Singapore-based Pawprint Studio launched its free-to-play, open-world monster-collecting RPG *Aniimo* today, September 16, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S (the mobile version launches on September 23).
In this game, players explore a vast world while collecting “mysterious creatures” known as Aniimo. Along their journey, players will collect and raise a diverse array of Aniimo, taking on exhilarating real-time battles, solving puzzles scattered throughout the world, and advancing the story.
Not only do different types of Animo inhabit different regions, but even the same Animo species can exist in different “forms” with varying appearances and characteristics. Furthermore, in addition to adventuring alongside the Animo you’ve collected, you can “link” with them to merge with them and unleash their powerful abilities.
In this article, we’ll introduce the charms of *Animo*, which has finally been officially released!
Guided by the Moon and the Sun
The game is set on the vast “Idil Continent,” home to a diverse array of Animo.
When you start the game, you’ll first create your protagonist—your avatar. During character creation, you can not only customize individual features like the face and body type but also combine presets to express your unique style.
The story begins with the protagonist—selected as a special investigator for the Polaris Academy Scientific Research Team, which studies Animo—embarking on a discovery tour. At first, you’ll learn from Nicole, a young girl on the research team, how to capture Animo and give commands to the ones you’ve captured.
Later, in a mysterious underground ruin they stumble upon, the protagonist encounters two Animo—"Lunara" and "Helion"—who possess the powers of the moon and the sun, respectively, and chooses to receive the protection of one of them.The one you choose becomes your partner in the game and a reliable ally who supports you on your adventure. Unlike ordinary Animo, these two possess the mysterious ability to communicate with humans through speech.
At the end of the tutorial, you’ll “link” with the Animo you’ve chosen as your partner and take on a boss battle. By linking with an Animo and becoming one with it, humans can act in ways that leverage its unique characteristics and gain access to powerful skills.
After the battle, the player is recognized for their talent as a “Tripper”—someone who works alongside Animos—and begins serving as an official member of the expedition team. Together with your partner Animo, your adventure in this new world begins.
Explore the world by utilizing your Animo’s unique traits!
To capture an Animo, you must throw a special item called an “Animo Pod” at it. The capture rate varies depending on the Animo’s condition; throwing the Animo Pod from behind or finding a sleeping Animo significantly increases your chances. You may also need to observe the Animo to find the right moment to strike.
Each Animo has its own special ability—such as burning vines to clear a path or conducting electricity through metal to complete a circuit—allowing you to interact with objects on the map to solve puzzles. Additionally, if you’ve captured Animos that can fly or swim, they’ll automatically link with you while moving, helping you adapt to the environment.
There are also complex mechanisms, such as setting grass on fire to create updrafts and linking to a flying Animo to soar high. Many locations feature treasure chests and rewards like “Sparkling Amber.”
There are also various other puzzles, such as matching games and logic puzzles, so it’s important to explore every corner of the map.
Furthermore, linking allows you to talk to Animo of the same species. By conversing with Animo—each with their own unique ecology—you can accept special quests or gain hints needed for their evolution. Best of all, the Animo won’t be wary of you, so you can take your time observing them up close!
Take on powerful enemies and challenging areas alongside your Animo!
During your adventures on the continent of Idyl, you may occasionally find yourself in battles against powerful Animos or other Trippers. Combat is action-based, and you can choose between two fighting styles: fighting alongside your Animo or linking with it to battle.
When fighting separately, the player can not only attack but also perform support actions—such as strengthening or healing your partner Animo, who fights automatically. Additionally, when linked, you can fight using your Animo’s skills and unleash powerful attacks, such as special moves, at any time.
In battle, you can also put opponents into a “Break” state by attacking them.
For standard Animos, putting them in a “Break” state makes them easier to capture, while for boss Animos, putting them in a “Break” state stuns them, creating an opportunity for additional attacks. Since there are advantages and disadvantages based on Animo attributes, you’ll want to carefully select your party members to create a composition that works best for the battle.
The game also features facilities called “Dungeons.” Dungeons are puzzle-solving challenges where you must use specific Animos to progress; clearing them not only earns you rewards but also fulfills the evolution requirements for certain Animos. Once evolved, some skills are enhanced, allowing you to handle mechanics you previously couldn’t overcome.
Since you can move almost seamlessly between areas, you can head straight for locations with high-level Animos or take on challenging missions right away. While there is a level cap, you can also capture Animos using high-quality pods, so it might be fun to give it a try.
Sometimes, you can even take it easy and manage a farm
As a rookie investigator at the Academy, you’ll take on various missions across the Idyl Continent. By meeting specific conditions, you’ll find it easier to capture local Animos, rank up to unlock higher level caps, and gradually grow as a Tripper.
You’ll also find Animo eggs scattered across the map, and by hatching them at your Tripper base, you might encounter new Animo. Even within the same species, different “forms” exist depending on the region, each with unique abilities. Collecting these is one of the joys of *Animo* and forms part of the challenge.
Beyond adventure, another highlight is relaxing on your own private plot of land to enjoy activities like farming.
As you progress through the story, you’ll gain access to a vehicle-like facility called a “Camper,” where you can build fields and facilities to produce items that support your adventures. With housing elements like decorations included, this is definitely an area where you’ll want to put some thought into!
In addition to challenge rewards based on your gameplay, numerous events are planned right from the game’s launch.
Puzzles and interactive elements are scattered throughout this vast world, so you can either explore every corner of it or simply live life at your own leisurely pace. Above all, the Animos are so cute—don’t forget to take some time to observe them!
*Animo* is a game set in a vast world where you can freely adventure while collecting adorable Animos. On the map, you’ll find herds of Animos, search for hidden treasure, and battle NPCs—there really are events waiting for you everywhere. It’s a joy to know that even if you’re just running around, you’ll never get bored and will always have new encounters.
The Animo bonding system is also unique; as you learn to understand the Animos’ language, you can enjoy learning about their ecology and their own stories. However, you’ll need to switch your bond partner depending on the Animo’s species, and since you can only have up to four in your party, putting together the right lineup takes a bit of effort. That said, there’s also an auto-switch feature available to help with this.
You earn experience points from a variety of actions, making it easy to level up, and there are virtually no restrictions on what you can do. The game systems have been fine-tuned based on previous testing, making the game even more enjoyable to play. Since it’s free-to-play, if you’re interested, you should definitely give it a try!
"Aniimo" is now available starting today, September 16, on PC (Steam/ Epic Games Store),PS5, andXBOX Series X|S. TheiOSandAndroidversions are scheduled for a simultaneous global release on September 23.
