Created Date: 2024-03-30
Edited Date: 2024-05-17
Honkai Impact 3rd: Thrilling Action Based on Tense Timing!
- The level of polish is unbelievable for a game that's 8 years old
- Simple controls but thrilling combat elements through tense gameplay
- As a mobile game, it can be tiring and become monotonous, but there are event contents aimed to overcome this
Index
Game Introduction
In 2016, a game was released that could be considered the epitome of modern collectible subculture games, a title that paved the way for "Genshin Impact", known as the best collectible RPG. This game is "Honkai Impact 3rd".
2016 marked a period when the smartphone market was just entering its mature phase, and the performance improvements in mobile devices were stabilizing. For instance, the application of 'octa-core' in smartphone chipsets allowed for various experiments in gaming.
Of course, this doesn't mean that there's no difference in graphics or gameplay between games from that time and now. However, if there was a vague reluctance towards mobile games from 8 years ago regarding their graphics or gameplay, seeing Honkai Impact 3rd might change your mind. Even now, its sophisticated UI, handsome character designs, decent 3D graphics, and deep gameplay make it almost indistinguishable from newer titles. In fact, its unique gameplay has allowed it to be loved for a long time and stand out among the ephemeral mobile games as a long-lasting title.
Main Fun Element: Thrill
A common feeling when playing Honkai Impact 3rd is undoubtedly 'thrill'. As an action game, it excels in delivering exhilarating experiences, primarily through its 'tense gameplay'.
The first thing that catches the eye is undoubtedly the visual effects. Honkai Impact 3rd utilizes various visual effects to deliver fun. The combo and skill effects are both flashy and powerful. These effects not only motivate the player to continue their combo but also bring a sense of loss similar to rhythm games if the combo is broken.
The combat system is designed to be easy to play but also to feel 'tense'. First and foremost is the 'QTE' system. QTEs are combat skills that automatically activate when switching characters. Honkai Impact 3rd, being an action game where players control characters from their deck, allows for character switching that can trigger powerful QTEs if conditions are met. These conditions vary by character, but when a QTE condition is satisfied, a flashing signal effect appears, and during this period, switching characters can activate the QTE. In other words, if you attempt to switch characters after the signal has ended, the QTE won't activate. Therefore, players need to quickly touch the screen before the signal ends to utilize the QTE.
The 'Ultimate Evasion' system also uses a timer to create a sense of 'tension'. If a dodge is used right before being hit by a monster or boss attack, Ultimate Evasion activates, slowing down the enemy's motion and starting the Ultimate Evasion Scene. Successful Ultimate Evasion allows the player to seize the initiative in attacking, serving as a motivation for its use. The conditions for triggering are relatively easy, allowing players to feel a sense of skill mastery more readily.
Limitations
However, the game has a considerable amount of in-game content, most of which are similar types of combat content, leading to feelings of monotony and fatigue. This can make the game feel tiring and potentially drive players away if they spend too much time playing.
Especially as a mobile game, the fatigue from controls is unavoidable for an action game like Honkai Impact 3rd. After enjoying content that requires continuous combat like 'Q-mainifold' or 'Past Paradise', players may feel daunted to proceed with other content.
To overcome this, Honkai Impact 3rd utilizes event content. Its event contents are non-combat. As of writing this article (2024-03-30), an event called 'A Feast Sought in Data!' is ongoing, featuring a mini-game event similar to MintRocket's 'Dave the Diver', and previously, Space Pin Ball, ArkNights, Plant and Zombie and other games have been featured as various mini-game events. This serves as a means to keep players engaged and prevent them from leaving due to combat fatigue and monotony.
Conclusion
Despite being an older game, Honkai Impact 3rd continues to be beloved as a subculture game with distinctive action qualities. Its tense action sets it apart even among other subculture titles with superior graphics. This aspect has maintained its high quality compared to newly released games, solidifying its position as a reference among the latest collectible games. Moreover, being a mobile and action game, it impressively overcomes the potential for fatigue with new event content, making a lasting impression.
Recommended For
If you enjoy action and are open to subculture themes, Honkai Impact 3rd comes highly recommended.
Ddoddo's Game Review is written, following these four principles for objectivity:
1. Only 'fun games' that have actually been played are covered truthfully.
2. No specific developer, individual, or work is disparaged.
3. The composition of review posts is kept the same or similar.
4. Comparative expressions are avoided, and no ratings are given.