MeinMMO editor Marie Friske is a huge fan of Genshin Impact. She eagerly awaited the new space RPG from Genshin developer HoYoverse: Honkai: Star Rail. This is her first impression of the new game.
On April 26, 2023, it finally happened and the big release of Honkai: Star Rail was on the agenda. I had been looking forward to HoYoverse’s latest RPG for weeks, which had already completely captured me with Genshin Impact.
On that day, I could hardly wait to dive into the game right after work and get a first impression of Honkai: Star Rail. What started as a “just a quick look” turned into a long gaze into the night, and I can draw an initial conclusion for myself and for you.
Here you can see a trailer for Honkai: Star Rail:
This is how the journey starts
The journey begins at the Herta Space Station, where you, as a player, are thrown directly into the action and confronted with an invasion. Afterwards, you must choose: Similar to Genshin Impact, you can choose between a female and a male protagonist with whom to embark on the space journey.
In fact, my prior knowledge from Genshin Impact helps me quickly familiarize myself with the various features in Honkai: Star Rail. Similar to the original, the new RPG has Stellar Jade. Instead of fates, you use Star Rail passes to pull different characters in a gacha style.
The characters are also the focus here
The focus on the characters and how you learn more about them as the game progresses feels familiar – and I really like it.
Soon I had taken a liking to the lively March 7th and the stoic Dan Heng, who accompany me on my journey, and I wonder what secrets the characters are hiding, especially the mysterious Kafka.
As a charming little feature, I particularly enjoy the SMS exchanges with the various characters, which also reflect their quirks. “World” is my personal Wikipedia, explaining everything in detail on every screenshot. The communication of the Astral Express family resembles a colorful group chat among friends.
Honkai: Star Rail is more self-aware than Genshin Impact
I also find the self-aware nature of the game entertaining in Honkai: Star. Even in Genshin Impact, there were always small humorous details and references, such as a character named “Ella Musk” or the achievement “Boared to Death” when you are defeated by a wild boar.
Honkai: Star Rail takes it up a notch, repeatedly incorporating various references and humorous details, such as conversations with trash cans, which lighten the serious story surrounding the aeons.
The combat system is relaxed
The combat in Honkai: Star Rail is significantly more passive and relaxed. The participants carry out their actions one after the other with a click. Your team members also have special abilities. A Genshin Impact-style ultimate attack is not missing, executed in spectacular animations.
This way, I can also automate some fights and go get new snacks while my team grinds items.
Single player with friend system
In contrast to Genshin Impact, you play alone through Honkai: Star Rail. Since I also enjoy single-player titles, this is not a problem for me. However, those who wish for many interactions with others will probably be disappointed here.
You do have a little indirect exchange with other players through the friend system. Here you can send and accept requests from other people.
You can also set up a “support character” that your friends and other players can use as a team member for battles. As a thank you, you will then receive rewards.
A fun alternative to Genshin Impact
Honkai: Star Rail resembles Genshin Impact in many mechanics, such as items, materials, and most recently the gacha system. The games also overlap with a strong focus on characters, exploration opportunities, and small hidden details.
If you have already played the multiplayer title from HoYoverse, you will discover many parallels and can quickly find your way around.
However, the space RPG also has its own charm, with new, lovable characters, its self-aware nature, and strategic focus.
I can highly recommend Honkai: Star Rail to Genshin Impact fans who also enjoy turn-based battles and want to have fun on their own.
Although the new RPG will never fully replace Genshin Impact for me, as the two games are just too different. However, I consider Honkai: Star Rail to be a great space adventure that I have also embraced in addition to Genshin Impact.
Here you can read about how I discovered my love for Genshin Impact:
