are interconnected. I had the opportunity to test it on a tablet, which offers very good ergonomics, in addition to graphics that are absolutely correct and faithful to the saga.
We find ourselves embarked on a "challenge" in a part of the city, opening doors and fighting elementary enemies. A good apprenticeship in the mechanics of the game. This turn-based is quite clean and has a skill system that invites you to choose the attack you want between the two available. In addition to the limit that can be cast at any time, including during enemy turns.
We control a total of four characters, each linked to element (in the team I had in my hands), including a tank that has a taunt and a limit that puts a shield on everyone. A good team able to resist the boss who waits at the end of the challenge and presents a significant power. Despite everything, I beat him relatively easily!
The conclusion is clear: we feel exactly what we can expect from the license. A universe already set. "Cute" characters (to put it mildly...). Well-oiled mechanics. After a second beta phase which ended on June 15, the title is being refined, either for its launch or for a third beta phase (more information to come on this subject). On the other hand, the game will surely be a Gacha like its predecessors, be warned!
Genshin Impact (Onidra)
On the public stand, I had the opportunity to test version 3.0 entitled "Dawn granting a thousand roses" of the open-world action RPG, an update released for everyone shortly before, on August 24th. On the program, not only Sumeru, the fourth of the game's seven nations, but also the arrival of the Dendro mechanics, the seventh and final piece of the game's elementary system.
My walk began with a visit to the vast region of Sumeru, an area divided into two main parts: the rainforest and the desert. We tried to find a few hotspots, like Sumeru Town and Port Ormos, but the person introducing me to the game seemed to discover just as much as I did, so we just wandered through a wide plain. But it was pretty, there's no denying it, with a pleasant animation, and a character capable of climbing any wall in the open world.
Regarding the Dendro mechanics, I admit that I took the press release, because it was not clear:
The Dendro element can cause three basic reactions with the Pyro, Hydro, and Electro elements: Burn, Bloom, and Catalyze. In combat, these last two can evolve into other reactions. When Dendro comes into contact with Hydro, the Bloom reaction creates one or more Dendro Cores which explode after a delay to deal Dendro DMG. If these Dendro Cores come into contact with Pyro or Electro before detonating, they can trigger the Burgeoning Reaction and increase their area Dendro DMG, or trigger the Exuberance Reaction which turns Dendro Cores into sprawling projectiles pursuing enemies. The Catalyze reaction stems from Dendro and Electro and can apply the Boost state to enemies and increase the DMG dealt by the next Dendro or Electro attack by triggering the Spread or Overactivate reactions.
This characteristic is offered to some of the enemies of the Sumeru rainforest, plants or creatures, especially fungi, which have evolved into a particular species called Fungus. But they are also two new playable characters:
- Tighnari (five stars) is a young researcher with a big heart, an excellent teacher and a forest ranger. His elemental charged attack and burst deal Dendro DMG repeatedly.
- Collei, Tighnari's student, joins the adventure as a four-star character. It is obtained for free by completing the 3.0 themed event, “Sculpture of Innocence”.
In addition, note the addition of Dori, a four-star Electro support character. She restores HP and Energy for nearby team members with her elemental rampage, and fights with a two-handed sword. Tighnari, Collei, and Zhongli will be available in the two events of the first part of the update, followed by Dori and the returns of Ganyu and Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Summary
Honkai Star Rail is true to its predecessors with slick gameplay and a cool vibe. Genshin Impact offers a new area that should add substantial content in addition to other things for players who are already addicted to the game. Something tells me that the Hoyoverse still has a very bright future ahead of it.
https://www.hoyoverse.com/fr-fr
