Game developer Naked Rain and publisher NetEase have revealed Ananta, an upcoming open-world RPG that blends elements from several major franchises. The game is being described by many as an “anime GTA” due to its sprawling city setting and criminal underworld themes.
The game’s nearly eight-minute-long announcement trailer suggests a unique mix of influences. It showcases gameplay that appears to draw inspiration from the chaotic open worlds of Grand Theft Auto and Yakuza, the acrobatic traversal of Marvel’s Spider-Man, and the high-tech hacking of Watch Dogs. All of this is presented with a distinct anime art style.
Players will control four members of the ADP task force, a unit tasked with keeping order in the futuristic Nova City. The main character, known as The Captain, is shown engaging in street brawls, going undercover, and even using Venom-like tendrils to swing between buildings. The trailer also highlights the other playable officers: Richie, who handles nighttime patrols and arrests; Seymour, a masked hacker; and Taffy, a sharpshooter who provides sniper support.
Beyond the main story missions, the Ananta promises a wide range of activities. Players will be able to steal cars, choose from an array of weapons including guns and unconventional items like tennis rackets, and participate in numerous minigames. These side activities include playing basketball, visiting the beach, skydiving, and even a minigame similar to Power Slap.
While NetEase has faced criticism in the past for allegedly copying other games, early reactions suggest that Ananta’s approach of combining popular open-world features with a strong anime identity is generating positive interest. The trailer’s tone is lighthearted and parodic, reminiscent of games like Saints Row, but with its own anime-inspired humor.
There is no official release date for “Ananta” yet. The game is confirmed to be in development for Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC.