Genshin Impact test: when free-to-play rhymes with generosity

A real phenomenon that arrived straight from China, Genshin Impact generated 100 million dollars barely two weeks after its release. So we tried our hand at this free-to-play, praised by players around the world. Are we facing a real RPG or a simple title plagued by microtransactions? Discover our opinion in this complete test.

Genshin Impact test: when free-to-play rhymes with generosity Read the conclusion Genshin Impact

Graphically successful on all media
A free-to-play that really does not force the purchase
Very generous content
Well-developed lore

A lower PS4 version (framerate, no cross-save)
Menus not always well optimized (especially on PS4)
Farming sometimes painful
Too basic cooperative multiplayer

Free-to-play does not necessarily have a good press in public opinion. If, as their name suggests, these titles can be downloaded for free, they sometimes hide unpleasant surprises based on microtransactions and other loot boxes. It is therefore with this fear that we launched a certain Genshin Impact. Released on September 28, 2020 on PS4, PC (Windows), iOS and Android, this app developed by miHoYo takes us into a colorful open world in search of our missing twin. At the start of the adventure, the player has the option of choosing a hero or heroine whose appearance cannot be changed. A few seconds later, the game immerses us in the kingdom of Teyvat. The adventure can finally begin...

A plastic dream?

Let's be honest, Genshin Impact is really beautiful. This is the first great success of this Chinese production which opts for an artistic direction which is reminiscent of that of a certain The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (and we will come back to this comparison later). The rendering is even extremely satisfactory on a smartphone, provided you have a phone capable of handling these very successful graphics. Alas, the title is less breathtaking on PS4, the fault of untimely slowdowns and the sometimes late appearance of textures. These imperfections could be corrected in the near future via a patch.

Another good point, the characters also enjoy an exemplary modeling. However, their appearance is not really original and draws generously on the side of Japanese anime. Small disappointment also in terms of the soundtrack, which is far too discreet despite some pleasant songs to listen to. Regarding the voice acting, the player can choose between English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean voices. The Spanish subtitles are fortunately included to allow us to properly appreciate the multitude of dialogues. Because yes, Genshin Impact is a very talkative game.

Rather capricious menus

Overall, the game's huge map is fun to navigate. The latter is revealed over the course of the adventure and contains some secrets to discover. To facilitate exploration, our avatar can cling to any surface to climb it. A stamina gauge that empties with each effort still slows us down. Again, the inspiration of a Breath of the Wild or a Shadow of the Colossus (to name a few) is felt. On the joystick, the controls are also effective, but there are snags that significantly taint the general ergonomics.

For example, the R1 key (on PS4 therefore) is used here to dodge and run, which is quite unusual. The inventory, the map, the quest log or the sheets of our characters are all displayed via a radial menu. It is not uncommon to select an icon inadvertently and thus go to an unwanted section. As for the mobile version, the controls are rather instinctive even if we regret the lack of support for joysticks for those allergic to touch controls.

Download Genshin Impact on Android

Impact-filled battles!

Genshin Impact's epic is punctuated by relatively classic combat. Action-RPG requires, everything is done in real time. Each protagonist has a favorite weapon (sword, bow, magic book, spear...) but also two spells linked to the elements. Indeed, it is necessary to use these powers judiciously according to the weakness of an enemy and the environment which surrounds us. To put it simply, if an opponent is wet, it is recommended to use ice magic to immobilize him or electricity to inflict damage continuously. The elements take a central place in the gameplay. In this, we once again find similarities with Zelda Breath of the Wild. The fire can therefore spread slightly on the grass and the wind makes it easy to move around in a hang glider.

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The bestiary is not very varied but knows how to be tough

Among the recurring criticisms made to the game, we can highlight some animations in combat that are very similar to those of NieR Automata. In its general structure, Genshin Impact borrows a lot of elements from other famous games (like those mentioned before) but is it really a bad thing? Free-to-play still manages to retain its own identity. Among these features, note that our hero is not alone since he is constantly accompanied by three other protagonists. The player can change characters (and then control them) at any time to use their abilities, which can be lifesaving in certain situations.

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Collecting ingredients to cook small dishes is essential to recover health

No need to spend to advance

In the end, Genshin Impact can be enjoyed without ever forcing a purchase. If some characters are only accessible by paying a few euros, they are absolutely not essential to progress effectively. We can still complain about the low chances of obtaining a powerful hero (those with 5 stars) through a wish, that is to say a pack that contains equipment and additional avatars . The drop rate would only be 0,6%. To obtain these wishes, they buy stones or collect by playing primo-gems, then transform them into stones. Like what, playing remains a viable solution to unlock content.

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The first dungeons are simple and allow you to familiarize yourself with the gameplay

After this detail, the title of miHoYo never obliges to take out the wallet to chain the missions. If these quests are sometimes very basic, all are well scripted and can occupy us for several tens of minutes for the longest. The only brake that sometimes turns out to be a bit annoying is the Adventure Level. It increases by completing activities, discovering treasures or simply exploring the world. If it is not high enough, it becomes impossible to access the following quests or even to increase the level of our characters. You then have to farm for hours, which can quickly become frustrating.

Last pitfalls, the multiplayer dimension is forgettable. Friends can join us to clear a dungeon or wander around the map, but that's it... The title is ultimately designed to be done solo. In a completely different area, the PS4 version is once again disadvantaged compared to the others. If it is perfectly possible to continue your game on PC (Windows), iOS and Android media via cross-save, Sony's console simply lacks this essential functionality. It is therefore recommended to embark on the adventure on smartphone or computer.

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The hang-gliding phases also offer beautiful panoramas

Genshin Impact : l'avis de Clubic

Genshin Impact is an honest action-RPG in its content, especially for a "simple" free-to-play. Free access does not in any way taint the progression, which is intended to be fluid and almost always pleasant. The developers have succeeded in creating a coherent universe with worked Lore. If it is perfectly legitimate to rail on a PS4 version below the others or on the flagrant lack of originality at certain levels, the general copy deserves a good note. Genshin Impact stands out in the world of free-to-play!

Test performed on PS4 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20+

Genshin impact

Genshin Impact is a good student in the free-to-play category. The developers could have sold it for several tens of euros and the finding would have been almost similar. The game can be tamed without real difficulty and the artistic direction is really excellent. The technical part would have been irreproachable if the PS4 version had not come to play the spoilsports. Fortunately, the title is full of quests to complete and places to discover. A true example to follow!