Preview: Rolling the Dice on PS5’s Next Big Gacha, the Anime Open World RPG NTE

by

Genshin Impact has a lot to answer for.

In recent times, it appears as though the world of dark fantasy Soulslikes is being matched by the proliferation of anime gacha games, each new release contributing to a unique genre that’s grown significantly. Today, there are numerous options available, ranging from Zenless Zone Zero to Wuthering Waves and countless others in between.

In simpler terms, “Neverness,” often abbreviated as NTE, bears striking resemblance to certain works. It’s most closely associated with Zenless Zone Zero on the stylistic spectrum, as this is an urban fantasy set in the lively, fictional city of Hethereau.

Instead of HoYoverse’s approach, focusing on intricately designed districts, this game offers an authentic open world that allows exploration by foot or vehicle, setting it apart as a unique spin on the genre.

At Gamescom, I had the thrill of getting hands-on with an early PS5 version of the game, and let me tell you, it was a sight to behold in that lavish (and undoubtedly pricey) booth! The game felt quite refined already, which has me thinking it might not be long before we get our hands on the final product.

In this game, you can either call your chosen vehicle by pressing a button on the control pad, or you could utilize a character named Mint, a traffic officer with green hair who frequently appears in promotional materials, to commandeer vehicles from non-player characters (NPCs) instead. This functionality is reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto (GTA), although during our demo we didn’t have the opportunity to test out the Wanted meter feature.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been cruising around this virtual racetrack, and while the vehicles handle well enough for a casual spin, they lack the thrilling responsiveness you’d expect from a high-octane racing sim. Drifting corners with the Triangle button is doable, but it doesn’t quite capture that exhilarating grip sensation found in more authentic racing games – think of it as a practical way to navigate turns effectively rather than an exhilarating driving experience.

However, I must admit that the anime-inspired car designs are a visual treat and add a unique charm to the game. Plus, the bustling open world is brimming with unexpected traffic, making every race feel lively and immersive.

In a game similar to Grand Theft Auto, you can mark destinations by setting waypoints, causing a virtual line to appear on the ground guiding your path. Occasionally, we encountered a glitch that steered us off course, but considering it’s still in development, the developers are likely aware of this issue and will probably address it.

In the gameplay of

The characters’ appearances seem familiar, as if they could be from various games, with Sakiri carrying a large polearm and Hathor’s outfit revealing quite a bit. Despite this, their Ultimate moves are beautifully animated and don’t significantly disrupt the gameplay’s rhythm, which is crucial when you use them frequently.

Given the intricate nature of these games, it was challenging to fully grasp all the mechanics within such a brief playtime, hence we couldn’t discuss in detail the roles of characters in battles or why they were used, beyond a general button-mashing experience. It’s clear that the final release will necessitate careful consideration of your team composition and strategy for each encounter.

One aspect we appreciated, nonetheless, is the Console, which serves a similar role as Relics in Honkai: Star Rail. These items offer unique buffs for characters based on their specific pieces. Interestingly, it mirrors the intricate inventory management game from Resident Evil, requiring you to fit different pieces together much like Tetris to create your desired character build.

Another fascinating aspect worth mentioning is the in-built mechanic known as Scarborough Fair, which operates similar to a game of chance akin to Mario Party. In this system, you roll a dice and move across a board, with each stop offering a reward. These rewards can vary from a new character or an essential item.

In the intensifying battle among these game titles, NTE is abolishing the contentious 50/50 system found in other gacha games. This change ensures that you will obtain your desired character after approximately 90 attempts, unlike previously when it could take up to 180. Moreover, there won’t be any weapon banners, instead, you’ll acquire them through gameplay progression.

In simpler terms, NTE is likely to be a popular choice among free-to-play gamers due to its generous gacha system, potentially forcing competitors to adapt. Moreover, it’s visually appealing with an intriguing board game-like interface that was quite enjoyable during the demonstration.

Absolutely, there’s a great deal more to this game that we didn’t get a chance to delve into during our playtime. In addition to the sandbox environment, life simulation aspects enable players to buy their own apartment and personalize it as desired. Furthermore, you can customize your vehicles with various liveries and additional features.

As a passionate gamer, I can confidently say that this game shows great potential, stepping into a highly competitive market. Playing on my PS5, I must admit, the game’s polish left me quite impressed. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if this game is nearing its completion more than we might initially think!

However, with a rather casual artistic approach that’s quite common, and numerous well-established competitors within the same field, NTE must emphasize its unique features to create a distinct presence.

Are you planning to take a chance with NTE when it launches on PS5? Which characters from the game have you found intriguing, and what makes them so interesting to you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Read More

2025-08-24 18:37