Genshin Impact 4.0 Update Score: Fontaine Region Review Ratings
The release of Genshin Impact’s Version 4.0, "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason," marked one of the most anticipated moments in the game’s history. With it, players gained access to the long-teased region of Fontaine, the Nation of Justice, governed by the Hydro Archon Focalors. Since its launch, the update has garnered widespread attention from both players and critics, earning praise for its artistic vision, narrative depth, and innovative mechanics—while also facing scrutiny in areas such as pacing and technical performance. This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Fontaine region, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses across key categories.
Visual and Audio Design: 10/10
From the moment players step into Fontaine, the leap in visual fidelity is striking. The region is a breathtaking blend of Belle Époque architecture, lush countryside, and advanced steampunk-inspired technology. The capital city, Court of Fontaine, stands as a masterpiece of verticality and detail, with its cascading waterfalls, ornate bridges, and bustling streets filled with life. Beyond the city, areas like the Beryl Region and the Fontaine Research Institute showcase diverse biomes, from serene flower fields to mysterious underwater caves.
What truly sets Fontaine apart, however, is its underwater exploration. The marine environments are visually stunning, with dynamic lighting, vibrant coral reefs, and aquatic life that feels both magical and believable. The Hydro Archon’s domain feels alive, thanks to meticulous environmental storytelling.
Complementing the visuals is an exceptional soundtrack. Composed by Yu-Peng Chen and the HOYO-MiX team, Fontaine’s music blends classical orchestration with jazz and electronic elements, reflecting the region’s duality of tradition and innovation. Tracks like "Fontaine’s Rhapsody" and "Beneath the Azure Waves" enhance immersion, making exploration emotionally resonant.
Narrative and World Quest Design: 9/10
Fontaine’s Archon Quest in Version 4.0, "Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur," sets a high bar for storytelling in Genshin Impact. The narrative introduces compelling new characters, including Lyney and Lynette, and delves into themes of justice, truth, and social inequality. The writing is sharp, with well-timed humor and moments of genuine tension. The courtroom sequences, a highlight of the update, offer engaging detective-style gameplay that feels fresh within the Genshin framework.
World Quests, such as the "Ancient Colors" series, further enrich the lore. They explore Fontaine’s history, its connection to the Hexenzirkel, and the mysteries of the Oceanids. While the pacing occasionally slows during exposition-heavy segments, the overall narrative quality is exceptional, laying a strong foundation for future updates.
Gameplay and Mechanics: 9.5/10
Underwater exploration is Fontaine’s standout gameplay addition. Unlike traditional swimming, diving in Fontaine is seamless and intuitive. Players can glide through water with unique abilities, interact with aquatic creatures, and solve puzzles without the constraint of an oxygen meter. This system feels liberating and adds a new layer to exploration.
The new Arkhe alignment system (Ousia and Pneuma) introduces strategic combat variety. Certain enemies and puzzles require balancing these two energies, encouraging players to adapt their team compositions. While some critics argue that the system’s complexity may overwhelm casual players, it successfully adds depth to combat and exploration.
Fontaine also introduces a variety of new enemies, such as the Clockwork Meka, which come in multiple forms with distinct attack patterns. Boss fights like the Icewind Suite are visually spectacular and mechanically challenging, offering a satisfying test of skill.
Character Roster and Voice Acting: 9/10
Version 4.0 introduces three new playable characters: Lyney (5★ Pyro Bow), Lynette (4★ Anemo Sword), and Freminet (4★ Cryo Claymore). Each has a distinct playstyle and personality. Lyney’s card-themed magic attacks are flashy and fun, while Lynette’s agility-based kit complements exploration. Freminet, though less highlighted, offers a satisfying physical/Cryo hybrid playstyle.
Voice acting is superb across the board. The English cast, in particular, delivers standout performances—Erica Lindbeck as Furina captures the Hydro Archon’s theatrically arrogant yet vulnerable demeanor, while Alejandro Saab’s portrayal of Lyney balances charm and mystery. Lip-syncing remains slightly off in non-Japanese dubs, but this is a minor issue in an otherwise stellar presentation.
Technical Performance and Polish: 8/10
Fontaine is a demanding region. While it runs smoothly on high-end devices, players on mid-range PCs and mobile devices have reported frame rate drops, especially in the capital city and during intense combat scenarios. The update also introduced occasional bugs, such as clipping issues during underwater sequences and delayed texture loading. That said, HoYoverse has been proactive with patches, and most technical issues are being addressed promptly.
Exploration and Content Longevity: 9.5/10
Fontaine is vast, rich with hidden secrets, puzzles, and collectibles. The addition of diving significantly expands the exploration space, making the region feel larger than Sumeru or Inazuma. With multiple sub-areas, world quests, and time-gated events, Version 4.0 offers dozens of hours of content. The only drawback is that some puzzles may feel repetitive over time, but the overall experience remains engaging.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Genshin Impact’s Fontaine update is a triumph. It refines the game’s core strengths—world-building, music, and exploration—while introducing innovative mechanics like underwater diving and the Arkhe system. Though it faces minor issues in pacing and performance, these are far outweighed by its achievements. Fontaine not only meets expectations but exceeds them, solidifying Genshin Impact’s position as a leader in the open-world RPG genre. As the story unfolds in future updates, Fontaine promises to remain a captivating destination for both new and veteran Travelers.
