Ananta: Is This Anime GTA-Slam-Dunk a Genius Mash-up or Just a Glorious Copy-Paste Spell?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Naked Rain's Ananta, an upcoming open-world title, has gamers intrigued and divided with its audacious blend of mechanics seemingly pulled from *GTA*, *Spider-Man*, *Watch Dogs*, and *Sleeping Dogs*, creating massive hype and debate over originality versus brilliant execution. This article was inspired by Mohsen Baqery's report on Game Rant.
Right, so Mohsen Baqery over at Game Rant recently poked his digital wizard staff at Ananta, and it got me thinking. You know that feeling when you're trying to brew a potion and you throw in a bit of everything, hoping for magic? That's what Chinese studio Naked Rain seems to be doing with their upcoming open-world title, Ananta. And fair dinkum, mate, it’s got the gaming world buzzing like a glitch in the Matrix.
Originally reported by Mohsen Baqery for Game Rant, this deep dive is all about Ananta, a game that’s been on everyone’s radar since its announcement in 2023. Back then, there was a fair bit of head-scratching. Was it another *Genshin Impact*-esque gacha game in disguise? The anime aesthetic certainly hinted that way. But hold your horses, because recent revelations suggest it’s anything but, opting instead for a veritable smorgasbord of gameplay mechanics borrowed (or, shall we say, ‘inspired by’) from some of the biggest names in open-world gaming. It’s like they tried to fuse every spell in the book, and now we’re all wondering if it’s going to summon a magnificent guardian or just a very confused slime.
Nearly nine months after its initial, intriguing announcement trailer – when it was still known as Project Mugen – Ananta dropped a new gameplay video. And bloody hell, if it didn't confirm every suspicion we had about its multi-genre ambitions. This wasn't just a nod; it was a full-on theatrical bow to its predecessors. We're talking about a game that, from the looks of it, is trying to be *Grand Theft Auto*, *Spider-Man*, *Watch Dogs*, and *Sleeping Dogs* all at once, wrapped up in a sleek anime package.
The most striking reveal? The *Spider-Man*-like swinging ability. I mean, seriously, it looked like it was lifted straight out of an Insomniac title, webs, physics, and all. You almost expect J. Jonah Jameson to pop up yelling about vigilantes. Then there were the driving scenes, which immediately had everyone muttering “GTA, but make it anime.” And you know what? That's a pretty compelling hook for a lot of us. Who doesn't want to cause a bit of digital chaos in a stylish, neon-soaked city?
But the homage doesn’t stop at web-slinging and joyriding. The hand-to-hand combat, for instance, appears to channel the fluid, brutal energy of *Sleeping Dogs* – a criminally underrated gem that proved martial arts could carry an open-world experience. And for those who enjoy a bit of digital mischief, Ananta seems to have woven in hacking elements, reminiscent of the *Watch Dogs* series. Imagine scaling a skyscraper like Spidey, stealing a car like a Grand Theft Auto protagonist, then stopping to hack a traffic light like Aiden Pearce, only to then get out and pummel some baddies with Donnie Yen-level flair. It's a concoction that sounds absolutely bonkers on paper, but in practice? Well, that's what we're all waiting to see, isn't it?
Visually, Ananta continues its eclectic inspiration tour. The anime-style protagonists, particularly the female characters, have drawn comparisons to HoYoverse's *Zenless Zone Zero* (another highly anticipated title, mind you). And for a touch of futuristic dystopia, some side characters sport bizarre, cyberpunk-esque styles that wouldn't look out of place in *Cyberpunk 2077*'s Night City. It’s a visual feast, no doubt, but one that raises the question: can all these distinct flavours truly blend into a cohesive whole, or will it feel like a series of really cool mini-games awkwardly stitched together?
Now, while the overall reception to Ananta’s multi-genre ambitions has been largely positive – with a staggering 12 million pre-registrations, which is a number that’d make even a wizard blush – there has been a smidgen of criticism. Specifically, a new gameplay video from the 2025 Tokyo Game Show showcased the male protagonist, Captain, employing some symbiote-like abilities that viewers quickly pointed out bore an uncanny resemblance to Venom’s moves in the *Spider-Man* games. Grabbing enemies and slamming them to the ground? Sounds an awful lot like Venom's 'Yank' skill, doesn't it? It's a fair point to raise. Where's the line between inspiration and outright imitation, eh?
Developer Naked Rain has, apparently, remained tight-lipped about these comparisons. And frankly, with 12 million pre-registrations, one could argue they don't *need* to comment just yet. The buzz is doing its job. It's a fascinating predicament: lean heavily on established, beloved mechanics, and you risk cries of 'copycat,' but you also tap into a wellspring of familiarity and expectation. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let's see if it pays off for them.
Ultimately, Ananta is a fascinating beast. It’s an upcoming game that isn't shy about wearing its influences on its sleeve, practically shouting, “Look at all the cool stuff we’re blending!” Publisher NetEase Games must be rubbing their hands together with glee, eyeing that potential financial success. But for us gamers, the question isn't just about financial success; it's about whether this digital Frankenstein's monster can truly stand on its own two feet. Can it create something genuinely fresh and compelling from all these familiar ingredients? Or will it forever be seen as merely a tribute band, no matter how good the music? I, for one, am curious as heck to find out. Here’s hoping Naked Rain casts a truly unique spell with this one.
Tags: open-world, anime-games, game-design, upcoming-games, gaming-trends
Original article: Game Rant