miHoYo's next title, following the success of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, is generating considerable buzz, though perhaps not in the way many anticipated. Initial speculation ranged from an Animal Crossing-style survival game (later seemingly confirmed by leaks) to a sprawling RPG akin to Baldur's Gate 3.
However, recent rumors and job postings suggest a different direction entirely: a new entry within the Honkai franchise. This open-world game, set in a coastal entertainment town, will center around collecting and developing spirits from various dimensions. Think Pokémon, but with a twist. The spirit development system will include evolution and team-building for battles, with spirits even usable for traversal – think flying and surfing. The gameplay itself is described as an auto-battler or auto-chess style.
This unique fusion of Pokémon, Baldur's Gate 3 (in terms of scope, perhaps), and Honkai elements presents an intriguing proposition. While the development timeline remains uncertain, miHoYo's project promises a novel take on established mechanics, significantly expanding the Honkai universe in unexpected ways.
