Project Mugen – Everything We Know

Welcome to Project Mugen, where the world of anime meets the life of crime. The upcoming title could be a worthy contender that might give Genshin Impact a run for its money. The game has piqued the interest of anime lovers, including Honkai Star Rail enthusiasts. The open-world environment is certainly the game's greatest attraction.

The game was initially announced in early August, with a full reveal scheduled for August 24 during Gamescom 2023. And now the wait is finally over! The developer has finally added some meat to the game's skeleton concept, and we couldn't be happier sharing it with you. Here's Project Mugen- Everything We Know

What is Project Mugen?

Project Mugen is an upcoming title by Naked Rain. The game is set to be an open-world action RPG infused with anime concepts. It balances a rich narrative with intricate scenes that ambitiously aim to captivate players. The game's world is similar to ours, except for the twist of humans coexisting with beings possessing mystic powers. 

From the looks of things, the upcoming title's closest contender is Zenless Zone Zero. The game is an upcoming title from the developers that brought you Genshin Impact, miHoYo. The two games have more in common aside from the fact that they are both free-to-play. 

Story

The Project Mugen story centers on an Esper, also known as the “Infinite Trigger” (some sort of investigator). Players will assume this role and navigate the urban landscape, investigating anomalies and supernatural activities. The presence of these powers is upsetting the balance of life in this urban paradise, and it is up to you to get to the bottom of it. 

In investigating what could be wrong with the city, you'll forge new friendships and explore their storylines. Together, you can work to uncover the mysteries and save the world before its inevitable doom occurs. 

There's a slight hint of players referencing past games since the game will have you “trying to remember lost memories.” Evidently, this is crucial in saving the city's inhabitants from Armageddon. 

Gameplay

The game's open-world environment lets you explore the city. Based on the game's official LINE description, Project Mugen is a “main city-themed open-world RPG. Traversal in the game takes on a unique twist. Each character possesses standard movement sets, including wall-climbing, parkour, and swinging. However, certain characters have special traversal sets, like riding on a war hammer. Moreover, like GTA, you can drive cars, scale tall buildings, and explore the subway. The trailer sheds more light on your maneuvering options. 

Furthermore, combat is present in the game. However, the website offers scanty details about this. We know so far that you can engage in team-based battles with four characters. Every character has a unique set of skills that complement each other. You'll source your weapons from your surroundings. The combat is a mix of melee, gunfights, and the use of supernatural powers. 

What’s more, there's so much scenery to take in. The nightlife comes to life with shimmering city lights. If you prefer a chilled experience, you can visit one of the parks. The developers meticulously set up the game's unique design to capture your attention from every angle.

According to the developer, the upcoming title is more than a game; “it's a visual journey.” The game's environment is dynamic since it reacts to every action you take. 

It's pretty clear why critics quickly compared this game to Grand Theft Auto. The game's metropolitan setting is akin to Carl's environment in his daily hustle to earn respect and money. However, the game's combat systems are more in the Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail category.

Development

The game is a joint project between developer Naked Rain and Publisher NetEase Games. Naked Rain, a subsidiary of Thunder Fire Studio, is the team behind Naraka: Bladepoint, Marvel Super War, and Onmyoji.

Riten Huang, senior marketing director at Thunder Fire Studio, described the game as a “love letter to urban fantasies.” He further noted, “We wanted to create a world that players could relate to, yet find enough mysteries to keep them coming back.” 

During the Gamescom reveal, vice president Ethan Wang said, “Today's unveiling of Project Mugen extends beyond this announcement; it represents NetEase Games' spirit of global collaboration, creativity, and innovation to push the envelope in interactive storytelling. This project draws on development talent from Hangzhou to Montreal, reflecting our dedication to transcending boundaries and redefining gaming experiences. By merging a modern metropolis setting with elements of mysticism, we're excited to create a world where every player can find a moment that resonates with them.”

Trailer

Suppose you're wondering how Naked Rain is bringing life to this game. Thankfully, we have a trailer that sheds light on what the game is shaping up to be. The official reveal trailer debuted during Gamescom 23 and shows the character running through a bustling metropolis and performing Spiderman-like air wings. You can view the trailer in the video embedded above. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Project Mugen will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, and Android. It is still unclear whether the game will be available on the Switch or Xbox One. Moreover, the developers have yet to share a precise launch date. They are, however, accepting pre-registration for the game's wish list. This hints at the possibility of the game launching soon. 

As the development process is still in its early stages, the likelihood of any special editions or official announcements remains uncertain for the foreseeable future. We’re certain the developer will unveil more information about this game, including special editions. If this intrigues you, you can register for pre-registration here. 

You can keep tabs on the development team's official social media channels here to follow up on the game's progress. Rest assured, once the developer issues a concrete release date, we will promptly notify you right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Project Mugen when it eventually launches? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.