Genshin Impact

The story of Genshin Impact receives praise for its engaging world-building, character-driven narratives, and immersive exploration. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com highlight the well-written main quests and substantial storytelling in side content, while Merlin'in Kazanı lauds the rich lore surrounding Teyvat’s Archons and the depth of both main and side stories. Destructoid and The Digital Fix commend the game’s memorable characters and optional lore elements, with the latter calling the narrative “legitimately captivating” due to its voiced cutscenes and methodical quest structure. MGG Spain emphasizes the story’s compelling structure and engaging content, noting that it stands out against top-tier games. These reviews underscore the game’s ability to balance a framework for exploration with meaningful character interactions and a vibrant fantasy world. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the narrative’s execution. Everyeye.it criticizes the story for being slow-paced, clichéd, and lacking originality, while IGN and Wccftech highlight issues like repetitive anime tropes, poor pacing due to XP-gating, and an incomplete structure that leaves players unsatisfied. Game Rant and MMORPG.com note the plot’s reliance on exploration over depth, with characters feeling stereotypical and cutscenes skippable without consequence. GameSkinny and MGG mention the MMO-like quest structure and the passive nature of the Traveler protagonist, which some find unengaging. Additionally, 3DJuegos and Eurogamer Italy point to narrative inconsistencies, such as irrelevant conversations and a lack of resolution in key story arcs, undermining its potential. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while Genshin Impact’s story is serviceable and engaging for many, it faces criticism for its reliance on familiar tropes, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped narrative depth. Malditos Nerds and MGG Spain acknowledge the potential for growth through future updates and character-driven content, while Eurogamer Italy and PCMag praise the world’s richness despite the story’s shortcomings. The game’s strengths in exploration, character development, and lore often mitigate its narrative flaws, making it a compelling experience for players prioritizing atmosphere over groundbreaking storytelling. Despite mixed reviews, the majority agree that Genshin Impact’s story serves as a solid foundation for its expansive world, even if it falls short of being truly exceptional.

The gameplay of Genshin Impact is widely praised for its innovative blend of open-world exploration, elemental combat mechanics, and strategic depth. Critics consistently highlight the game’s emphasis on elemental reactions, which allow players to create dynamic and creative combat scenarios through synergies between characters and environments. For instance, IGN Italia and Destructoid commend the game’s ability to balance action RPG elements with unique systems like environmental puzzles and party member swapping, while Vandal and GameSpot note the engaging variety of activities, from dungeons to cooking and crafting. The gacha system for character acquisition is also seen as a strength, offering players diverse abilities and customization options, though some critics (like Wccftech) acknowledge its potential tedium. Additionally, the game’s open-world design, inspired by titles like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, is lauded for its freedom and discovery, with MGG and 3DJuegos praising the seamless integration of climbing, swimming, and exploration mechanics. The core loop of exploration, combat, and progression is frequently described as addictive and rewarding, with IGN and Everyeye.it emphasizing its replayability and depth. Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable drawbacks in the gameplay. Repetition and grind are recurring criticisms, particularly in later stages. IGN Italia and PCMag note that resource farming and artifact collection can feel tedious, while Merlin'in Kazanı criticizes the cumbersome movement mechanics in Sumeru, which detract from the otherwise immersive experience. The gacha system, while praised for its variety, is also seen as a double-edged sword: PCMag and Wccftech highlight its randomness and potential for pay-to-win concerns, and Malditos Nerds mention that some mechanics, like the lack of a dagger-based class, feel incomplete. Additionally, multiplayer limitations are a point of contention, with Multiplayer.it and Game Rant pointing out restrictions on co-op activities and character usage. Critics like TheXboxHub and Hardcore Gamer also note that later-game content can become repetitive, with fetch quests and level caps feeling restrictive despite the game’s initial promise. