Honkai: Star Rail’s Aetherium Wars is unapologetically copying Pokémon—and it’s hilarious

As you begin your journey through Honkai: Star Rail’s Aetherium Wars event, you’ll probably feel like something is slightly familiar, and this feeling will only grow as you progress further into the event.

Aetherium Wars starts off as a tournament that feels slightly reminiscent of Pokémon, but it eventually becomes a full-blown copy of the iconic franchise. And it is absolutely intentional because the references are so obvious and hilarious that even someone with only a general knowledge of Pokémon like me can recognize what’s happening.