Released in September 2020 by Chinese developer miHoYo (now HoYoverse), Genshin Impact took the gaming world by storm with its breathtaking open world, real-time combat system, and gacha-based character acquisition. What began as a free-to-play title inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, blending anime aesthetics, deep lore, elemental combat, and live-service content updates. But does it maintain long-term appeal, or is it simply a visual spectacle? This review covers the full journey of Genshin Impact, from launch to its current version, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and evolution.

1. Origins and Launch: A Bold Bet from China

The Rise of HoYoverse

Prior to Genshin Impact, miHoYo was best known for Honkai Impact 3rd, a successful mobile action RPG. With Genshin Impact, they aimed to push boundaries by creating a cross-platform, open-world experience with high production value.

Launch Details

• Release Date: September 28, 2020

• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Android, iOS (with a Nintendo Switch version in development)

• Monetization: Free-to-play with gacha system

Its simultaneous worldwide release with voice-overs in multiple languages made it a rare global launch from a Chinese studio, instantly drawing comparisons to AAA games.

2. Gameplay and Combat System: Fast, Fluid, Elemental

Real-Time Action with Depth

Genshin Impact’s core gameplay revolves around real-time combat enhanced by an elemental reaction system. Players build a party of four characters, each aligned with one of seven elements: Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Anemo, Cryo, Geo, and Dendro.

Combat Mechanics Include

• Elemental combos like Vaporize, Melt, Superconduct

• Charged and normal attacks with dodging

• Switching characters mid-fight for combos

This system adds strategic depth beyond traditional hack-and-slash, encouraging synergy between characters and playstyles.

3. World Design and Exploration: Teyvat’s Magic

Immersive and Expansive

The world of Teyvat is divided into multiple regions, each inspired by real-world cultures. From the Chinese-themed Liyue to the Japanese-inspired Inazuma, and the French-inspired Fontaine, exploration is rewarding and visually captivating.

Exploration Features

• Climbing, swimming, gliding mechanics

• Dynamic weather and day-night cycle

• World puzzles, secret quests, and chests

Genshin’s exploration is non-linear, giving players freedom to engage with the world at their own pace, supported by a compelling soundtrack and environmental storytelling.

4. Character System and Gacha Mechanics

Unlocking Heroes

Characters are unlocked primarily through the Wish system, a gacha-based mechanism that uses in-game currency (Primogems) to roll for characters and weapons.

Key Aspects of Character System

• Each character has a unique weapon type and elemental skill

• Character progression includes leveling, talents, constellations

• Rarity ranges from 4-star to 5-star units

While characters are well-designed and highly appealing, the gacha monetization can be controversial due to its low drop rates and RNG-based system.

5. Story and Lore: Deep, Expansive, and Ongoing

The Journey of the Traveler

Players take on the role of the Traveler, searching for their lost twin while unraveling the mysteries of Teyvat’s nations and gods. Each region introduces its own storyline, rooted in themes of freedom, contracts, eternity, and justice.

Narrative Strengths

• Fully voiced story quests

• Complex political and moral themes

• World lore through books, artifacts, and NPCs

The story is delivered through Archon Quests (main story) and Character Story Quests, with high production quality and emotional depth.

6. Events, Live Service, and Seasonal Updates

A Game That Evolves Constantly

Genshin Impact is a live-service game that introduces new characters, events, and regions every few months. Limited-time events often include mini-games, story chapters, and co-op challenges.

Update Cycle Includes

• Major version updates every 6-7 weeks

• Festivals like Lantern Rite and Windblume

• Event currencies and temporary game modes

These events keep the game fresh, though some players criticize the time-gated progression and FOMO elements.

7. Visuals, Soundtrack, and Art Style

Aesthetic Excellence

From anime-styled characters to lush environments, Genshin Impact is visually stunning. The art direction balances vibrant colors with intricate details, while maintaining performance across platforms.

Audio & Music

• Dynamic orchestral score by HOYO-MiX

• Regional themes with cultural instrumentation

• Fully voiced in 4 languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

The music of each region is memorable and thematic, enhancing immersion and emotional impact during exploration and combat.

8. Multiplayer and Co-Op Functionality

Adventure Together

Players can join up to three friends in co-op to tackle domains, bosses, and events. While not fully open-world multiplayer, the system supports casual group play.

Limitations Include

• Story content and quests are single-player only

• Limited control for hosts in co-op

• Certain features like dialogue scenes and cooking are disabled

While enjoyable, co-op feels limited, and many fans hope for future improvements to multiplayer depth.

9. Community, Monetization, and Cultural Impact

A Global Phenomenon

Genshin Impact boasts a massive global community across Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, and fan forums. It has inspired cosplay, fan art, memes, merchandise, and even concerts and anime announcements.

Monetization Model

• Gacha via Primogems and Wishes

• Battle Pass and monthly card options

• No ads or paywalls for story content

While monetization is aggressive for high-tier collectors, the game remains playable without spending money, and F2P users can still clear most content with skill and strategy.

Conclusion: A Modern Masterpiece with Room to Grow

Genshin Impact has redefined what’s possible for free-to-play games. With its breathtaking visuals, complex world-building, and dynamic combat, it offers a console-quality experience across multiple platforms. Its evolving story and expansive map keep players coming back, while the live-service model ensures fresh content nearly every month.