Exploring All Retro Game References in Genshin Impact Kinich Trailer

HoYoverse has unveiled the character trailer for Kinich, overflowing with nods to classic retro games. Crafted in a nostalgic pixel art style complemented by catchy 8-bit music, the Kinich trailer is filled with references that will delight gaming aficionados. With iconic games like Snake and Pacman, as well as Sonic and various pixel-style JRPGs, this trailer stands out as one of HoYoverse’s most imaginative productions.

Continue reading to discover all the retro video game references featured in Kinich’s trailer.

Retro Game References in Kinich’s Trailer in Genshin Impact

Kinich’s trailer presents a unique blend of art styles, prominently showcasing video game aesthetics. By merging 3D, 2D, and pixel art animations, here are the retro video games referenced in Kinich’s character trailer:

1) Mega Man

Mega Man reference in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Capcom) — Mega Man reference in Kinich’s trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Capcom)

The trailer kicks off with a pixel art-style character selection screen, nodding to the iconic Mega Man series (also known as Rock Man). Kinich’s character sprite shares notable similarities with Mega Man, setting an engaging tone for the retro-themed references that follow.

2) Snake

The classic Snake game referenced in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Taneli Armanto) — The classic Snake game referenced in Kinich’s trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Taneli Armanto)

Snake, a classic video game originating in 1976, became a favorite on standard Nokia mobile phones. In Kinich’s trailer, a yellow snake navigates through obstacles, mirroring the gameplay mechanics of the classic Snake game.

3) Pac-Man

Pac-Man reference in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Bandai Namco Entertainment) — Pac-Man reference in Kinich’s trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Bandai Namco Entertainment)

The trailer also features a reference to the beloved Pac-Man game, which has remained a staple in gaming culture since the 1980s. In Kinich’s trailer, Ajaw embodies Pac-Man as he consumes dots on the screen.

4) Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog reference in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Sega) — Kinich’s trailer references the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog series (Image via HoYoverse/Sega)

Sonic the Hedgehog is another iconic series that has captured fans’ hearts. The franchise has transitioned from video games to comics, animated shows, and films. The trailer showcases Kinich and Ajaw in fast-paced action, with Kinich using his grappling hook skill to leap and traverse distances, reminiscent of Sonic’s gaming style.

5) Pixel-style JRPGs like Pokémon and Final Fantasy Tactics

References to pixel-style JRPG games such as Pokémon and Final Fantasy Tactics in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures) — References to pixel-style JRPG games such as Pokémon and Final Fantasy Tactics in Kinich’s trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures)

A brief segment featuring Kinich and Ajaw traversing a pixel art-style map and using a Flamegranate to defeat a slime pays homage to classic pixel-style JRPGs like Pokémon, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Dragon Quest. Fans of these games will instantly recognize and enjoy the callback to these iconic titles.

6) Street Fighter

Street Fighter reference in Kinich's trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Capcom) — Street Fighter reference in Kinich’s trailer (Image via HoYoverse/Capcom)

Street Fighter, known for its intense 1v1 combat, is represented in Kinich’s trailer in a sequence where Kinich faces off against the Goldflame Qucusaur Tyrant in a similarly styled duel.

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