For years, the whispers have swirled around “Project Mugen,” the enigmatic title that many affectionately dubbed the “anime GTA.” Now, after a long period of mystery, we finally have concrete details about this ambitious project. Get ready for Ananta, an urban open-world RPG hitting PC, PS5, and mobile on January 15, 2027! I’m Jessica, your guide to this sprawling adventure, and I’ve been following its evolution closely. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What is Ananta?
Ananta, previously known as Project Mugen, is a free-to-play urban open-world RPG developed by a NetEase studio. It blends elements of GTA, the Batman Arkham series, and Insomniac’s Spider-Man, all wrapped in a vibrant anime aesthetic. While it might seem like another gacha game at first glance, Ananta distinguishes itself with its unique approach to character acquisition.
After years of anticipation, Ananta made a grand entrance at Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live, officially announcing its release date. While there hasn’s been an open beta, which is typical for gacha games, the developers are focusing on closed private testing before launch.
If you’re eager to get a head start, you can sign up for pre-registration goodies on the official website. These rewards typically include in-game currencies and exclusive outfits. While these bonuses might seem standard for live-service anime games, there’s always a chance Ananta could surprise us with something truly special.
Exploring Nova City and Chongxiao
Ananta’s latest trailer unveiled two distinct cities: the Tokyo-inspired Nova City and the Hangzhou-inspired Chongxiao. Nova City boasts a bustling urban landscape, while Chongxiao offers a more tranquil setting with scenic lakes and historic architecture.
For those curious about Ananta’s origins, the first trailer from three years ago offers a glimpse into its early development stages. The game has undergone significant changes since then, with alterations to its cityscapes, protagonist, and overall tone.
Hands-On Impressions: What Critics Are Saying
PC Gamer’s Wes Fenlon had the opportunity to go hands-on with Ananta at Tokyo Game Show last year. He noted that while the game borrows heavily from various sources, it also possesses “wild-ass ideas of its own.” He praised the influences of Batman Arkham, Sleeping Dogs, Uncharted, and Spider-Man, highlighting their seamless integration into the gameplay experience.
Ananta is a free-to-play urban open-world RPG that might seem like another Genshin Impact or Neverness to Everness, but it actually has more in common with GTA, the Arkham series, and Insomniac’s Spider-Man. Just, you know, with 500% more anime-ified silliness.
Gameplay: A Blend of Action and Silliness
At its core, Ananta is a game about saving the world with your “Yeet Squad,” all while navigating social media and follower systems. You might find yourself swinging through city skylines like Peter Parker, or perhaps swimming, driving, boating, or gliding to your destination. Missions can range from Batman-like infiltrations to classic “murder the baddies” scenarios.
Combat is equally versatile, offering everything from assault rifles and rocket launchers to melee attacks and environmental takedowns. Each character boasts unique abilities, such as Alan’s ice yo-yos, Bansy’s paintguns, and Taffy’s motorbike-chucking skills.
Open-World Activities: More Than Just Saving the World
Beyond the main storyline, Ananta offers a wealth of open-world activities, including racing, dating, arcade mini-games, gym workouts, TV watching, shopping for new outfits, customizing houses, and even carrying around chunky cats (for reasons!). The game also features a character-switching system reminiscent of -style games, allowing you to experience different perspectives and storylines.
While a four-player co-op mode is not available at launch, the developers are exploring its potential for future implementation.
No Gacha? Really?
Despite appearances, Ananta isn’t your typical gacha game. All characters are obtainable through gameplay, eliminating the need for random character pulls. However, as a free-to-play live-service title, Ananta will likely offer cosmetic items and other enhancements for purchase with real money.
The only confirmed purchasable items are clothes, vehicles, and houses. Whether these items will be directly available or tied to their own gacha systems remains to be seen.
Character Roster: Meet the Crew
Since its initial announcement, Ananta has revealed a diverse cast of 16 characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. These characters are not just window dressing; they have their own stories to tell, and you’ve got the chance to experience them all.
Two additional characters remain unnamed, adding another layer of mystery to the already intriguing cast.
While it’s tempting to try and assemble the perfect team, Ananta doesn’t seem to focus on fast-paced character switching. Instead, you’ll likely encounter situations where you need a specific character for exploration or puzzle-solving.
This is Jessica, your guide to this sprawling adventure, and I’ve been following its evolution closely. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Source: PC Gamer
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