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Genshin Impact’s gameplay is a standout feature. While acknowledging its flaws, reviewers like Destructoid, Vandal, and Game Rant emphasize that the game’s strengths—such as its strategic combat, rich world-building, and engaging progression systems—far outweigh its shortcomings. The elemental mechanics, open-world exploration, and character customization are frequently cited as defining elements that set the game apart, even as some critics (like GameStar and PC Gamer) note that certain design choices, such as microtransactions and grind-heavy endgame content, prevent it from fully competing with AAA titles. Ultimately, Genshin Impact is seen as a highly polished and immersive experience that successfully balances accessibility with depth, making it a compelling choice for fans of action RPGs. As GameSpot and Meristation conclude, the game’s ability to evolve from simple mechanics to complex strategies ensures its lasting appeal despite minor imperfections.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise Genshin Impact’s graphics and visual design, highlighting its artistic direction, vibrant aesthetics, and immersive world-building. Reviewers consistently commend the game’s distinct regional designs, such as Mondstadt’s European-inspired architecture, Inazuma’s feudal Japan motifs, and Sumeru’s Middle Eastern influences, which create a richly varied open world (Merlin'in Kazanı, Jeuxvideo.com). The anime-inspired art style, characterized by cel-shaded visuals, dynamic color palettes, and lush environments, is frequently lauded for its beauty and creativity. For instance, IGN describes Teyvat as “absolutely gorgeous” with breathtaking vistas, while Eurogamer Italy praises the detailed landscapes and vibrant colors. The game’s attention to environmental storytelling—such as interactive elements like glowing critters or seasonal changes (MMORPG.com)—further enhances its visual appeal. Critics like PC Gamer and 3DJuegos note that the stylized design remains engaging even after extended playtime, with regions like Mondstadt and Liyue offering unique, visually striking experiences. Despite these accolades, several critics point to technical and design shortcomings. Performance issues on older platforms, particularly the PS4, are a recurring concern, with Critical Hit noting poor frame rates and Everyeye.it citing stuttering and frame drops. Some reviewers criticize generic elements in character designs and environments, with GameSpot and GameSkinny arguing that landscapes and characters lack distinctiveness compared to other fantasy games. Additionally, technical flaws like pop-in effects (Twinfinite), low-quality textures (Vandal), and awkward UI scaling on PC/PS4 (Game Rant) detract from the experience. While these issues are often framed as minor, they highlight the game’s uneven optimization across platforms. RPG Fan also mentions aliasing in city areas and odd camera angles, which can disrupt immersion despite the overall visual charm. The consensus among critics is that Genshin Impact’s graphics and visual design are a standout strength, with most acknowledging its artistic innovation and immersive world. While technical limitations and occasional generic elements are noted, these are frequently overshadowed by the game’s vibrant art style and meticulous attention to detail. IGN, Destructoid, and TheSixthAxis all emphasize that the visuals are a major selling point, even as they acknowledge platform-specific flaws. The diversity of regional aesthetics and the game’s ability to balance stylized charm with exploration-driven design (as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and PCMag) reinforce its appeal. Ultimately, the overwhelming positive reception—echoed by outlets like 3DJuegos, MGG Spain, and Eurogamer Italy—underscores that Genshin Impact’s visual design is a defining feature of its success, even if it isn’t without its imperfections.

