The upcoming game, Ananta, has certainly made a bold first impression. This open-world title feels like an anime-inspired take on the Grand Theft Auto formula, even incorporating web-swinging mechanics reminiscent of Spider-Man. While its core concept has been apparent for some time, the recent gameplay trailer unveiled at Tokyo Game Show reveals a surprisingly high level of polish and detail, suggesting a substantial budget.
The seven-minute gameplay demonstration, accompanied by a generic, radio-friendly soundtrack, showcases a whirlwind of activity. The player character transitions seamlessly between driving a motorcycle, taking selfies in various locations (including one with a near-nude man fleeing police on a bizarre robotic toilet), and engaging in Yakuza-style street brawls.
The spectacle continues with the aforementioned web-slinging, the appearance of a massive, city-destroying robot, and a plethora of incredibly detailed fictitious storefronts that lend the game world a remarkable sense of authenticity.
Notably, Ananta appears to borrow heavily from GTA 5‘s character-switching mechanic, allowing players to jump between different characters, possibly obtained through gacha elements, and continue their ongoing activities. This feature is even used strategically in one scene, where a player switches characters to snipe enemies while being held at gunpoint.
Ananta embodies the “you can do anything” philosophy associated with the GTA series, which raises concerns about the potential for crunch and the ethical implications of the labor required to realize such a vast and ambitious experience. There’s a risk that the sheer volume of content could become overwhelming and detract from the overall experience.
Beyond its scope, Ananta also raises questions due to its narrative setup. The protagonist is the newly appointed leader of a special task force, seemingly a police unit. A gameplay segment even features the player, as a different character, arresting a non-player character (NPC).
While games can certainly explore compelling narratives centered around law enforcement, this particular gameplay element, even if seemingly minor, raises some concerns. No amount of anime-style character designs can easily dismiss its potential implications.
Overall, Ananta appears to be a game worth watching with both curiosity and caution, especially as its release date approaches.