Wuthering Waves is an upcoming mobile (and PC) title by Kuro Game, and it’s looking like a much darker Genshin Impact. The older gacha game is known for its bright world and colorful characters. In contrast, the world of Wuthering Waves looks desolate and post-apocalyptic. Even the character designs seem to have more muted palettes, which fit the setting.
Though aside from visual differences, Wuthering Waves sets itself apart from Genshin Impact and other open-world mobile games through its combat. Having released multiple gameplay showcases, Kuro Game has gained plenty of potential players, all eager to see how the combat might tie in to the open-world gameplay.
Wuthering Waves Explained
The description of Wuthering Waves hints at a disaster that took place hundreds of years ago, one that nearly destroyed all of civilization. Ferocious monsters now roam the land, spreading death and destruction. Despite everything, the people try to rebuild once again, and that’s where the player character comes in – a so-called “Rover” from beyond.
Wuthering Waves is being developed by the same studio that made Punishing: Gray Raven. The studio’s older game is an action RPG featuring stylish combat, just without the open-world aspect. Fans of Punishing: Gray Raven enjoyed the game’s skill-based combat, so it’s no surprise that they have high hopes for what Wuthering Waves will bring to the table. Plus, it’s lauded as one of the most free-to-play friendly gachas in the market, so potential players are also hoping that Wuthering Waves takes a similar route.
Wuthering Waves’ Combat Compared to Genshin Impact
The initial gameplay trailer of Wuthering Waves showcases the game’s traversal mechanics. Characters are seen wall-running, gliding, and even swinging with retractable grappling hooks. Then the trailer quickly pivots to the game’s combat mechanics. Flashy and fast-paced, Wuthering Waves’ gameplay is very much like that of a hack-and-slash game, but with particular emphasis on timing and placement.
This is clearer in the title’s much longer exhibition gameplay trailer. Though the video doesn’t reveal the game’s UI, it looks like the player character is rewarded for dodging enemy attacks at the right time. So, it seems the upcoming mobile game wants its players to prioritize dodging and parrying. Certainly fitting given how aggressive the enemies’ attack patterns are, perhaps even more difficult than Genshin Impact’s most fearsome enemies.
Another interesting thing about the combat is that it seems to incorporate cutscene-like sections into each battle. Again, the UI isn’t visible, so it’s hard to say what exactly is happening on the player’s end. However, these playable cutscenes are likely quicktime events. They’re great at keeping a fight from getting too monotonous, but the developer needs to be careful with their implementation. Quicktime events can get really old really fast, after all.
All that said, there’s one thing that Wuthering Waves shares with Genshin Impact in terms of combat – character switching. (Although this was also a feature in Punishing: Gray Raven.) Aside from executing perfect dodges, players can likely further customize their attack methods by mixing and matching different characters. For example, one character in the exhibition trailer can freeze enemies while another seems to have healing capabilities. So, it seems like Wuthering Waves emphasizes both skill-based combat and team composition. The game might prove more challenging than the likes of Genshin Impact and Tower of Fantasy.
Still, it’s hard to be certain when all that’s been unveiled are gameplay showcases. Eager fans will have to wait for Wuthering Waves’ release to confirm whether all the hype is justified. Kuro Games has yet to announce an official release date, but the game is accepting pre-registers.
Wuthering Waves will be released for Android, iOS, and PC.