The sound design and music of Genshin Impact are overwhelmingly praised by critics, with many highlighting their ability to enhance immersion and complement the game’s vast, diverse world. Multiple reviewers emphasize the soundtrack’s regional diversity, noting how it adapts to different cultures and environments. For instance, Merlin’in Kazanı points out that Inazuma’s Enkanomiya features unique musical elements that reflect its setting, while 3DJuegos and Eurogamer Italy praise orchestral compositions by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra, respectively, which blend relaxing themes with natural sounds to create an immersive atmosphere. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com describe the original soundtrack (OST) as a “joyau” (jewel), available on streaming platforms, underscoring its quality and accessibility. Additionally, PCMag and Screen Rant highlight the dynamic nature of the music, which shifts with environmental contexts and emotional beats, making it a memorable and emotionally resonant experience. The integration of distinct regional themes—such as classical melodies in Mondstadt or oriental tones in Liyue, as noted by Meristation—further reinforces the game’s world-building through sound. While the majority of reviews celebrate the soundtrack, some critiques focus on minor shortcomings or specific aspects. RPG Fan mentions inconsistencies in voice acting, including lip-sync issues and uneven script quality, though this pertains more to dialogue than music itself. TheXboxHub criticizes Paimon’s overly sweet voice as grating over time, a point that reflects on audio design but not the broader musical composition. Additionally, Everyeye.it notes the absence of Italian subtitles as a drawback for some players, though this is a localization issue rather than a sound design flaw. Several reviews, such as those from Malditos Nerds and IGN, lack detailed analysis of sound effects or specific musical compositions, focusing instead on broader themes. These critiques are relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim, suggesting that while the audio elements are largely successful, there is room for refinement in certain areas. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music consistently regarded as a standout feature of Genshin Impact. The majority of reviewers, including IGN, MGG, and MMORPG.com, emphasize the orchestral quality, dynamic themes, and cultural authenticity that elevate the game’s atmosphere. Even critiques that point to minor issues—such as voice acting or localization gaps—are overshadowed by the普遍 praise for the soundtrack’s ability to enhance exploration, combat, and emotional engagement. As 3DJuegos and Eurogamer Italy note, the music’s regional specificity and orchestral depth create a cohesive and immersive experience that aligns with the game’s fantastical setting. While no review is entirely without criticism, the collective sentiment underscores that Genshin Impact’s sound design and music are not just functional but integral to its success, earning it high marks across platforms and regions.

The voice acting in Genshin Impact receives generally positive acclaim from multiple critics, particularly highlighting its immersive quality and alignment with the game’s fantasy setting. GameSkinny praises the "full English voice acting" for effectively capturing the game’s world and genre, while God is a Geek lauds it as "incredible," noting how it brings characters to life in quests. The Digital Fix emphasizes that "quests are voiced with a talented cast," adding depth to the narrative, and PC Gamer highlights the "expressive and energetic" performances, especially for characters beyond Paimon. Additionally, Noisy Pixel commends the "stellar" Japanese and English voice tracks, and Games.cz strongly praises the English voice acting as "highly praised." These reviews collectively underscore the effort put into making the dialogue feel dynamic and engaging, enhancing the game’s storytelling. However, several critics point to notable flaws in the voice acting, particularly regarding tonal consistency and technical execution. IGN repeatedly criticizes the "occasional obligatory over-the-top anime voice acting," suggesting some characters’ performances feel exaggerated or forced. Wccftech describes the English voice acting as "stilted" with dialogue that feels unnatural, while 3DJuegos notes synchronization issues between facial animations and dialogue, calling it a minor flaw. TheXboxHub specifically targets Paimon’s voice as "excessively sweet" and annoying over time, and RPG Fan points to lip-sync discrepancies and script errors despite generally solid localization. These critiques highlight concerns about the balance between stylistic choices and technical polish, particularly in how certain characters’ voices may detract from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s ambition and contribution to Genshin Impact’s immersive world-building. While many praise its quality, variety, and emotional depth—particularly in cutscenes and character interactions (as noted by GameSpot and The Digital Fix)—others point to specific issues like over-the-top performances or technical inconsistencies. IGN’s repeated criticism of "obligatory" voice acting contrasts with the enthusiasm from outlets like Noisy Pixel and Games.cz, suggesting that while the voice work is largely effective, it occasionally falls short in execution. The divide reflects differing expectations for how anime-style dialogue should be delivered, with some critics valuing its stylistic flair and others finding it jarring. Despite these critiques, the majority agree that the voice acting significantly enhances the game’s narrative and emotional resonance.

