The new open-world action RPG 'Animo', featuring adorable fictional creatures, kicks off its closed beta for PC and mobile starting the 9th. The game is built around the theme of bonding and coexistence, highlighted by the 'Twine' mechanic, which allows the player to transform directly into an Animo.

Pawprint Studio's latest title, 'Animo' takes you on an exploration journey across Astra, a futuristic city in the sky where humans and Animo coexist, and the vast Eidel continent teeming with life. Thanks to PBR technology, the graphics render the fur, scales, and carapaces of these creatures with realistic detail. The developer has also implemented dynamic lighting and physics simulations to make the environment react, capturing everything from rain-soaked ground to realistic water ripples.

With over 200 species to collect and nurture, the game offers deep progression. You can slot four Animo into your party, swapping them out as needed. Each creature brings its own unique skills and actions to the table. There is an elemental synergy system in place, along with progression elements like skill sets and stat boosts, allowing you to craft builds tailored to your opponents.

The most notable feature is the 'Twine' system, where the protagonist transforms into an Animo. While you can control your character and Animo separately, 'Twine' allows you to embody the creature and use their skills directly for a more proactive combat experience. Furthermore, you can transform into specific Animo to fly, swim, or climb, and navigate dungeons filled with puzzles that require the unique skills of your Animo to solve.

The game also features life simulation content for a more relaxed pace. Unlocking your camper van grants you access to your own private plot of land, or 'Home'. You can plant crops, set up incubators, or arrange facilities to support your journey. It is also a space to hang out with your favorite Animo, decorate with furniture, or dive into the customization suite, where you can accessorize your creatures or tweak your character's face, hair, and outfit.

Pawprint Studio stated, "This test is the first opportunity for players to experience the living open world and ecosystem we have built in Animo. We look forward to gathering user feedback to polish the game into a more complete experience."

The Animo closed beta began on July 9, and the game officially supports the Korean language. The PC version can be downloaded via the official website or Steam. Mobile users on iOS can participate through Apple's TestFlight, while Android users can download the game directly from the official website.