Neverness to Everness might just be the fresh jolt the gacha RPG scene didn’t know it needed.
Stepping away from the fantasy-sci-fi blend of Tower of Fantasy, Hotta Studio’s latest venture plunges us into the eerie neon buzz of Hetherau – a cyberpunk city teetering between mystery, madness, and mobile monetization.
Set after a Level VII anomaly disaster shakes New Helios, the player awakens in Hetherau with amnesia and mysterious powers. It’s classic RPG setup with a stylish twist – you’re not just another chosen one, you’re also on the government’s watchlist. That’s right: jail time before hero time. Soon, you’re drafted into a ragtag team of anomaly hunters based out of a shop that could easily double as a Persona fan’s fever dream.
And speaking of Persona, the game’s inspiration isn’t subtle. From its episodic story arcs and shadow-like Anomalies to its anime-flavored character banter, it’s clear that ATLUS left a lasting impression. Fortunately, Neverness doesn’t just copy – it remixes. Despite the trope-heavy cast, strong animation and decent writing breathe life into your party. Yes, it’s anime. Yes, there’s banter. But it’s snappy, stylish, and occasionally even heartfelt.
What really sets Neverness apart, though, is its open-world chaos. Hetherau isn’t just pretty – it’s playable. Imagine GTA filtered through a gacha lens. You can steal cars (but don’t expect to outrun the police), run businesses, race through back alleys, or rewind time via Spacetime Projector missions. It’s playful, dynamic, and surprisingly deep – especially for a game still in beta.
Combat-wise, Neverness feels like it’s laying down the foundation for something bigger. It’s got all the basics – dodges, parries, ultimates – without overwhelming you. But you can see where it wants to grow. Character styles hint at more depth, and with some tweaks, this could become a truly satisfying action-RPG loop. The Arc and artifact systems give customization a fun puzzle-y angle too, adding layers without clutter.
Now let’s talk about the gacha – the make-or-break of this genre. The good news? Neverness plays nice. S-class drops are pity-timed, A-class is practically guaranteed, and best of all – you can actually pick which top-tier character you want. No more praying to the RNG gods just to get the waifu you’ve been eyeing for weeks. This alone could set a new standard for fairness in the gacha space.
Sure, there are some rough edges: traversal could be smoother, and balancing needs work. But for a second beta, this game already feels more polished than some full launches. If Hotta Studio keeps refining and expanding, Neverness to Everness could easily become one of the standout gacha RPGs of the decade.