The technical performance of Genshin Impact varies across platforms, with notable strengths on newer hardware. On PS5, critics like Jeuxvideo.com praise stable 60 FPS, cross-save functionality, and fixes for PS4-specific issues such as frame-rate problems. PlayStation Universe highlights improved loading times (10 seconds vs. 90 on PS4) and enhanced visuals, though it notes the lack of full DualSense feature utilization. For PC, 3DJuegos and PCMag commend smooth performance even on lower-end hardware, with 60 FPS at 1440p, while Noisy Pixel acknowledges strong PC optimization despite minor thermal throttling concerns. Mobile versions receive mixed feedback: IGN notes "occasional hiccups" but overall stability, and Screen Rant highlights cross-progression across platforms. Xbox Series X sees praise for its polished core experience, though TheXboxHub mentions camera issues and pop-in during exploration. Negatives are more pronounced on older or less optimized platforms. On PS4, multiple critics like Everyeye.it, Game Rant, and Twinfinite report frame-rate drops (30–10fps), stuttering, and long load times, with Gamers Heroes criticizing co-op lag and Malditos Nerds noting inconsistent 60 FPS on Pro. PC faces UI issues (Game Rant) and controller mapping flaws (TheSixthAxis), while Hardcore Gamer highlights dialogue errors and a lack of customizable controls. Mobile struggles with limited controller support (Screen Rant), and Xbox Series X has camera glitches (TheXboxHub). Additionally, 3DJuegos points out PS4's frame drops and absence of cross-save, while Multiplayer.it notes co-op frame-rate inconsistencies and texture bugs. These issues collectively underscore platform-specific optimization challenges. Overall, the consensus is that Genshin Impact performs best on newer hardware like PS5 and PC, where technical hurdles are minimal, while PS4 and mobile versions face more persistent issues despite general stability. Critics like PlayStation Universe and 3DJuegos emphasize the PS5’s improved performance and cross-platform convenience, whereas Everyeye.it and Twinfinite highlight PS4’s frame-rate inconsistencies as significant drawbacks. While IGN and Eurogamer Italy acknowledge minor hiccups across platforms, they agree that technical flaws are often manageable or temporary. The game’s cross-save functionality and visual improvements on newer systems (e.g., Jeuxvideo.com) contrast with older platform limitations, suggesting a mixed but generally favorable reception for its technical execution.

The majority of reviewers highlight Genshin Impact’s strong replay value through its continuous updates, expansive open world, and diverse content. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and IGN emphasize that the game avoids monotony via regular additions such as events, side quests, and exploration opportunities, while Critical Hit notes the endless discovery even after weeks of play. The Spiral Abyss, co-op multiplayer, and character variety further enhance longevity, with Malditos Nerds and Meristation praising the free-to-play model’s generosity in rewards and the allure of collecting characters. Additionally, IGN Italia and TheXboxHub highlight the game’s addictive loop of discovery and progression, ensuring players remain engaged for hundreds of hours. The promise of future updates and expanded maps also contributes to sustained interest, as noted by Games.cz and 3DJuegos. However, several critics point to limitations in long-term engagement. Merlin'in Kazanı and God is a Geek criticize the endgame for relying on repetitive tasks and requiring significant monetary investment, which may alienate some players. PC Gamer and PCMag mention the grind of artifact farming and resin systems as potential drawbacks, while Gamers Heroes and RPG Fan note that repetition in exploration and quest completion can diminish appeal over time. GameSpot and Wccftech also point to gated content based on rank progression, which might frustrate players seeking unrestricted access. Additionally, IGN Italia and MGG Spain acknowledge that the free-to-play model’s monetization strategies could create uneven experiences, potentially reducing replayability for those who dislike microtransactions. Overall, the consensus leans toward high replay value, with most critics agreeing that Genshin Impact’s vast content, dynamic updates, and engaging mechanics make it a long-term investment. While concerns about endgame repetition and monetization are present, they are often balanced by praise for the game’s evolving nature and player-driven progression. IGN and Critical Hit stand out for their emphatic support of the game’s addictive design, while Vandal and Noisy Pixel acknowledge that the grind, though tedious for some, is offset by the satisfaction of exploration and character customization. The divide between positive and negative feedback reflects the game’s polarizing aspects, but the majority of reviewers agree that Genshin Impact remains a compelling experience for those who embrace its live-service model and open-world ambitions.