Genshin Impact vs. Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Inspiration or Imitation? Let’s Settle This, Shall We?
Let’s cut to the chase. You’ve heard the chatter: “Genshin Impact? Just a Breath of the Wild knockoff!” That comparison started when Genshin entered the scene and sported its anime aesthetic. Many quickly labeled it as a “clone.”
Is it as straightforward as that? Is Genshin Impact merely borrowing Zelda’s fame? Or is there more to this tale? Let’s examine this tricky situation and find some clarity in the debate.
Inspiration vs. Copycat: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Let’s face it, creativity stems from inspiration. Think of cooking. Chefs work with time-tested ingredients and methods. Yet, their unique combinations and personal touches create new dishes. The gaming landscape operates similarly. Ideas flow, mechanics adapt, and genres blend.
Now, let’s revisit the online uproar over Genshin Impact. When it first appeared, users exclaimed, “Climbing and gliding? That’s just BotW!” Many felt MiHoYo was treading on sacred ground. Indeed, the parallels were clear, but let’s remain objective.
Genshin Impact is not a direct replica. It’s akin to a student from the same design school as Breath of the Wild, one who took notes while crafting its own identity. Think of it as “heavily inspired,” not just a blatant copy. Understanding this difference is essential.
Gameplay Mechanics: Spotting the Similarities
So, what mechanics fuel this “BotW clone” claim? Some core gameplay aspects notably resemble each other. Let’s break them down.
Climbing and Gliding: Reaching New Heights (Literally)
Climbing and gliding stand out. These mechanics instantly evoke “Breath of the Wild!” Players can ascend nearly any surface and then glide down, depending on stamina. This method enhances exploration and shares a significant similarity between both games. Fans saw it and declared, “Aha! Proof!” But let’s not jump to conclusions.
While BotW popularized open-world movements, climbing and gliding aren’t Nintendo’s sole inventions. They predate BotW, appearing in numerous games. Genshin refined these ideas but didn’t conjure them from BotW’s code.
Cooking Up a Storm: Culinary Adventures
Cooking is another shared feature. Both titles boast rich cooking systems where players gather resources to create meals and elixirs that boost stats and restore health. Another point for the “clone” argument? Perhaps, but cooking isn’t revolutionary. RPGs have long allowed creation of potions and dishes.
Shrines and… Domains?: Puzzling Encounters
Now we get to “shrines” versus “domains.” These challenge areas offer puzzles or combat, rewarding completion with items. There’s visual and structural similarity, yet there are nuances. Many adventure games utilize bite-sized challenges, while Genshin’s domains are more combat-centered and story-driven.
Stamina System: The Breathless Dash
Stamina management is crucial. Actions like running, climbing, and gliding rely on stamina. Both games force players to track their stamina, necessitating strategic choices. Running out mid-climb results in a fall. Stamina systems exist elsewhere, yet both games share a similar role in gameplay.
Mining and Hunting: Resource Gathering 101
Resource gathering is vital. Chipping rocks for minerals? Check. Hunting animals? Double-check. They share mining and hunting strategies. Players break rocks or chase animals for materials, a familiar concept. Oh, and the balloon mini-game? Both titles incorporate balloon challenges, a fun trope in design.
Diverging Paths: Where Genshin Carves Its Own Identity
We’ve addressed the similarities. But labeling Genshin Impact merely a clone ignores its unique traits. While BotW offers solitary exploration and emergent gameplay, Genshin immerses players in character progression, story, and gacha mechanics. These features fundamentally shape the experiences.
Story and Lore: Genshin’s Narrative Heart
Genshin shines in narrative depth compared to Breath of the Wild. BotW provides a fragmented story through exploration, while Genshin dives into a rich narrative with diverse characters and ongoing storylines. Genshin’s lore is a clear strength. BotW highlights freedom and adventure; their emotional targets differ.
Freedom vs. Narrative: Choosing Your Adventure
Breath of the Wild emphasizes freedom. Explore in any order. The story exists but serves as a backdrop to exploration. Genshin, though open-world, follows a structured narrative path with quests and character interactions. You can wander but follow a clearer story than BotW encourages. This difference greatly affects their experiences.
RPG Elements: Leveling Up and Looting
At its core, Genshin Impact is an Action RPG. It incorporates levels, stats, elemental reactions, character builds, loot—a true RPG experience. While BotW features some RPG elements, it focuses more on action-adventure gameplay with puzzles. Genshin immerses players in RPG mechanics throughout various aspects.
