{"rewrite":{"id":"r_8ede598d39829d8c7a6ba4b7","clusterId":"c_741c2c2f53f605889dfc469b","slug":"aniimo-preview-shows-monster-collecting-with-a-link-mechanic","model":"deepseek-v4-flash","headline":"Aniimo Preview Shows Monster Collecting With a Link Mechanic","summary":"Pawprint Studio's free-to-play open-world ARPG Aniimo enters closed beta in early July for PC and mobile ahead of a full 2026 release on PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile. A hands-on preview details the link system, which lets players transform into captured creatures to fly, swim, and solve puzzles.","whyItMatters":"The link mechanic distinguishes Aniimo from other monster-collecting games by making the player's own form part of the puzzle and traversal toolkit.","webCardHtml":"\u003cp\u003ePawprint Studio\u0026#39;s Aniimo is a free-to-play open-world action RPG where players collect creatures called Aniimo and explore the continent of Idyl. The game\u0026#39;s link system allows the player to transform into a captured Aniimo and use its abilities directly, such as flying, swimming across water, or burning obstacles. The preview also describes puzzles that require specific Aniimo forms, including perspective-based picture puzzles and buried treasure that must be dug up. Character creation is detailed, with three-preset fusion and slider-based fine-tuning. The first closed beta test for Japan runs through July 5 on PC and mobile, with the full game planned for PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile in the latter half of 2026.\u003c/p\u003e","blueskyPost":"Aniimo preview: free-to-play open-world monster-collecting ARPG with a link system that lets you transform into creatures. Closed beta starts early July on PC and mobile. Full release later in 2026 on PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile.","twitterPost":"Aniimo preview: free-to-play open-world monster-collecting ARPG with a link system that lets you transform into creatures. Closed beta starts early July on PC and mobile. Full release later in 2026 on PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile.","threadsPost":null,"newsletterBlurb":"Pawprint Studio's Aniimo enters closed beta in early July. The free-to-play open-world ARPG features a link mechanic that lets players transform into captured creatures to fly, swim, and solve puzzles. The full game is due in the latter half of 2026 on PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile.","attributionJson":"[{\"source\":\"Game Spark\",\"url\":\"http://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/07/02/168715.html\",\"title\":\"Become \\\"One\\\" with Cute Creatures - Free-to-Play Monster-Collecting Open-World ARPG 'Aniimo' Hands-On Preview: Link with Your Partner to Fly Through the Sky, Cross the Sea, and Blend into Adorable Herds\"}]","lintFlagsJson":null,"lintHits":0,"costUsd":0,"inputTokens":4287,"outputTokens":603,"status":"published","repairAttempts":0,"nextRepairAt":null,"factsAttemptedAt":1782965818,"createdAt":"2026-07-02T04:09:38.000Z","publishedAt":"2026-07-02T04:09:50.000Z","updatedAt":"2026-07-02T04:09:50.000Z"},"cluster":{"id":"c_741c2c2f53f605889dfc469b","canonicalTitle":"かわいい生き物と\"ひとつ\"になれる―基本無料モンスター収集オープンワールドARPG『アニモ（Aniimo）』先行プレイレポ。相棒とリンクして空を飛び、海を渡り、そしてかわいい群れに紛れ込む","representativeArticleId":"a_f6eae1a60a5413d4709ee103","sourceCount":1,"writtenSourceCount":1,"writeAttempts":0,"isSolo":true,"entitiesJson":"{\"anime_titles\":[],\"manga_titles\":[],\"work_titles\":[\"Aniimo\"],\"studios\":[],\"people\":[],\"type\":\"review\",\"domain\":\"games\",\"is_roundup\":false}","contentType":"news","status":"published","firstSeenAt":"2026-07-02T03:00:03.000Z","lastSeenAt":"2026-07-02T03:00:03.000Z","updatedAt":"2026-07-02T04:09:52.000Z"},"attribution":[{"source":"Game Spark","url":"http://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/07/02/168715.html","title":"かわいい生き物と\"ひとつ\"になれる―基本無料モンスター収集オープンワールドARPG『アニモ（Aniimo）』先行プレイレポ。相棒とリンクして空を飛び、海を渡り、そしてかわいい群れに紛れ込む"}],"entities":{"anime_titles":[],"manga_titles":[],"work_titles":["Aniimo"],"studios":[],"people":[],"type":"review","domain":"games","is_roundup":false},"keyFacts":["Aniimo enters closed beta in early July for PC and mobile.","The link system lets players transform into captured creatures to fly, swim, and solve puzzles.","The full game is planned for PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile in the latter half of 2026.","Character creation includes three-preset fusion and slider-based fine-tuning.","The first closed beta test for Japan runs through July 5."]}