The creator of Genshin Impact has taken a more subdued approach with a new RPG that resembles a blend of Elden Ring and Monster Hunter.

      Dark fantasy receives a new title with Nodus Fall from HoYoverse

      I’m accustomed to HoYoverse creating fantasy realms that burst with vivid colors. The soothing hues and lively characters akin to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are what fans expect from popular titles like Genshin Impact. Zenless Zone Zero draped its post-apocalyptic backdrop in anime characters, neon-lit streets, and highly stylized combat. However, the latest announcement feels different.

      Nodus Fall appears to be a more mature addition from HoYoverse. Unveiled during Gamescom Opening Night Live, it is a new co-op action game set in a world engulfed by chaos and “ancient hatreds.” Players take on the role of Weavers, wielding divine abilities to track and conquer colossal mythical creatures. HoYoverse has yet to reveal a release date, and the first trailer is short, but it already shows a significant visual shift for the studio.

      The divine provide no answers. Severed threads scatter across the sky. Calamity quietly descends, and endless wilderness overtakes the land. The Weaver embarks on a quest for long-hidden memories. Welcome to the official Nodusfall account. Join Weavers everywhere,… pic.twitter.com/f6ovOR6X1r— Nodusfall (@Nodusfall) August 25, 2026

      Obvious influences from Monster Hunter and Elden Ring

      Upon viewing a short gameplay segment showcasing a combat scene against large beasts, I was instantly reminded of Monster Hunter. This impression particularly stood out when the character started charging a massive glowing blade while a gigantic winged creature loomed on the battlefield behind him. The enormous weapon, sizable target, and the evident focus on taking down mythical beasts immediately harkened back to Monster Hunter Wilds, although this fantasy is set against a much darker backdrop.

      In the initial scene of the trailer, we also witness a near-mythical figure battling through a tumultuous, stormy sea. A vivid golden circle provides nearly the only splash of color amidst the overwhelming murky greens, dark waters, and clouds. The narration and symbolism of these early moments give off a vibe reminiscent of the legendary Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mind behind Dark Souls and Elden Ring.

      Even the character close-ups display a different style. While HoYoverse maintains its signature elaborate and appealing character designs, the faces are depicted with more realistic proportions and detail. Initial reactions have drawn parallels to Monster Hunter, with some observers also noting hints of Souls games in its darker fantasy aesthetic.

      HoYoverse has never presented itself in this manner

      Referring to Nodus Fall as HoYoverse’s “darkest game” might not be entirely accurate. Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail have delved into unexpectedly heavy narratives despite their bright appearances. Yet, from a strictly visual standpoint, Nodus Fall is undoubtedly one of the darkest projects we’ve seen from the studio. The title replaces the vibrant anime atmosphere with storms, ruins, monstrous shapes, and colossal weapons colliding in desolate settings.

      We still need to see full, uninterrupted gameplay to understand how the co-op experience functions. Whether the game aligns more closely with older gacha games or introduces something entirely new can only be determined through a proper reveal. However, HoYoverse has certainly captured our attention.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on…

      Lenovo’s first Android gaming handheld addresses your poor Wi-Fi

      I’m pleased to see the revival of gaming handhelds. Upon seeing the Legion C700, I was initially concerned that its cloud gaming focus would be problematic. Creating a portable gaming device centered primarily on cloud gaming seems great until you find yourself somewhere with poor internet access.

      Lenovo's Legion C700 has now launched as its first Android Legion handheld in China, and I must admit I was taken aback. The console's unique feature is its ability to stream games directly from your PC without needing an internet connection. Lenovo employs its proprietary Legion Stream protocol along with a dedicated dongle to establish this connection, providing an alternative way to access your PC game library when cloud services are unavailable. For a device literally called the Legion Cloud Gaming Handheld C700, this irony is amusing.

      The Witcher 3 celebrates its 11th anniversary, and CD Projekt Red continues to keep us engaged with remasters and expansions

      Still waiting for Witcher 4? Too bad! Here’s Witcher 3 again with a brand-new expansion pack.

      When I acquired my first gaming laptop nearly a decade ago, Witcher 3 was one of the initial games I tested. I could finally enjoy the game at high graphics settings and immerse myself within its fantasy world. After investing an enormous amount of time in the game, I completed its main storyline and DLCs.

      Now, 11 years later