Developers Speak: Acknowledging the Inspiration
MiHoYo, Genshin Impact’s developers, openly acknowledged Breath of the Wild as an influence. They haven’t concealed it or denied the impact. They view BotW as a standard for improving their game. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild acted as a reference point.
main inspirations for Genshin Impact come from various sources. The development team studied Nintendo’s successes. They built a game using those ideas, infusing their unique flavors and mechanics into it.
Critical Reception and the “Plagiarism” Question
Genshin Impact experienced a blend of initial backlash and praise. Accusations of plagiarism arose. Yet, it became a commercial hit. Reviewers noted stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and an expanding world. While some compared it to BotW, many recognized Genshin’s individuality, mitigating strong plagiarism claims.
Beyond Zelda: The Web of Genshin’s Inspirations
Focusing only on BotW overlooks the rich creative tapestry of Genshin Impact. The game draws on multiple inspirations, combining them into something remarkable. Let’s explore the influences behind its development.
The Zelda Factor: A Cornerstone, Not the Entire Foundation
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a key inspiration. Developers acknowledged this influence openly. This game shaped the open-world layout and mechanics. However, Genshin’s development began in 2017 and pulled from a much broader range of sources.
Anime and Manga: Visual Flair and Narrative Style
Genshin Impact’s character designs, art style, and storytelling are rooted in anime and manga. It embraces Shonen tropes focused on action, friendship, and overcoming hurdles. Some describe Genshin as a “British-Japanese Shonen anime television series,” illustrating the strong anime impact.
Gnosticism: Whispers of Ancient Philosophy
Genshin Impact explores deep philosophical concepts, including Gnosticism. This ancient movement examines spiritual knowledge and reality’s nature. Elements of this theme infuse Genshin’s lore, giving depth to the game’s universe. They subtly enhance the gameplay experience.
Global Cultures and Mythologies: A World Tour of Inspiration
Genshin Impact draws from many cultures and mythologies. Each character, design, and musical note reflects a unique global influence. This diversity enriches Teyvat, the game world, making exploration riveting and immersive, enhancing the player experience.
Real-World Landscapes: Teyvat’s Terrestrial Twins
Teyvat feels incredibly realistic due to its real-world inspirations. Designers referenced locations while crafting its regions. For example, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired some of Liyue’s breathtaking landscapes, grounding Teyvat in tangible beauty alongside fantastical elements.
Zelda’s Roots: Tracing Breath of the Wild’s Ancestry
Let’s turn our focus to the roots of Breath of the Wild. Even Zelda has inspirations that stretch beyond itself. It too has origins based on various sources.
Shadow of the Colossus and Skyrim: Open Worlds and Epic Scale
Nintendo designers drew heavily from Shadow of the Colossus and Skyrim while creating BotW. Those vast landscapes and boss battles influenced its sense of scale. Skyrim’s open world empowered exploration and player freedom, key aspects of BotW’s design ethos.
Lord of the Rings: Fantasy Worlds and Epic Quests
The Legend of Zelda has long featured fantasy elements. Yet, Breath of the Wild leaned deeper into these tropes. Takashi Tezuka, integral to Zelda’s creation, aimed for a “fairytale adventure game,” inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. Elements of BotW echo Tolkien’s iconic narrative threads.
Western Christianity: Unexpected Influences
Shigeru Miyamoto gathered inspiration from Western culture, notably Christianity. This influence might surprise many. Although less visible in the game itself, it suggests an array of inspirations that shaped Zelda’s developments. A fascinating tidbit from gaming history.
“Genshin”: Unpacking the Name’s Meaning
The word “Genshin” holds more relevance than appears at first glance. It has roots in Chinese, conveying significant lore meaning. Let’s decode what “Genshin” signifies.
Yuanshen: The Original Gods
The title “Genshin Impact” stems from “Yuanshen” (原神), which directly translates as “original god.” This references key themes of celestial power and divinity within the game. “Yuan Shen” means “original spirits” or “original Gods,” anchoring its central themes.
Genshin: The Japanese Pronunciation
“Genshin,” rooted in its Chinese origin, is pronounced in Japanese. This pronunciation gained traction in English-speaking communities, leading to its common usage. Thus, we employ the Japanese reading of a Chinese term in our discussions.
