The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI is steadily building, with expectations that the game’s third trailer could be released imminently, likely coinciding with the commencement of pre-orders. As we approach the six-month mark before the highly anticipated launch, Take-Two’s CEO has indicated that marketing efforts will intensify “soon,” particularly with the company’s next investor call scheduled for May 21. Investors are eager for news that will ignite their enthusiasm.
Adding to the intrigue, Rockstar Games has recently resumed engagement with fans on social media after a prolonged hiatus, raising eyebrows and speculation about upcoming announcements. However, despite the flurry of marketing activity, it remains a fact that GTA VI is not set to launch until November.
‘Anime GTA VI’ Is Here, A Free Open-World RPG
In the meantime, a worthy alternative has emerged: Neverness to Everness, often dubbed ‘Anime GTA VI’ by fans, is now available for players to explore at no cost. This “supernatural urban open-world RPG” hails from Hotta Studio, a subsidiary of Perfect World Games, and invites players into the vibrant city of Hethereau, where they assume the role of an unlicensed anomaly hunter.
As players join the crew at Eibon, a quirky antique shop that survives by accepting commissions for anomaly hunting, they are promised a journey filled with urban mysteries, laughter, heartbreak, and the chance to craft their own narratives amidst the neon-lit streets.
The comparisons to GTA VI stem from Neverness to Everness—or NTE—which allows players to navigate a sprawling metropolis while engaging in various criminal activities, including the titular grand theft auto. The game introduces a realistic consequence system where getting caught can lead to jail time, extending the player’s sentence if they attempt to escape.
Players can embark on quests, forge friendships with a diverse cast of characters, tackle anomalies, and even personalize their own cozy city dwelling. However, as a free-to-play title, NTE does incorporate microtransactions, allowing players to purchase in-game currency, a feature that has not deterred the community, who have largely embraced the game.
Currently, NTE is available on both PC and PS5, although PC users will not find it on Steam; instead, it can be downloaded directly from its official website. This has resulted in a lack of consensus on reviews for the PC version, but a glance at the PlayStation Store reveals that an impressive 75% of players have rated the game a perfect five out of five, with an additional 7% awarding it four stars. While it is still early days for NTE, the excitement surrounding this title, affectionately referred to as ‘Anime GTA VI,’ is palpable and worth noting.
