The game will be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2025.
A brand new trailer for ANANTA, the upcoming free-to-play urban open world RPG by NetEase and Naked Rain, has been revealed today. It gave players a closer look at the gameplay elements and other features they can expect in the game.
Players take on the position of a special task force leader, but the trailer also included glimpses of other roles players seems to step into, such as hacker, cop, delivery driver, or livestreamer. Each role comes with its own gameplay threads and storylines, blending everyday routines with more extraordinary adventures.
Influences across different genres
The trailer showcased the main character’s exploration and interactions around the city, though its blend of anime aesthetics and urban exploration do seem reminiscent of Zenless Zone Zero. There were plenty of activities shown: driving different vehicles, getting into gang fights, dancing in nightclubs, petting stray cats, and, for some reason, using what looked like a Spider-Bot.
City exploration also seems quite dynamic, comprising a mix of social hang-outs, free roaming, and action-packed linear missions. Speaking of encounters, the character designs themselves feel familiar, with some resembling Umas and other anthropomorphic characters.
The developers also introduced what they call an “ultra-free 3C” system, allowing players to climb, swing, and scale to any visible point in the city. Movement isn’t limited to walking either: taxis, cars, buses, subways, and even helicopters can be used to get around during missions. Travelling with different vehicles does feel a bit reminiscent of GTA, as well.
Combat with style
Thus far, the game doesn't seem to feature any supernatural threats for players to face Instead, battles appear to be held against fellow citizens, which makes sense given the main character’s connection to law enforcement. The fights shown give off a beat-’em-up vibe.
Improvisation takes centre stage, since almost anything can be used as a weapon. Everyday items like trash cans and golf clubs can be repurposed, while mechanics such as dodging and parrying make encounters feel more dynamic. Later on, the character can even be seen wielding more high-tech, ranged weapons. Players can control other characters scattered across the city, seemingly to help them out during intense missions.
A world that embraces the silly and surreal
ANANTA also leans into the bizarre. From sights like a toilet sprinting down the street to the smaller details of rooftops and interior spaces, the city is built to surprise. Its vertical design adds even more depth, with accessible areas to explore seemingly scattered across every level.
ANANTA will be playable at Tokyo Game Show 2025. The game is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and mobile devices via iOS and Android.
