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Despite its fantastical elements, Honkai: Star Rail is primarily a sci-fi story that spans across galaxies. However, with the introduction of Amphoreus, the genre takes a shift as the Trailblazer and Dan Heng enter this mysterious world. Amphoreus is quite peculiar. Although it contains some advanced technologies, it is also backward in certain aspects. As you explore, you’ll encounter many discrepancies and strange phenomena, which is undoubtedly a conscious choice by the developer.
A World Shrouded in Mysteries
Although the Astral Express has visited many worlds in Honkai: Star Rail, Amphoreus is the strangest one they’ve encountered so far. Not only is it undetectable and unseen by everyone except through the Garden’s mirror, but the fact that three Aeons are meddling in this world’s affairs certainly makes things even more interesting and confusing. What exactly is going on there?
Entering and exploring Amphoreus doesn’t provide answers; instead, it only raises more questions. While most planets in the galaxy believe in Aeons, Amphoreus is very isolated, and its inhabitants revere these titans, whom they call gods. The setting of this new world feels very fantasy-like. Not only are there evil gods that humans must defeat but there is also a grand prophecy and a group of heroes destined to save the world.
Although this may seem disconnected from the main storyline of Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse isn’t writing randomly. While the Titans are called gods, they are something else. I have a theory that these Titans are actually advanced robots created by either humans or even an Aeon. I can’t say for sure, as everything is shrouded in mystery.
Speaking of mysteries, the entire prophecy and Amphoreus’ strange situation are likely the result of Enigmata’s work, whose goal is to challenge Nous and their certainty. I have no doubt that the writers will eventually answer these questions in the upcoming story quests.
For now, I find it very refreshing to see the elements of fantasy and sci-fi interact with each other. We’re definitely still in the Honkai: Star Rail universe, yet the moment the Trailblazer and Dan Heng step foot on Amphoreus, it feels as if they’ve been isekai’d to another world. Everything in the game so far has been very sci-fi, but now we encounter things like prophecies, chosen ones, and miracles. I can’t wait to explore more of this strange world and see how the Trailblazer and Dan Heng react.
A Hero’s Journey
In addition to the unique setting of Amphoreus, the new characters introduced in this region are also amazing. Penacony is currently the best arc in the game, but I believe Amphoreus could take that title. After all, the story of this new arc revolves around saving a world from the brink of destruction, and you certainly need prophesied heroes to do that.
Each of the Chrysos Heirs is unique, not only because of their design but also because of their character and struggles. Though they are called heroes blessed by fate, each of them carries their own burdens and curses. We’ve gotten to know some of them in version 2.0, but there are more that we will meet.
Phainon will be the star of this arc. He certainly carries the aura of a main protagonist, and many place their hopes in him. One could even call him the perfect hero, but that perfection is also his curse. HoYoverse hasn’t revealed much about him yet, but the writers have shown that there is more to him than meets the eye.
Besides Phainon, there are four other Chrysos Heirs that we’ve met so far. Mydei and Castorice received a lot of screen time in version 2.0. The two are very unique, but I’m very taken with Mydei. The man initially showed himself to be someone who only cares about fighting but it doesn’t take long to see that he has a lot more depth to him.
It’s also very nice to see the Chrysos Heirs work together. They’re certainly not a group of friends without their own troubles and conflicts. Yet, despite tense moments with each other, they all show that they care about one another. It’s even more heartening to see how the Trailblazer and Dan Heng integrate themselves into this new group of allies, who will likely become long-time comrades.
While some may find the lengthy main quests annoying, I really enjoy the new mysteries and questions presented in version 3.0. I also appreciate how HoYoverse takes its time to allow the Chrysos Heirs to blossom and develop into their own unique characters. This enjoyment will likely only be surpassed when I finally uncover the truth behind Amphoreus’ clouded past and future.
