Honkai Star Rail is undeniable proof that no matter how lavish the production values of a free-to-play game are, the rotting core of a cash-grab mobile experience lurking underneath can never be truly hidden. HSR is a deluge of currency, items, drops, and design elements that are all meant to keep you spinning on that never-ending hamster wheel. Were the battle systems and RPG mechanics strong enough, I could see them potentially winning out against that. Instead what you're left playing is a glorified match game against bland enemies whose backstory I do not know or care about.

Lack of customization and character building is a death knell to any RPG and there's very little to be found in Star Rail. Characters have two abilities, an ultimate and that's it. Character progression is achieved almost entirely through the use of items which is one of the absolute worst ideas an RPG can put forth. Since battles grant almost nothing in terms of experience, it trivializes the entire gameplay loop. There's never a feeling your team is getting stronger; it's more akin to feeding them steroids to grow. And with the overall lack of options given to you in terms of abilities, there's an inherent shallowness to the whole experience that you can never shake off. The game doesn't even make you work to find your enemy's weaknesses; it tells you them before you even enter battle.

If there were anything resembling a compelling story I might have been intrigued to continue onward but sadly Honkai Star Rail kind of drops you into its universe and leaves you to fend for yourself. And while the girls are cute, I've also seen better in other games. Sorry, but the gacha demon will not be capturing me with this one.