Genshin Impact’s Storytelling Keeps Getting Better

One of the best aspects of Genshin Impact is its amazing storyline. The plot development in Version 2.0 and 2.1 of the hit game, for one, were some of the best moments in the overarching lore of Genshin Impact – in my opinion, anyway. However, the storyline of Version 2.2 felt a little…well, boring.

But in Genshin Impact 2.3, I’m absolutely loving the story of the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, which also offers fantastic character development for certain characters. Yes, it’s possible I’m so fond of it because it focuses quite a bit on the background of the mysterious Albedo, but nonetheless, it’s a masterful showcase of Mihoyo’s amazing storytelling chops.

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Compelling, Elaborate Storyline

Despite the fact that Genshin Impact is a completely free title, I’m constantly amazed by how well-thought-out the storyline of the game is. The plot of the aforementioned Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, for one, doesn’t feel like a story for the sake of it – the whole storyline flows very naturally.

It’s also worth noting that the characters featured in this event have full voice acting, which really brings the story to live. These characters include Albedo, Eula, Bennett – featured characters in the current event wish, basically – as well as the Traveler’s companion, Paimon (of course).

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Without going into spoiler territory, there was one instance in the story where we could talk to the individual characters. Again, these dialogues are all spoken, and the lines were all well crafted and representative of each character’s own lore, giving the story even more depth.

Speaking of which..

Fantastic Character Development

Not only do we learn much more about Albedo’s history in the latest story event, Eula also gets quite a bit of character development. Her friendship with Amber is explored too, and even Bennett gets some of the limelight as we learn more about his…well, not so great luck in adventuring.

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It’s also worth noting that I’m only at the second act of the story; there’s still a third act titled “A Secret Born From Ashes.” Needless to say, I’m excited to find out what the third act will reveal come 4 December.

I have a confession to make: I was actually saving up Primogems for Arataki Itto and Gorou – both of them will be featured in the same event wish come 14 December – but after the second act of the story, I couldn’t help but to roll for Albedo. This is despite the fact that I already have full constellations for the 4-star characters in the banner.

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This speaks volume to Mihoyo’s amazing characterisation of its Genshin Impact characters. Albedo’s gameplay and character design aside, I’m really fond of his personality and the lore built around him. I always find myself wishing for different characters just for this reason, including Klee, Eula, and of course, the Raiden Shogun herself.

Event Challenges Are Fun Too

Beyond the storyline and character development, the event challenges are quite entertaining as well. Granted, there were a couple that are a little annoying to complete, but most of them are quite fun. I personally like the agility training challenge, which involves getting from point A to point B with some obstacles in the way.

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Naturally, the event rewards are quite good too. Aside from the usual Primogems, Mora, and Hero’s Wit experience books, the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event in particular also offers a new (and free) 4-star sword called Cinnabar Spindle. It is considered to be Albedo’s best weapon yet, which is…part of the reason why I wanted to roll for him.

There’s More to Come

Beyond the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, there will also be a story quest for Arataki Itto come 14 December; the same time his event wish goes live alongside Gorou. Though I’m merely speculating at the moment, I reckon Itto’s story quest will be quite entertaining. This has always been the case with (most) story quests in Genshin Impact.

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Beyond the content we’re getting in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact, I’m confident Mihoyo will continue to release compelling storylines with every new update. Since the developer already started teasing Shenhe and Yun Jin, I fully expect for both of them to be featured in a story somehow in Version 2.4 – I can’t wait for that.

With amazing storytelling, a roster of characters with excellent lore, and fun gameplay – not to mention a physical event (of sorts) for Malaysian fans – it’s little wonder that Genshin Impact has become such a huge success. As far as live service games go, it is easily one of the best – if not the best – game of its kind right now.