miHoYo, the creators of the popular titles Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, have surprised many with their next project. Initial speculation ranged wildly, from an Animal Crossing-esque survival game (supported by leaked gameplay) to a sprawling RPG in the vein of Baldur's Gate 3. However, recent rumors and job postings suggest a different direction entirely.
Instead of a completely new IP, miHoYo's upcoming game appears to be a Honkai-universe title. This open-world adventure takes place in a vibrant coastal town where players collect and develop spirits from various dimensions. Think Pokémon, but with a strategic twist. This spirit-collecting system includes evolution and team-building mechanics for battles, adding depth to the gameplay. These spirits even offer unique traversal options like flying and surfing. Interestingly, the game is categorized as an auto-battler or auto-chess title.
This unexpected blend of Pokémon's creature collection, Baldur's Gate 3's RPG elements, and the established Honkai universe presents a fascinating, albeit unpredictable, proposition. The development timeline remains uncertain, but this project promises a fresh take on familiar concepts while expanding the Honkai lore in unexpected ways.