Gaming

Honkai: Star Rail: Turn-based Genshin Impact?

That’s an oversimplification

Published

April 26, 2023

Honkai: Star Rail is officially available to download today on the Epic Games Store, PC, Android, iOS. A PlayStation version is also coming but is still under development. It’s the latest game from HoYoverse – makers of the ever popular Genshin Impact. We had the chance to play the game ahead of today’s release and here we’ll try to answer the question: Should you play it?

Some quick notes before we proceed. All the screenshots on this article were taken during the first hour or so of the game. And while it’s available on other platforms, our play time was only on Android. Specifically, the HONOR Magic5 Pro.

Getting Started

Honkai: Star Rail’s first hour or so is pretty much a story-based tutorial of the game. You get a hold of two characters to start and you’re slowly shown how to do things. Unlike Genshin Impact, this game isn’t open world. Instead, you do a fair bit of exploration in certain stages in a linear fashion.

During exploration, you encounter enemies that you either hit or hit you first. This is key in determining the order of turns in combat. Once this is triggered, the game immediately shifts to turn-based combat with stunning, flashy animations.

If, like this writer, you grew up playing a good chunk of JRPGs, this gameplay loop will feel very familiar.

Midway through the tutorial, the characters you control will encounter the protagonist. In Genshin Impact, they’re called ‘Traveler’. Here the main character (MC) is referred to as the ‘Trailblazer’.

Like in Genshin Impact, you pick whether the Trailblazer is male or female. In our gameplay, this didn’t seem to affect the general storyline.

HoYo-skinned JRPG

The look and general feel of Honkai: Star Rail is very reminiscent of HoYoverse’s 2020 breakout game, Genshin Impact. The obvious traces are in the character’s art style. This seems intentional to clearly tie everything to the grand HoYo-scheme of things.

The menu layout and character screens look pretty much the same.

The skill trees are also accessed by tapping on a particular character. The ‘gacha’ mechanics are also identical. Although I didn’t get to try it all that much during my playthrough.

The presentation is great too. The dialogue parts feel dynamic thanks to the various camera shots used. It’s not just the same two shots of characters going back and forth. Instead, we get various tight, medium, and wide shots to make what otherwise would have been a boring yet overwhelming banter feel more tolerable.

Oh and there’s even a photo mode where you can change the ’emotion’ of your character. Perfect if you just want to admire the art style.

Turn-based Genshin Impact?

Calling Honkai: Star Rail a turn-based combat version of Genshin Impact is an oversimplification. But it’s the best way to describe the game at the moment.

As mentioned earlier, many of the layouts, skill trees, and character mechanics are almost identical. But the gameplay varies drastically when it comes to combat.

As someone who hopped on the Genshin Impact train late and only really boarded during smartphone and occasional PC review sessions, I wanted to make sure to get in early for this game.

What really piqued my interest is the turn-based combat. I have been longing for a high-quality, turn-based combat game to play on mobile for the smartphone reviews I do and it’s finally here.

Diving into combat

Combat essentially starts while you’re in exploration. If you hit an enemy first, you gain first strike advantages and vice versa. This is key in turn-based combat. The earlier you can deal damage, the faster the dispose of the enemies.

The turns are displayed on the upper left side of the screen. This helps you determine your strategy based on your opponent. Like most JRPGs, enemies will have some elemental weaknesses.

These are immediately displayed for lower-level enemies to start. For others, you’ll have to dig in a little bit before it shows up.

Every character has a basic attack and a special. Some basic attacks can only hit one target, while others can hit multiple. Most special attacks deal damage to multiple targets. Specials have a cool down period that replenish when you attack and when you get hit.

It’s a fantastic turn-based combat system that challenges a player’s strategic side in real-time.

There’s so much to consider from elemental weaknesses, choosing whether to attack a target or defend an ally, and picking the right moment to unleash a special attack.

Hardware performance

As mentioned earlier, we played the game on a flagship Android smartphone. By default, the settings are turned to high. But midway in the playthrough, I turned it up to very high with Game mode turned on.

The overall smoothness of your gameplay will depend on the hardware you’re playing with. I’d say to go with the default settings for an efficient experience. After all, it’s not open world and the art style lends itself nicely to lower resolution and frame rates.

As of writing, the Android version of the game isn’t compatible with any game controllers. We’ll ask HoYoverse if this is in the pipeline and update this space as needed.

We’ll also try the game on a gaming PC soon and share performance details also on this space.

Should you play Honkai: Star Rail?

If you’re reading this, you likely are just curious about the game and aren’t part of the thousands who have already started playing. My general advice is to give the game at least three hours of playthrough to see if it’s for you or not.

