The Problem With Genshin Impact's Modern Character Design

Summary

This video critiques the evolving character design philosophy in *Genshin Impact*, focusing on Version 5's shift toward flashy, gimmicky designs that contrast with the game's original thematic depth. The speaker expresses frustration over the power creep, marketing-driven character choices, and inconsistent visual designs, particularly how they disconnect from cultural themes. Players feel alienated by characters that seem more marketable than meaningful, with a growing sense that *Genshin Impact* is prioritizing sales over the cohesive world-building it once had. The video calls attention to the game's shift toward more conventional gacha-game mechanics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The community around *Genshin Impact* has become more divided in Version 5, particularly regarding character design and performance.
• 😀 Some players feel that the game prioritizes marketability and gimmicks over solid character design and world cohesion.
• 😀 New characters like Shilon and Zali bring fresh life to elements, but there’s a sense that something is off with Version 5 overall.
• 😀 Players are finding the game’s direction more inconsistent, with a sense of detachment from the game's original identity.
• 😀 Character designs in Version 5 are often seen as flashy and over-the-top, losing the cohesive feel of earlier characters.
• 😀 The designs of newer characters, such as Chasa and Mika, seem out of place in the context of *Genshin Impact's* established world.
• 😀 There’s a shift in *Genshin Impact*’s character marketing, with a greater focus on visual appeal rather than cultural or regional cohesion.
• 😀 The designs of certain characters like Mizuki and Vera seem more tailored to attract a specific audience, pushing the boundaries of fan service.
• 😀 The community is divided on how fan service should be integrated into character design, with some characters feeling disconnected from their in-game roles.
• 😀 *Genshin Impact*'s latest characters feel more like cash grabs, with their design focusing on marketability and stats rather than deep character development.
• 😀 Version 5’s characters are powerful in gameplay but fail to evoke the same sense of significance or excitement as earlier *Genshin Impact* characters.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme revolves around the evolving character design and overall direction of 'Genshin Impact' in its Version 5 update. The script focuses on how the game's design has shifted, particularly in terms of character aesthetics, lore, and gameplay, which some players feel detracts from the original charm of the game.

How does the script describe the player base's reaction to Version 5's characters?

The player base is highly divided on Version 5's characters. One faction criticizes Hoyoverse for prioritizing marketability and gimmicks over cohesive character design, while the other defends these changes, claiming that they add a fresh perspective to the game. Despite the higher performance of characters in Version 5, players' sentiment towards them has become more contentious.

Why does the speaker believe that Version 5's characters don't feel like traditional Genshin Impact characters?

The speaker argues that characters in Version 5 seem out of place, feeling more like flashy, gimmicky designs rather than characters that contribute to the world-building or lore. The designs of characters like Shalon, Chasa, and Zali are seen as attention-grabbing but disconnected from the established thematic and cultural elements of previous Genshin regions.

What is the concern with Genshin's character designs, particularly regarding their visual appeal?

The concern is that Hoyoverse seems more focused on making characters visually appealing or pandering to the gacha audience than creating designs that reflect the unique cultures and themes of the game's regions. This shift in focus is seen as a departure from the more cohesive and contextually grounded designs in earlier updates.

How does the script compare Genshin Impact to other gacha games like Arknights or Blue Archive?

The script contrasts Genshin with other gacha games that market themselves as fanservice-heavy or focused on visual appeal, such as Arknights and Blue Archive. In these games, over-the-top character designs are expected and fit within their established tone. In contrast, Genshin initially marketed itself as having a more serious and lore-driven tone, making the recent shift in character design feel out of place.

What specific examples from the script show how Genshin Impact’s recent characters feel disconnected from the game's themes?

Examples like Shalon in roller skates, Chasa riding a floating gun, and Zali with a sentient pillow are highlighted. These designs are visually striking but don't fit the established aesthetic or cultural influences of Genshin’s world, particularly the tribal and prehistoric inspirations of the Nland region.

What does the speaker think about the current power creep in Genshin Impact?

The speaker acknowledges that power creep is a natural part of many long-running gacha games, but expresses concern that it has become more prominent in Genshin Impact. They note that while the characters are powerful, their lack of thematic substance makes them feel like mere numbers and stats designed to drive sales rather than integral parts of the game's world.

How does the speaker feel about the over-the-top marketing for new characters?

The speaker is critical of the trend toward using flashy music videos, comedy trailers, and superficial marketing to promote new characters. They argue that this approach detracts from the depth and seriousness of the characters' storylines and roles within the game, making them feel more like eye candy than well-developed figures.

What is the speaker's opinion on the character of Mizuki and her design?

The speaker is relatively positive about Mizuki's design, noting that her outfit reflects traditional Japanese culture and fits well within the established theme of Inazuma. However, they also mention that some fans found her design to be pandering, as it appears to cater to a certain fanbase, particularly with her maid-like aesthetic.

How does the speaker suggest that Genshin Impact could improve its character design going forward?

The speaker suggests that Genshin Impact could benefit from returning to its roots by focusing on character designs that are more grounded in the cultural and thematic elements of each region. They recommend less emphasis on gimmicks and flashy visuals and more on making characters that reflect the deeper lore and identity of the game's world.