Raiden Shogun

Raiden Shogun first appeared on July 9, 2021, in miHoYo's promotional program for Version 2.0 of the game, which introduced the nation of Inazuma and its related storyline.[4] She made her in-game debut in the storyline's opening act on July 21, 2021, and was confirmed as an upcoming playable character the day after in promotional illustrations released by miHoYo.[5][6]

In August, miHoyo published more promotional material teasing further story quests that would explore her character's background.[7][8] Along with the quest, her signature weapon, a polearm called "Engulfing Lightning," was also added. She was officially released as a playable character on September 1, 2021.

On February 4, 2022, miHoYo hosted the promotional program for Version 2.5, in which Raiden Shogun was said to assume a new form and become the player's foe.[9] The second act of her character quest introduced the Shogun as a boss that could be fought.[10]

Raiden Shogun's design is based on Raiden Mei from Honkai Impact 3rd, another game by miHoYo.[11] In one interview, the developers revealed that Raiden Shogun was the character on which they spent the most time and made the most modifications at the time.[12] To establish her image of a powerful and domineering god, the creators added periods in the boss fights between her and the player in which the player could not use their usual attacks and skills, thereby creating a sense of domination and despair.[12]

Raiden Shogun's design was inspired by various elements of Japanese culture. Raijin, Japan's god of lightning, serves as her archetype.[13] Her name is a combination of an alternate form of Raijin's name (Japanese: 雷電, romanized: Raiden) with the title of shōgun (Japanese: 将軍), the warlords of feudal Japan.[14] Raiden Shogun's "Chakra Desiderata," a feature of her kit visualized as a bright halo that follows close behind her back, resembles a similar detail seen in various depictions of Raijin.[15]

Her clothing consists of a purple kimono resembling a yukata, held by obi around her waist, with relevant modifications to fit the game's aesthetics.[14][16]Mitsudomoe symbols feature prominently in her design. Often associated with the Shinto god Hachiman, the god of war and archery, the inclusion of such symbols served to strengthen the Shogun's characterization as an experienced warrior.[16]

To convey a sense of composure, sovereignty, and sanctity, the developers took inspiration from kendo when creating her character animations. Raiden Shogun's ultimate attack is, in particular, based on the postures of hassō-no-kamae, jōdan-no-kamae, and gedan-no-kamae, as well as movements such as the noutou (Japanese: 納刀, lit. 'sheathing the sword').[17]

Raiden Shogun's English voice actress is Anne Yatco.[18] In one interview, Yacto explained that she had difficulty finding the commanding style that characterized the Shogun.[19] Sisi Jiang of Kotaku criticized Yatco's dub, writing that it "flattened" Raiden Shogun's complicated personality into a girlboss stereotype.[20]

Both Raiden Shogun's Chinese and Japanese voice actresses – Ju HuaHua and Miyuki Sawashiro, respectively – are known for portraying mature characters.[11]

In September 2021, a week after Raiden Shogun was released, her banner generated $150 million, far exceeding the monthly revenue in August.[26] Genshin Impact topped the sales ranking for mobile games in 42 countries and regions.[27][28] This record exceeded all previous banners until her rerun in Version 2.5.[28][29] A commentator for HK01 attributes her popularity to the excellent character design, widespread advertising, high player expectations, and the discounts of the game's one-year anniversary.[28] In March, 2022, the Shogun's banner saw a rerun, during which Genshin Impact topped iOS charts in over 20 countries and regions.[30]

Raiden Shogun's characterization and role in Inazuma's story has received mixed critical reception. Sisi Jiang, a contributor to Kotaku, criticized the poor execution of Raiden Shogun's stern and commanding rule, finding that the story failed to engage with its implications and provide sufficient narrative closure.[25] However, she wrote that "Transient Dreams" – Raiden's second Story Quest – redeemed these flaws, praising it as "one of the most realistic portrayals of grief that I have seen in years."[31] Jenni Lada from Siliconera was also disappointed with Raiden's early characterization, finding it underdeveloped and incomplete, but praised "Transient Dreams," writing that it provided the characterization that she had hoped for.[32]

In terms of gameplay, Raiden Shogun received generally positive reviews from video game medias, while some have argued that she is difficult to build and master. Kevin Wong from Screen Rant sees the Shogun as a good character, providing high damage output with her Elemental Burst.[33] Game Rant's Hajrudin Krdzic states that Raiden Shogun is perceived to be a must-have character, which leads to the popularity of her banner. Nahda Nabiilah contends that the Shogun has one of the most interesting mechanics in the game, but building her can be complicated and could lead to diminishing returns.[34][35] Chinese comentator 南山虎 believes that her skills will empower certain team compositions and that the Shogun could be the main damage dealer. However, players should be aware of the cost of building her and the need for specific characters acting as her support.[36] Editors from PC Gamer commented that the Shogun is similar with the other two Archons, Venti and Zhongli, in that she is powerful in her own way.[37] Commentator Rebecca Jones from Rock Paper Shotgun summarized that there exists conflicting opinions on whether the Shogun is better fit as the main damage dealer or a supporting character. Viewing her as a support has gained a slight upper hand. Personally, Jones believed that the Shogun is powerful enough to lead the entire team.[38]