World Genshin Influence is positively overwhelming, a thought that pops into my head repeatedly as I move my cursor over the map screen in the preview Genshin Impact 5.0 Update at Gamescom. Hoyoverse continues to introduce players to immense regions with plenty of delights to explore, but Natlan feels different. From its gorgeous, bordering-on-James Cameron aesthetic to its distinct biomes, one aspect I didn’t expect to stand out was the improvements to movement throughout the game.
During my two hours of hands-on time with the fresh Genshin Impact update, I’m not running and teleporting to explore, I’m just skating across the landscape in full Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater style. And that’s really, really awesome. This sweet traversal method comes with Mualani, an upcoming Hydro-based character who’s in the mobile RPG’s demo lineup alongside upcoming Genshin Impact banners like Kinich.
While the latter two also provide me with a ton of fun on my travels, Mualani’s moveset has something special about it. Jumping on her shark surfboard isn’t confined to specific areas or missions. I can blast through Natlan’s grass pavilions and sand cliffs at will, until the ability is depleted and ready to be used again in a matter of seconds. If her presence as a Hydro character wasn’t obvious, her surfboard can also tread water with ease.
This handy feature is at its best in Natlan’s beach biomes, which feel like a citadel ripped straight from last year’s Avatar: The Way of Water – and that’s a good thing. The beauty of Natlan is immediately apparent the moment you set foot in the region, but Hoyoverse’s art direction really shines here.
Natlan’s design is easily one of the best aesthetic designs Genshin Impact has seen so far. Mualani and Kinich can employ their own methods of movement outside of Natlan, although neither will be as effective. This is thanks to the update’s focus on Phlogiston-related mechanics in that region. Kinich’s grab move is quick, but ultimately okay compared to the highlighting of a damn shark surfboard.
Kachina also finds herself comfortably in all of this, with her combat and transportation method being a rather comical set of exercises. However, it’s Mualani who will certainly move up our Genshin Impact tier list when she becomes available to fans of the movement, but on the combat front, Kinich is a badass.
Before my time with Natlan is over, I find myself in the midst of a series of battles that utilize Kinich’s sensational array of combat moves, all deeply inspired by 8-bit arcade nostalgia. The result is a tapestry of lively sprites, comic-book-style slash effects, and more. Not only does it look good, but I feel also good.
Natlan is sure to be a hit with players, and I guarantee its success will be largely due to Hoyoverse’s great improvements to the plain art of exploration. So until you can surf the fresh region, be sure to check out all the upcoming Genshin Impact events and employ our handy Genshin Impact codes list.
