Ananta, the urban open-world action game by NetEase, got a new trailer during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live show. In addition to showing off the game’s story and gameplay, it finally revealed a 2027 release date.
Colloquially known online as “anime Grand Theft Auto”, Ananta comes from developer Naked Rain and centers on the premise “Go Viral. Save the world.” Players control a protagonist known simply as Captain, a member of a crumbling peacekeeping agency called the ACD. This organization handles the daily chaos that unfolds in metropolises such as the previously revealed Nova City. To rebuild the ACD – and also find your missing father – you must embark on a wacky quest to become the one thing that thrives in a world driven by algorithms and online culture: an internet influencer.
Gameplay revolves around gaining fame by completing story missions and other activities such as bounties, side quests, and smaller interactions like taking selfies with citizens. Every situation offers an opportunity to build reputation and expand your influence; the more famous you become, the more missions, resources, and influencer perks you’ll unlock.
The trailer also reveals the game’s second city, Chongxiao. This fictional metropolis is inspired by real-world cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo, and is a fully explorable sandbox featuring recreational destinations including gyms, restaurants, mahjong parlors, cat and maid cafes, clothing stores, hot springs, and more. You can also engage in various minigames, such as carnival games. Players traverse the large city in many ways: on the streets with cars, motorcycles, skateboards, and subways; on watercraft such as speedboats and yachts; in the sky with helicopters, hang gliders, and even flying cars.
Chongxiao’s population includes over 100 NPCs with individual stories and side quests. Helping builds relationships, and fostering a strong bond allows you to recruit citizens to join the ACD, which also unlocks new combat abilities and items. Ananta allows players to switch between controlling different ACD agents, which Naked Rain promises will offer a “distinct perspective, storyline, and approach to exploration and combat,” in a press release. Speaking of combat, the action is steeped in real-world martial arts, such as Shaolin kung fu, and players can seek out various masters to learn new fighting techniques. You can also dynamically interact with environmental objects to use as weapons.
Ananta is coming on January 15 for PlayStation 5 and PC via its own client as well as Steam.