Allogenes: The In-Game Significance
In Genshin Impact’s context, “Genshin” (or “allogene” in English) describes humans with Visions. These elements grant characters special powers from the gods. Those who bear these abilities are seen as potential candidates for godhood. The term “allogene” also hints at Gnosticism, enriching the game’s philosophical layers.
Teyvat’s Geography: Mapping Real-World Regions
Teyvat is not merely a generic fantasy realm. Each region reflects specific real-world cultures and countries, enhancing familiarity and richness. Let’s take a brief tour of Teyvat’s real-world inspirations.
Mondstadt: Germany in Teyvat
Mondstadt draws heavily from Germany. Its architecture features half-timbered houses reminiscent of medieval Europe. Elements like windmills and a beer culture indicate strong German influence throughout. Essentially, Mondstadt embodies Genshin’s interpretation of Germany.
Liyue: China’s Digital Doppelganger
Liyue showcases majestic mountains and bustling ports, inspired by China. Its architecture reflects traditional styles, while festivals and philosophies rooted in Chinese culture further reinforce this connection. Liyue stands as a tribute to China’s landscape and vibrant traditions.
Inazuma: Feudal Japan Reimagined
Inazuma clearly draws inspiration from Japan. The Shogunate setting and samurai-esque designs reflect classical aesthetics. Cherry blossoms and traditional architecture infuse the region with cultural essence, reimagined through Genshin’s creative lens.
Sumeru: A Middle Eastern Mosaic
Sumeru embodies influences from various Middle Eastern traditions, including Egypt and Mesopotamia. Desert landscapes and ancient ruins evoke these cultures’ rich historical elements. The fusion results in Sumeru being a fascinating region steeped in mystery and legacy.
Fontaine: French Flair with a British Touch
Fontaine combines French inspiration with hints of British culture. Elements like Art Nouveau architecture and fashion reflect French aesthetics while industrial components lightly suggest British influence. It’s a blend that uniquely captures both cultural essences.
of French elegance, with British industrial touches, forming a unique and intriguing nation.
Genshin’s Family Tree: Related Games and Worlds
Genshin Impact is not MiHoYo’s only game. MiHoYo has built worlds and crafted games for years. Genshin, while its distinct entity, connects to other games within and outside its universe. Let’s explore these links.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Cosmic Connections?
Is Xenoblade Chronicles like Genshin Impact? In some ways, yes. Both are open-world RPGs with anime visuals. However, their gameplay and stories differ greatly. There’s a subtle link: interconnected universes. The numbered Xenoblade games connect through their fictional origins, suggesting a shared cosmology. Whether thematic links to Genshin exist remains uncertain, but interconnected worlds are an engaging parallel.
Sword Art Online: Isekai Vibes, Different Gameplay
Genshin Impact and Sword Art Online (SAO) may look similar initially. Both immerse players in vast worlds. Yet, their similarities end here. SAO presents a VRMMORPG where players confront dangers and social dynamics. Genshin focuses on exploration, combat, and story, despite having some online elements. The isekai vibe exists in both, but their gameplay and narratives differ widely.
Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail: Hoyoverse Siblings
Welcome to family! Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail come from MiHoYo/Hoyoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact. They share thematic and stylistic traits, with anime visuals and action-driven gameplay. Honkai Impact 3rd emphasizes character-switching combat, while Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based RPG rooted in strategy. They belong to other universes than Genshin but share lineage and often have crossover events.
Wuthering Waves and Zenless Zone Zero: Future Family Members
Wuthering Waves and Zenless Zone Zero are upcoming games from the creators of Genshin and Honkai. Wuthering Waves, set for 2024, may compete directly with Genshin as an open-world action RPG. Zenless Zone Zero is also expected in 2024, featuring an urban fantasy style and cel-shaded design. These titles show Hoyoverse’s ongoing evolution in game development. It will be interesting to see how they relate to Genshin Impact.
Genshin Impact: Platform Availability and Development Details
Ready to explore Teyvat? Here’s where you can play Genshin Impact and some key development facts.
Platforms: Play It Almost Anywhere
Genshin Impact is widely available across several platforms. You can access it on PlayStation, PC, and mobile (iOS and Android). A Nintendo Switch version is planned for the future, but its release is unconfirmed. This range boosts Genshin’s immense reach, letting players enjoy it on preferred devices.
Developer and Distributor: Meet MiHoYo/Hoyoverse
Genshin Impact is created by MiHoYo, a Chinese game development firm. MiHoYo renamed its global publisher as Hoyoverse recently. Thus, both names appear alongside the game. MiHoYo/Hoyoverse also develop the Honkai series and other upcoming titles. They are prominent in the global gaming arena, known for quality production and engaging lore-rich gameplay.
Interestingly, MiHoYo experienced tension with Xiaomi, a major tech player in China. MiHoYo declared it would stop distributing Genshin on the Xiaomi app store and shutter the Xiaomi server for the game. This scenario highlights the challenges of game distribution in various regions and the complexities of developer-platform holder relationships.
Controversies and Criticisms: Navigating Troubled Waters
No game escapes controversy, and Genshin Impact is no different. It has faced criticism and allegations, from monetization issues to cultural sensitivity. Let’s delve into key controversies.
Loot Boxes and Marketing to Children: FTC Scrutiny
Genshin Impact employs a loot box-like monetization system, where players use in-game currency (often bought with real money) for a chance at characters or weapons. This model has drawn scrutiny. The FTC accused Cognosphere, linked to MiHoYo, of unfairly marketing loot boxes to kids. Critics argue the costs are obscured and odds for rarities misrepresented. This illustrates ongoing debates about loot box mechanics, especially in games aimed at youth.
Cultural Appropriation and Whitewashing Accusations: Representation Matters
Genshin Impact faced accusations of cultural appropriation and whitewashing. Some players raised concerns over cultural portrayals that rely on stereotypes or misrepresent elements. A petition accused MiHoYo/Hoyoverse of these practices. These claims highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible representation, especially when drawing inspiration from various cultures.
Monetization System Concerns: Gacha Grievances
Though Genshin Impact can be played for free, its monetization system draws ongoing criticism. Players can complete all content without paying; however, the urge to obtain specific characters can lead to substantial spending. Many Chinese players reportedly voiced concerns regarding this monetization system. Gacha mechanics may seem predatory to some users, especially those with gambling tendencies or impulsive spending habits.
Character Inspirations: Zelda’s Namesake and More
Even character names carry intriguing backstories. Let’s look into the origins of some iconic Zelda character names.
Princess Zelda: Named After a Socialite
Princess Zelda’s name is perhaps the most iconic in gaming. It holds an unexpected origin. Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of The Legend of Zelda, drew inspiration from Zelda Fitzgerald, a socialite and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Miyamoto found the name “pleasant and significant.” As a tribute, he named the princess after her, leading to “The Legend of Zelda.” Thus, her name pays homage to a figure from the Jazz Age.
Link and Fairy: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell’s Echoes
The duo of Link and his fairy companion finds literary inspirations. They reflect Peter Pan and Tinker Bell from J.M. Barrie’s children’s story. Link embodies the adventurous spirit of Peter Pan, while his fairy sidekick echoes Tinker Bell’s helpful nature. This connection adds fairytale charm to the Zelda universe.
Skyward Sword: A Zelda Game with a Twist
Let’s briefly highlight The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, a title that stands out for several reasons.
Zelda’s Non-Princess Role: Breaking the Mold
In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Zelda isn’t a princess! This departure from her usual role is significant. Here, Zelda appears as a Knight Academy student and the reincarnation of goddess Hylia. This revelation occurs before Hyrule’s founding, placing her story in an early era of Zelda lore. Skyward Sword alters Zelda’s conventional princess role, presenting her divine destiny.
Ganon’s Absence: A Villainous Vacation
Notably absent, Ganon is missing from Skyward Sword. Nintendo confirmed Ganon wouldn’t appear in this game. Instead, Demise serves as the primary antagonist, an ancient demon king. This villain shift sets Skyward Sword apart by focusing on a different type of evil than familiar Ganondorf/Ganon. Skyward Sword offers a unique experience in Zelda lore.
Thus, we see Genshin Impact alongside Breath of the Wild. Is there inspiration or imitation? It’s likely a blend of both concepts. Genshin borrows mechanics from BotW but carves its unique path with distinct storylines and visuals. Both games shine as fantastic open-world experiences, providing varied flavors of adventure. In a world of sequels, this evolution in game design brings fresh excitement.