For fans of turn-based combat, there’s a lot here that you’ll appreciate. It’s pretty simple to start but the variety of characters, enemies, elemental weaknesses, and more offer enough to make the combat feel deep.

And if you’re into the whole game-anime waifu-collecting that HoYoverse is dishing out, then I’d say this is for you.

Honkai: Star Rail takes the aesthetic of Genshin Impact and puts it on gameplay reminiscent of classic JRPGs. It seems like a backwards approach considering how more people seem to prefer action-type games. But there seems to be enough enthusiasm for this type of gameplay based on the buzz it has generated so far.

Personally, it looks like this is going to be my go-to mobile game for the foreseeable future. But I’m also excited to play it on the PlayStation 5.

Accessories

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition: My default PC controller

A surprisingly easy switch

Published

April 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

There’s a moment when a new piece of gear stops feeling new. You stop thinking about it. You stop noticing it. It just becomes part of your setup. That’s what happened with the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition.

I keep saying this about GameSir controllers that I’m starting to sound like a paid shill—but I’m not. The truth is, this is a spectacular controller. It has quietly become my default whenever I game on PC.

And for someone who tends to overthink setups, that says a lot.

I’ve been playing my usual rotation—Sleeping Dogs for quick pick-up sessions, and NBA 2K26 when I just want to zone out. Nothing too hardcore. Nothing too technical. But enough to get a real feel for what a controller is like to actually live with.

And the G7 Pro? It just works.

Familiar, but better

I actually first held this controller at Gamescom in Cologne while playing Honor of Kings: World. At the time, I didn’t even realize it wasn’t a standard Xbox controller. That’s how natural it felt.

It was only during a lull in the demo that I noticed the GameSir branding and went, “Wait, this isn’t first-party?”

That first impression stuck.

gamescom 2025 | GameSir | Honor of Kings: World

Back home, using it on my own setup, that same feeling carried over. It doesn’t scream premium in the way some flashy controllers do, but it feels solid, balanced, and intentional. The weight distribution is right. The grips feel secure. Nothing about it feels cheap.

There are small touches here that go a long way, too. I’m a big fan of the orange accents around the sticks—it gives the controller just enough character without going overboard.

Even the ZZZ collaboration design, which could have easily gone full loud and chaotic, feels surprisingly restrained. It still has personality, but it doesn’t scream for attention.

And if you do get tired of how it looks, you can just swap things out. Switching from the default black faceplate to a clear version gives it a completely different vibe. It’s a small thing, but it helps the controller feel fresh over time—like it can evolve with your setup instead of being stuck as one look forever.

It’s the kind of controller you don’t have to adjust to.

Just works, right out of the box

I’ve already broken down everything included in the package in our unboxing reel. But what matters more is this: you don’t actually need to touch most of it to enjoy the controller.

And that’s a good thing.

I like my gear to be great by default. Not something I have to tweak before it becomes usable.

The G7 Pro nails that.

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Clicks you can trust

The buttons are one of those things you don’t think about—until they’re bad. Here, they’re not.

They’re not loud. Not distracting. You can play comfortably without feeling like you’re announcing every input to the room. I wouldn’t necessarily game beside someone sleeping, but it’s not something I’d worry about either.

What you do notice is how smooth everything feels.

Not necessarily faster than a standard Xbox controller, but more precise. More consistent. There’s a sense of durability to every press, like it’s built to take repeated inputs without wearing down. It’s subtle. But it adds up.

The only thing I didn’t vibe with was the default circular D-pad. It’s not bad—it’s just not for me. Good thing there’s a more traditional option in the box. I swapped that out eventually– after these photos were taken.

When control actually matters

If there’s one moment that sold me on the G7 Pro, it wasn’t in a shooter. It was in NBA 2K26. I usually play a more system-heavy game. Move the ball. Run plays. Keep things controlled.

But with this controller, I found myself leaning into isolation. More dribble-heavy possessions. More one-on-one situations. Not because I had to—but because I felt like I could.

The sticks felt reliable enough to handle it. No hesitation. No second guessing. No fear of drift creeping in. That confidence changes how you play.

And that’s when you realize a controller is doing something right.

Triggers built for a specific kind of player

The triggers are interesting. They come with locks that turn them into near-instant inputs—perfect for competitive shooters. And to be fair, they work. But for me, they feel a little too shallow.

There’s barely any travel, to the point where it almost feels like you’re not pressing anything at all. That’s great if you’re chasing faster reaction times. Not so great if you prefer a bit more feedback.

