Ananta's Open World Is a Wild Mix of GTA, Spider-Man, and Uncharted

We went hands-on with Ananta, the free-to-play open world that's being called 'anime GTA.' Does its mashup of ideas hold together? Here's our take.

Ever dreamt of an open world where you can swing through the city like Spider-Man, gun down enemies like in GTA, and scale ancient ruins like Nathan Drake? Ananta tries to deliver all that and more, and it's free. But after spending some hands-on time with it, I'm left wondering if this ambitious blend is a masterpiece or a mess.

From the moment you drop into Ananta's sprawling city, the influences are obvious. The neon-lit streets and car-jacking antics scream GTA, while the web-swinging traversal feels ripped straight from Marvel's Spider-Man. Toss in some treasure-hunting and acrobatic platforming that wouldn't be out of place in Uncharted, and you've got a heady stew that's equal parts exciting and overwhelming.

The combat is a frantic mix of gunplay and parkour, letting you zip between enemies and unleash stylish takedowns. It's flashy, for sure, but sometimes the chaos gets the better of you. The controls can feel clunky when you're trying to switch from a gunfight to a wall-run mid-battle. Still, when everything clicks, it's a rush.

Ananta's story tries to tie these disparate elements together, but it's a bit of a jumble. You're a special agent with a mysterious past, and you're drawn into a conspiracy that spans the city and beyond. The narrative jumps between high-octane chases and quiet moments of exploration, but it never quite finds its footing. I often felt like I was just going through the motions to get to the next cool set piece.

Graphically, Ananta is a stunner. The city is alive with detail, from bustling markets to towering skyscrapers, and the draw distance is impressive. Character animations are smooth, and the visual style is a feast for the eyes. It's easy to get lost just wandering around, soaking in the atmosphere.

But here's the thing: Ananta is staggering in its ambition. It's trying to be everything to everyone, and sometimes that means none of it feels truly polished. The free-to-play model also means microtransactions are lurking around every corner, which could be a turn-off for some. Yet, for the price of zero, you're getting a massive world with a ton to do.

So, is Ananta worth your time? If you're a fan of any of the games it borrows from, you'll likely find something to enjoy. Just be prepared for a wild ride that doesn't always stick the landing. Will you be diving into Ananta when it drops? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!