Genshin Impact - A Love Letter from a Lost Traveler

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Ah, Genshin Impact. The beautiful, sprawling world of Teyvat, where adventure awaits at every corner, and there's always a new story to uncover, a new character to meet, and a new region to explore. As a former avid player who’s poured countless hours into this game, I can't help but feel both nostalgic and overwhelmed at the thought of rejoining this beloved adventure.

Recently, I installed Zenless Zone Zero, hoping to reignite my love for HoYoverse games. This rekindled interest led me to try getting back into Genshin Impact a few weeks ago, resulting in this review.

The Allure of Teyvat

Let me take you back to the days when I first set foot in this enchanting world. I was a seasoned player of Honkai Impact 3rd, my first love from miHoYo (now HoYoverse). Honkai broke my preconceived notions about mobile games and introduced me to a level of depth, storytelling, and community that I had never imagined (Himekooo!). Naturally, when Genshin Impact was announced, I jumped on board the hype train faster than you can say "Paimon’s Bargains."

As a Genshin content creator, I was part of an amazing community, crafting guides, sharing epic moments, and helping others navigate the vast world of Teyvat. The early days were filled with exploration, mastering the art of the elemental reactions, and eagerly awaiting new updates.

The Overwhelming Urge to Pull

However, as the game grew, so did the number of characters and the compulsion to pull for the latest and greatest. The gacha system, a staple in many mobile games, was both a blessing and a curse. Each new character banner brought the irresistible urge to try my luck, leading to moments of joy and disappointment alike. It's like playing Russian Roulette with your Primogems!

The gacha hell is real. I still remember spending over €400 on Herrscher of the Void during her release in Honkai Impact 3rd. The thrill and despair of those pulls remain unforgettable. Imagine my dilemma as someone who had been away for a while. Returning now feels like opening Pandora’s box of character banners, weapon banners, and limited-time events. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, and the temptation to spend money just to keep up is stronger than ever. I mean, who wouldn't want to pull for the latest 5-star character that everyone on social media is raving about?

The Time Investment Dilemma

The time investment required to stay current in Genshin Impact is no joke. As a returning player, the sheer volume of content is daunting. From new story quests and regions to limited-time events and character ascension materials, the list of tasks seems endless. It’s like stepping into a library filled with all the books you’ve ever wanted to read, but you only have one pair of eyes and limited time.

For someone who has played other HoYoverse titles, this isn't a new experience. Honkai Impact 3rd also demanded significant time investment, but Genshin Impact takes it to another level with its vast open world and continuous content updates. It’s akin to jumping back into an MMORPG after a long hiatus, only to find that your friends are now high-level heroes, and you’re still wearing noob gear.

The Silver Lining: Old Characters Still Shine

Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining that keeps the flame of hope alive. One of Genshin Impact’s strengths is that even older characters can hold their own in the current meta. Characters like Diluc, Venti, and Fischl, who were among the earliest additions to the roster, still pack a punch and can clear content effectively. This is a testament to HoYoverse’s balanced design and commitment to making sure that no character becomes obsolete.

However, the sheer amount of missed content and events can leave a returning player feeling completely lost. The story has moved on, new mechanics have been introduced, and the community has grown and evolved. It’s like re-watching the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the beginning after several years away – exciting, but a bit overwhelming.

Conclusion: A Bittersweet Reunion

Rejoining Genshin Impact as a former player who loves the game and has a history with HoYoverse titles is a bittersweet experience. The world of Teyvat still holds its charm, the characters are as captivating as ever, and the gameplay is top-notch. However, the overwhelming amount of new content, the incessant urge to pull for new characters, and the significant time investment required can make the prospect of returning a daunting one.

For now, I have fun exploring Zenless Zone Zero, which is closer to my first HoYo game, Honkai Impact 3rd in terms of gameplay. Nuh-nah-naaah! Maybe one day I’ll manage to return and be greeted by my C6 Keqing.

Also, still no 120fps+ mode on PC? Come on, HoYoverse!