I got into the closed beta for the new creature collecting game Aniimo and I’m not going to lie, I was super impressed. If you’ve always been a fan of Pokemon or even the newer Pal World, Aniimo has the potential to really improve the genre.
Visually, Aniimo is absolutely gorgeous. The animations are fantastic, the colors are vibrant, and everything moves how you’d expect it to. I found myself just stopping to admire my character and the world around me more than once. Plus, there are tons of character customization options, and you can even add accessories to your Aniimo.
Almost every feature I could think of that I would want or expect in a game like this here: evolution, different varieties and variations of Aniimo, an open world, a storyline, NPCs, egg hatching, base building, battling, and a really unique mechanic where you can transform into any Aniimo and battle as them or use their special abilities to traverse the world.
There is also something called Sanctums, which are kind of reminiscent of Zelda puzzle areas. You have to use different Aniimo abilities to get through them and it adds a puzzle-solving element that makes utilizing and being familiar with Aniimo feel important.
One thing I always think is missing in these types of games is a driving force for people who need a little motivation or guidance and Aniimo delivers. There are so many goals, challenges, and collections to work toward. The storyline and side quests actually feel meaningful, and there are real-time events that you might just stumble across while you’re exploring.
Speaking of exploring, it actually feels rewarding. The open world doesn’t feel empty as there are numerous chests, events, items to collect, and Aniimo interacting with the world around them.
If I had one suggestion, I do think there’s an opportunity to add some kind of NPC battling or gym challenge system similar to Pokémon. Having NPC battles out in the world would not only add to the immersion but also provide an extra layer of fun and challenge.
If you’re a fan of creature collecting or monster taming games and are looking for something fresh that still hits all the right notes, keep an eye on Aniimo. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it grows once it officially launches.