Developer HoYoverse is known for coming up with unique storylines for its popular gacha games, and sci-fi fantasy title Honkai: Star Rail is no different. Since launching in 2023, Honkai: Star Rail has shared stories and worlds that are completely different from each other, giving fans new experiences every time. This year, the game is centered on the Greek-inspired world of Amphoreus.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.0 introduces everyone to the heroic Chrysos Heirs, who are prophesied to collect the Titans’ Coreflames and save Amphoreus from potential ruin. Just like the world itself, the Chrysos Heirs are also based on Greek mythology, which is mostly evident in their design and abilities. While it’s interesting to see Honkai: Star Rail‘s interpretation of Greek myth, it may be wise for HoYoverse to not use the same tactic for future worlds.
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Honkai: Star Rail May Risk Blending in With Other Mythology-Inspired Games
Greek mythology is undeniably one of the most popular sources of inspiration for various media, especially in video games. Titles like God of War and Age of Mythology directly reference settings and popular characters, such as the Olympians, taking some creative liberties to make their stories more engaging. Likewise, the two Hades games do a good job of highlighting some lesser-known gods and deities from the source material.
Although interesting, the gaming space might be oversaturated with Greek myth-inspired stories. This can also be said with Norse, Egyptian, and other well-known mythologies from different regions, especially if they are referencing the same characters over and over. Honkai: Star Rail might fall into this trap as well if HoYoverse makes a habit out of referencing different myths. There’s also a chance that the game might just blend in with other titles that take the same approach.
- Amphoreus: A mysterious land with influences from Greek mythology. Its name also derives from Ancient Greek hot springs, which are also present within the Honkai: Star Rail world.
HoYoverse is no stranger to using mythology as inspiration for its stories and world-building. Honkai Impact 3rd famously references Norse mythology for its characters and various elements in its world. In fact, the Imaginary Tree, which is said to be the origin of all worlds and what connects HoYoverse’s games in a multiverse, is likely a reference to Yggdrasil. Even Zenless Zone Zero has sprinkles of Greek myth references within the game.
Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3rd, and Genshin Impact have a clear connection because they have alternate versions of the same characters. Zenless Zone Zero is said to be a completely separate universe from them.
Granted, Honkai: Star Rail made a smart move by also using lesser-known gods and deities from Greek myth when creating the Chrysos Heirs and Titans. There are a number of NPCs named after different Greek figures as well, with dialogue and side quests that either add a twist or are different from their original stories. In terms of gameplay mechanics, Amphoreus so far delivers a fresh experience to the community, especially with the new Remembrance Path and the Trailblazer’s unique Time Control mechanic, which have been received positively.
It’s still too early to say how HoYoverse will steer Honkai: Star Rail‘s story in the future — devs might continue adding twists based on popular myths or creating a completely original story similar to Penacony’s fantastical direction. Perhaps Honkai: Star Rail could lean in to its sci-fi theme more in a future world, which opens up a lot of possibilities, such as having playable humanoid mech characters like the NPC and rumored future unit Screwllum.
For now, Honkai: Star Rail fans are anticipating the next chapters of the Amphoreus arc, so they can explore other cities and face more fearsome Titans to retrieve the Coreflames. There are also more new characters coming, like the 5-star Honkai: Star Rail character Castorice, who may redefine the gameplay meta this year. Of course, there’s always a chance that HoYoverse might further turn the Greek myth-inspired story on its head, which could be a pleasant surprise for avid players.
- Released
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April 26, 2023
- ESRB
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T for Teen