HoYoverse, formerly known as MiHoYo, is among the biggest Chinese video game companies. Leveraging community, the game development and publishing giant provides one of the most immersive virtual world experiences to players. Some prominent games HoYoverse has produced include Genshin Impact and the Honkai series.
Despite the immersion, figuring out which game to play can be a hassle. Is it an open-world action role-playing or a free-to-play adventure game? In this post, our experts will compare them and help you figure out which game matches your style. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might also want to try Slotozilla games, featuring no downloads and cutting-edge graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG game that features exploration, elemental combats, puzzle-solving, and character collection (gacha). As a result, the game is more suitable for players who enjoy immersive stories and open-world exploration. Not only this, but gamers who fancy fast-paced character switching and real-time combat. Most importantly, individuals who don’t mind spending time to build game characters and enjoy mechanics.
All the action in the game occurs in Teyvat, a fantasy world home to seven nations ruled by different gods and elements. Players control one of four interchangeable characters during battle. As a result, you can try different skills and attack combinations. You can also attempt quests to level up. Meanwhile, a multiplayer mode is available for individuals who wish to partner and join domains.
Playable characters have control over air, earth, fire, water, ice, plants, and electricity. Hence, Genshin Impact is for gamers who enjoy open-world games with deep lore and an intriguing storyline. Besides, you can also play Genshin Impact if you appreciate anime-style visuals, action RPGs, and the excitement of the character gacha systems.
Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai Star Rail is a turn-based role-playing game. It is a part of the Honkai series. They include:
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Houkai Gakuen
- Houkai Gakuen 2
- Honkai Impact 3rd
Star Rail features Trailblazer, a character who travels across planets to connect worlds while resolving disasters. Honkai Star Rail has a classic Japanese role-playing theme. Players build characters and control a team of four in turn-based combat. As a result, each character adopts a unique combat style, role, and damage dealt to opponents.
The game also has a gacha system for collecting characters and upgrading their capabilities. Likewise, the storyline is more linear, with an intricate lore that focuses on a space theme. It combines tactical combats that promote cooperation between characters.
All characters wield one of Abundance, Destruction, Erudition, the Hunt, Harmony, Nihility, and Preservation. Likewise, one of Ice, Wind, Fire, Lightning, Physical, Imaginary, and Quantum combat types. Star Rail is suitable for players who prefer strategic planning over reflex-based combat.
Also, individuals who enjoy thoughtful, tactical decision-making, and turn-based strategy. You will have field time playing the game if you appreciate deep storytelling in a scientific-fiction universe.
Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zero Zone is an urban fantasy action RPG. Its gameplay style features hack-and-slash combat with character switching. Players enjoy the thrill of action-packed combat with almost instant character switching. Meanwhile, a roguelike element that allows gamers to battle several enemy waves makes it intriguing.
Gamers role-play as Wise or Bella, a proxy who helps others navigate a hostile environment. Gamers also recruit new party members called agents to fight other enemies. Zenless Zone Zero has two modes – TV and combat modes. The former resembles a 2D dungeon crawler game, while the combat mode resembles a 3D hack-and-slash-like game.
Although Zenless Zone Zero is played in a post-apocalyptic futuristic environment, it has pocket dimensions called Hollows. Agents wield one of Fire, Ice, Physical, Ether, and Electric. Likewise, one of Anomaly, Attack, Defense, Stun, and Support combat styles.
Zenless Zone Zero is for players who love fast-paced combat. Most importantly, futuristic urban settings. Players who fancy repeatable dungeon runs and roguelike mechanics will also enjoy playing the game. Finally, Zenless Zone Zero is for individuals who like blending supernatural elements with modern aesthetics.
Tears of Themis
Tears of Themis is a visual novel free-to-play adventure game released in 2020 for iOS and Android smartphones. The game has different mechanics, but the main story follows a visual novel format. Players analyze cases by searching crime scenes for evidence and interrogating NPCs. At the end of each chapter, all parties head to a court for a trial, where gamers present evidence that proves the defendant is innocent.
Debates occur during each chapter in a card battle format. The story also has a romance side that explores the characterization of four male leads. As a result, Tears of Themis focuses on dialogue choices and building relationships. In other words, it has fewer combats but is more focused on narrative-driven and investigative gameplay.
Due to its design, Tears of Themis is for players who enjoy solving mysteries, puzzles, and courtroom drama. The style is also more suited for gamers who prefer story-rich experiences over action. So, if you like visual novels or games that involve building relationships, try Tears of Themis.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Honkai Impact 3rd succeeded Houkai Gakuen 2. The free-to-play 3D role-playing game includes social stimulation, hack and slash, dungeon crawling, shoot-em-up, platforming, and bullet hell across single and multiplayer modes. Plus, the game has gacha mechanics and focuses on high-speed combat.
A mix of anime-style storytelling and dynamic visuals make Honkai Impact 3rd more appealing. Not only this, but linear progression through different levels emphasizes skill-based combats that focus on mission-based gaming instead of open-world.
Honkai Impact 3rd is for players who enjoy intense, action-packed combat. Apart from this, it has precise dodging or blocking mechanics. If you’re a fan of anime-style visuals or combo-based combats, you will enjoy the game. Quick mission-based gameplay instead of open-world also adds a touch of brilliance to Honkai Impact 3rd.
Find Your Perfect Match
HoYoverse games offer different styles of play, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you like fast action or prefer strategy, there’s a game for you. Check out the table to see what each game is about and find the one that fits your style best:
Conclusion
HoYoverse has built a solid operation since emerging in February 2012. From open-world to fast-paced, turned-based, visual novel, and urban fantasy action RPG games, there are enough titles for everyone. If you enjoy open-world exploration, try Genshin Impact.
However, if you prefer fast-paced action with hack-and-slash combat, play Honkai Impact 3rd. Honkai Star Rail is for gamers who prefer strategic turn-based RPGs, while roguelike urban fantasy fans are more suited for Zenless Zone Zero. Finally, play Tears of Themis if you enjoy relationship-driven storytelling.
