"Honkai: Star Rail – A Stellar Turn-Based RPG with Epic Storytelling and Stunning Visuals"

I had been completely ignoring it as the YouTube ads lead me to believe it was just another generic, throw away, mobile, rpg. I do like to try new things though, especially when it's free with no real commitment required and with video games in particular (like, why not?).

So recently I was looking to mix it up with something new and was having a browse through the Epic store when HSR (Honkai Star Rail) popped up. It's free, not that large and isn't like anything else I had been playing at the time so I said what the hell, I'll give it a go.

It has defied any and all expectations. This isnt your typical copy/paste, generic, soulless, rpg, there is real passion and creativity here. The localization is really good with quality voice acting and believable dialogue that features a bit of humor with some clearly self aware and tongue-in-cheek moments.

The game play is relatively simple and intuitive, with minimal key binds and resource/CD management, but it's still nuanced enough that your choices matter; this isn't a brainless, "face roll your way to victory" affair. The combat resolves in turns (similar to the established "initiative" system seen in so many other rpg's) featuring mechanics that can hasten or delay the actions for you or the enemy. Team composition and synergy does rule the day but equipment is what ultimately defines and scales your roster of characters.

In my humble opinion, if you have enjoyed any other squad based rpg's at all or even think that you might if you finally tried one, you absolutely should download HSR and give it a go; I was quite pleasantly surprised by how quality and entertaining a title HSR actually is.