Summary
- Announced Honkai: Nexus Anima, Honkai's Pokemon-like game with turn-based battles and gacha system.
- HoYoVerse is leveraging Star Rail's elemental dynamics in Nexus Anima for a unique gameplay experience.
- Nexus Anima's mechanics are likely to build on Star Rail's successful framework while introducing new surprises.
The second anniversary of Honkai: Star Rail has been one of the most exciting times to be a fan of the free-to-play RPG, especially since it had a unique concert to start everything off with a bang. Not only did the event embrace almost everything fans loved about Honkai: Star Rail through unique arrangements and live performances, but it also gave players a glimpse at the entire Honkai franchise's future with a new game announcement.
After months of rumors that HoYoVerse was developing a game like Pokemon, a trailer featuring Honkai's Kiana and Star Rail's Blade sending cute creatures into battle has confirmed it. The teaser trailer is the only thing fully revealed so far, but private X accounts have been registered with the name "Honkai: Nexus Anima" which lends well to the game's concepts. While the term "Nexus" hints towards HoYoVerse's crossover elements in the trailer being part of the final product, the Pokemon-inspired game has grounds to take more inspiration from Star Rail than other Honkai installments.
HoYoverse's Honkai: Nexus Anima Rumors Explained
HoYoverse's supposed new game, Honkai: Nexus Anima, has been leaked, and the rumors surrounding it are filled with exciting details.
Honkai's Upcoming Pokemon-like Game Could Show Off What HoYoVerse Learned From Star Rail
Considering HoYoVerse's track record with its previous releases, Nexus Anima is almost certainly going to be yet another free-to-play gacha game in the company's strong lineup. How exactly the gacha system will work, focusing on either critters or character and monster combinations, hasn't been made clear yet. There's something to be said about combining Pokemon-like collectible creatures with what's been criticized as a predatory microtransaction model, but it works well for frequent Genshin and Star Rail players who enjoy collecting the characters at their own pace.
However, one key link between Star Rail and Pokemon might be why Honkai is taking this next step over Genshin Impact. Out of all of HoYoVerse's three popular titles, Star Rail sits as the only turn-based RPG. More specifically, it is a turn-based RPG that uses elemental weaknesses to emphasize team-building mechanics and drive players to its gacha for stronger types of characters. To fans of Game Freak's regional adventure, this structure may sound familiar outside the rate-based gameplay.
Star Rail already has a good foundation within it that could help form whatever systems Nexus Anima will use whenever it releases. Between Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and Star Rail itself, though, HoYoVerse doesn't make a habit of using the same mechanics throughout its free-to-play titles. Each one is fundamentally different, which means Honkai: Nexus Anima will likely have its own gameplay style, but that doesn't mean that it won't start with what Star Rail already does and build upon it.
With what's known about Honkai: Nexus Anima so far, the Pokemon similarities are almost all but confirmed. HoYoVerse not only has a focus on free-to-play gacha games, but Star Rail's type dynamics can be seen in Genshin and ZZZ as well. Honkai: Star Rail is arguably the one that defines its character growth and turn-based battles around it the most, though, and considering it's one of the more profitable entries to the Honkai franchise, it would make sense for HoYoVerse to use it as a guiding star for the series' future.
Which HoYoVerse Games Could Inspire Nexus Anima
Beyond the one trailer that's shown, though, there isn't anything else confirmed for Honkai: Nexus Anima yet. While some things are staples that the developers of the Honkai franchise have used in many of its different titles, each game of theirs typically has its own direction. Star Rail players likely won't be too alienated by what Nexus Anima brings to the table, but they should be prepared for some wholly new mechanics to enter the fray alongside some surprises. HoYoVerse already has adorable animal companions such as Amber's Baron Bunny in Genshin and Star Rail's own Topaz and Numby behind them as great examples of what's likely to come, so there's a very high chance that a fourth high-earning RPG is on the way, no matter what comes next.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 90%
- Released
- April 26, 2023
- ESRB
- Teen / Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Publisher(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
WHERE TO PLAY
They call them, "Aeons" in this galaxy. They construct reality, erase stars, and leave their marks on countless worlds. Together with your companions you'll travel across the galaxy on the Astral Express, following the path once traveled by the Aeons. From here, you will explore new civilizations, meet new comrades, and begin new adventures among countless fantastical worlds. All the answers you seek will be uncovered among the stars.
Well what're you waiting for? Are you ready to begin this trailblazing journey?
Honkai: Star Rail is a new HoYoverse space fantasy RPG. Hop aboard the Astral Express and experience the galaxy's infinite wonders filled with adventure and thrills.
Players will meet new companions across various worlds and maybe even run into some familiar faces. Overcome the struggles together caused by Stellaron and unravel the hidden truths behind it! May this journey lead us starward!
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Turn-Based RPG
