The Hoyoverse grows
The latest entry in Hoyoverse’s expanding library of games is here.Honkai: Star Railleaves the station on April 26, bringing rolls and RPG battles to the stars.
But for those who have already spent a lot of time with Hoyoverse’s other live service titles, especiallyGenshin Impact, you might be wondering what the differences and similarities are. While some things carry over, these are two different games. Here’s how.
IsHonkai Star Railan open world game?
A big difference betweenGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Railis in its world.Genshin Impacthas a large open world, with different areas and zones you can enter for specific content. While there are certainly segmented-off areas, the overworld section is expansive, with traversal options and everything.
By contrast,Honkai: Star Raildoes notappear to be open world. There are areas in the game that allow free-roaming and exploration, but early beta players have likened it to more “open area” than open-world in the wayGenshin, or even something likeBreath of the Wild, is.
You are able to roam around various maps and levels, exploring along the way, but not in a fully open world likeGenshin‘s. A good comparison point would be many modern RPGs, from something likeFinal Fantasy VII RemaketoTales of Arise. There is not a contiguous, open area.
Other differences between the two
Those comparisons feel apt becauseHonkai: Star Railis a turn-based RPG, as opposed toGenshin Impact‘s real-time action-RPG fights. Battles take place in a strategic, turn-by-turn system in their own little world, rather than fighting in real time, out on the open world.
Also, whileGenshinis a more classic fantasy setting, where any technology is specific and a little more limited in its use.Honkai, by comparison, is science fiction, with a star-faring train and more prevalent, advanced technology.
What do they have in common?
Well, both games are made by Hoyoverse.GenshinandHonkaiboth share an anime-inspired look, with characters that pop off the screen. And, coincidentally, both are free-to-play games with gacha-style systems, where you’re able to “roll” for new characters.
So while there are some significant differences, there is still some overlap betweenHonkaiandGenshin, for those who enjoy free-to-play live service games and gorgeous characters to collect.