This is one of those features that will either click with you immediately or not at all. If you play a lot of shooters, you’ll probably love it. If you don’t, it’s easy to ignore.

More control than I actually use

Customization is a big part of the G7 Pro’s appeal. Swappable D-pads. Magnetic faceplates. Extra buttons. Back paddles. It’s all there.

You can see everything included in our unboxing, but the short version is this: it gives you a lot of control over how you want to play.

Personally, I didn’t use most of it.

I tend to stick to default layouts, especially since I jump between platforms and want to keep my muscle memory consistent. The extra buttons can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not into tinkering.

But that’s the thing—you don’t have to use them.

You can explore at your own pace. Or ignore them completely. And the controller still feels complete.

Seamless where it matters

I mostly used the G7 Pro wired on my Legion 7i. Setup was easy. Plug it in, press the Xbox button, and it just works. No weird pairing issues. No friction.

Any hiccups I ran into were more on Windows than the controller itself. That reliability matters more than any spec sheet.

A controller that fits into your routine

Battery life was never really a concern for me.

Partly because my gaming sessions have been shorter lately—quick bursts here and there. But also because it just didn’t feel like something I had to constantly think about.

I didn’t use the charging dock much yet since I’m still reworking my setup. But I do want to make space for it eventually. It looks good, and it fits the kind of “drop and go” routine I prefer.

For now, I’ve just been using my UGreen Nexode charger alongside everything else on my desk. Not ideal, but it works.

Not perfect—but close

If I had to nitpick, it really comes down to two things.

The default circular D-pad isn’t for everyone. And the extra buttons might feel like overkill if you just want a straightforward experience.

That’s it.

Everything else feels dialed in.

Is the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition your GamingMatch?

I think the reason I enjoyed using the G7 Pro so much is simple. I’ve already assigned it a role. This is now my go-to PC gaming controller.

As someone who leans PlayStation, the DualSense is still king for me overall. That’s years of muscle memory and familiarity. It’s hard to replace.

But having a dedicated controller for each platform removes friction. It clears space in your head. And the G7 Pro does that effortlessly. From here on out, it’s going to be the standard I measure other PC gaming controllers against.

And that might be the biggest compliment I can give it.

BUY HERE

Gaming

Dunk City Dynasty update adds new NBA stars, cosmetics

Jrue Holiday, Draymond Green added to roster; cosmetics available across title

Published

April 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

Dunk City Dynasty Season 6 Vol. 2 update has arrived with new NBA stars, Jrue Holiday and Draymond Green.

Aside from the new stars, there is a broad refresh of cosmetic content, as well as a multi-week slate of seasonal events though late April.

Players can also use a special Redemption Code for vouchers and coins, giving them a jumpstart for Season 6 Vol. 2.

Adding Holiday and Green to the roster means more elite defense and high basketball IQ for 3v3 squads. They are strong team utility role players, with Holiday offering controlled playmaking and two-way guard impact.

Green, meanwhile, brings versatile frontcourt presence, defense, and lineup flexibility. Green has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2017.

And although Holiday hasn’t won the same trophy, he has been an elite defender throughout his career and has been named to NBA all-defensive teams numerous times.

On the other hand, a large wave of cosmetic content across multiple in-game systems will be made available by the update. This includes rotating themed sets, treasure-hunt rewards, and an exclusive jersey release.

The update also rolls out a full progression cycle, featuring timed pass content, weekly quest activities, festival-themed missions, and login reward programs. These push players toward continuous goals and opportunities to stock up on resources throughout the event windows.

Gaming

Nintendo might be working on an Ocarina of Time remake

It will reportedly launch in the second half of 2026.

Published

March 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

What is the greatest game of all time? There’s a substantial chance that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be on the board. Even beside the Switch’s critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild duology, the Nintendo 64 title is one of the most quintessential games you can ever play. That said, it’s pretty dated. But maybe, not for long.

According to Nintendo insider NatetheHate, the company is working on a rerelease of Ocarina of Time. The title is scheduled for launch within the second half of 2026.

The wording is important here. “Rerelease” can mean anything. To be fair, NatetheHate, through his latest podcast, says that it’s likely we’ll get either a like-for-like remake or a full reimagining of the essential game. However, he does not discount the possibility that it’s just an HD remaster for the new consoles. Either way, Ocarina of Time is coming back this year.

If you can’t wait, the title isn’t exactly missing from the shelves. You can play the original from the list of available games through Nintendo Switch Online. The game also got a remaster for the 3DS.

There is no shortage of Zelda-related news lately. The franchise is getting a live-action adaptation next year, which now becomes a worthy follow-up to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie coming early next month.