Ever since Persona transformed the RPG into a wonderfully voyeuristic Japanese tourism simulator, I’ve been hooked on games that let me live a different life across the globe. Whether it’s wandering Osaka’s neon alleys in Yakuza or trudging through Kingdom Come’s dirt-caked medieval Bohemia, there’s something ridiculously satisfying about picking up a controller and peeking into someone else’s world.
The only problem? As much as I adore Persona, its version of Tokyo is painfully linear. I’ve been craving something bigger—something sprawling and open, where I can get lost in the rhythm of a real (albeit virtual) city. Turns out, Hotta Studio has heard those oddly specific prayers.
Welcome to NTE—an open-world anime RPG built in Unreal Engine 5 that finally scratches the itch I’ve been trying to ignore.
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The City of Hethereau: Like a Shonen Jump Take on GTA
Developed by the team behind Tower of Fantasy, NTE drops you into Hethereau, a jaw-droppingly slick metropolis that feels like a fusion of Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul. It’s a near-future city buzzing with anime flair, packed with stuff to do and places to explore.
Seriously, it looks amazing. Lumen-powered lighting brings puddles to life, character models are crisp and expressive, and the city feels kinetic. One minute you’re sipping coffee in a quiet café, the next you’re cutting through mutated citizens in back alleys or hijacking cars to chase down anomalies. It’s like a Shonen Jump-flavored version of GTA, and I’m so here for it.
Real-Time Weather, Real Vibes
One of the coolest features? The weather. It changes in real-time and actually impacts the world. Maybe you boot up the game and it’s a peaceful, sunny afternoon—perfect for exploring. Or maybe a snowstorm rolls in and suddenly, traffic slows, NPCs leave tracks in the snow, and you’re racing to a mission while trying not to slide off the road.
It’s subtle stuff, but it makes the world feel alive in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Sci-Fi Horrors Meet Slice-of-Life
There is a plot here—this isn’t just a chill hangout sim (although you can totally play it like one). In NTE, strange goo starts falling from the sky, mutating people and twisting reality itself. As a member of the Anomaly Control’s Containment Unit, you’re tasked with keeping the city safe from these corrupted citizens and their reality-bending powers.
The city is divided into two zones:
- Frontworld is your sleek, everyday open world—bright, busy, and packed with things to do.
- Backworld is where things get weird. Picture reality glitches, haunted schools oozing red light, and horror vibes dripping from every corner.
These spooky segments are a welcome break from the usual combat loop, and honestly, they’re kind of mesmerizing.
Combat With Character
Fights are real-time and character-specific. Different fighters come with unique mechanics—some have slick parries, others have critical dodge counters. There’s enough variety to keep things interesting without overwhelming you.
And just like the setting, the combat leans into stylish anime energy. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re starring in a Demon Slayer episode while street brawling in neon-soaked back alleys, this is it.
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Explore Your Way: Parkour, Ziplines, Subways & Cars
City traversal? They nailed it.
- You can parkour your way across rooftops
- Zipline across glowing skylines
- Hop on a subway and chat up locals
- Or just steal a car (legally, technically—it’s called Requisition if you’re part of the Anomaly Control Unit)
And yes, there’s a Wanted Level system. Go rogue, start smashing stuff, or accidentally punch a civilian, and the city’s security force will come after you. Escalate enough, and the chase gets wild. It’s pure chaos in the best way.
Racing, Chaos & Chill Vibes
If combat and containment sound too intense, don’t worry—you can just grab some friends and go street racing instead. Different city districts have their own rival racing crews, and bad weather means slick roads, tight turns, and glorious wipeouts. It’s silly fun, and a great change of pace.
Prefer more relaxed vibes? Grab a drink, run errands, or dive into side quests that are charmingly ridiculous. There’s balance here, and it lets you enjoy the game at whatever speed feels right.
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Storytelling & Style
Between missions, NTE leans into its anime inspirations with full-blown cutscenes—gorgeously rendered, full of twists, and dripping with style. There’s clearly a lot of love put into the worldbuilding, and while we don’t know yet how deep the story choices go, there’s promise of meaningful branching paths and character development.
Beta Info & Final Thoughts
If the year-long wait for GTA VI is eating you alive and modern gacha games aren’t hitting, NTE might be your answer.
- The PC beta is live now through July 16
- Launch platforms include PC, mobile, and PlayStation 5
Whether you’re into stylish combat, immersive worldbuilding, or just want to vibe in a cyberpunk anime city, NTE is shaping up to be a very real contender for your time.
I didn’t expect to fall this hard for it—but here I am, counting down the days until I can jump back into Hethereau and lose myself all over again.
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