After years of development and speculation, NetEase has finally announced a firm release date for its ambitious open-world RPG, Ananta, formerly known as Project Mugen. The game is set to launch on January 15, 2027, for PC and PlayStation 5, with a mobile version also planned. Players will be able to access the game through Steam or a dedicated launcher.
Ananta has generated significant interest with its blend of urban exploration, diverse gameplay mechanics, and a visual style that has led to it being dubbed "anime GTA." The game features two distinct cities: Nova City, which draws inspiration from Tokyo, and Chongxiao, referencing Hangzhou, China, with its more tranquil, historical architecture.
Unlike many free-to-play titles in the genre, Ananta will not feature a character gacha system. Instead, all characters will be obtainable for free through gameplay. The monetization will focus on cosmetics such as outfits, vehicles, and housing, though it remains unclear if these items will be directly purchasable or also part of a gacha system. Developers have confirmed that characters themselves will not be tied to gacha mechanics.
Pre-registration for Ananta is now open on the game's official website, offering in-game currency and a cosmetic outfit as rewards. While these rewards are typical for live-service games, there's a chance they may be distributed to all players at launch.
The game draws clear inspiration from various established titles, including the Batman Arkham series, Sleeping Dogs, and Insomniac's Spider-Man games, for its combat and traversal. Players can expect to traverse the urban environments using mechanics such as swinging, driving, swimming, and gliding. Combat offers a versatile range of options, from stealth takedowns and gadget use reminiscent of Watch Dogs, to direct confrontation utilizing firearms, melee weapons, and unique character abilities.
Each of the 16 revealed characters possesses distinct abilities and combat styles. For instance, Alan utilizes high-tech yo-yos, Bansy employs a paintball minigun, and Taffy can use her motorbike in combat. While character switching has been shown in trailers, the game appears to focus on extended periods with a single character during missions, with switching potentially reserved for exploration or puzzle-solving. Each character will also have their own unique storyline.
Beyond its core narrative and combat, Ananta boasts a wide array of open-world activities. These include racing, dating simulations, arcade mini-games, gym workouts, TV watching, shopping for outfits, and even customising houses. Players may also encounter other characters engaged in these activities, suggesting a GTA-like character-swapping system for exploration.
While Ananta will not launch with multiplayer, the development team is exploring the possibility of a four-player co-op mode for missions and dungeons. Ananta has undergone significant changes since its initial reveal three years ago as Project Mugen, with alterations to its city design, protagonist, and overall tone.
There has been no open beta for Ananta, and none is anticipated before the January launch. This approach is consistent with NetEase's practice for its live-service games, which typically forgo open betas in favor of private, closed testing phases.
[SOURCE1]