HotTake Games is doing something weird with Neverness to Everness characters, and honestly, it’s about time. Most urban fantasy gacha games feel like they're just copying the Persona homework without understanding the assignment. They give you a cool city, some neon lights, and then fill it with cardboard cutouts.
NTE is different.
The game—developed by the Tower of Fantasy folks at Hotta Studio—drops us into Hesperia. It’s a city where anomalies (basically supernatural glitches) are part of the morning commute. But the real draw isn't just the flashy combat or the fact that you can customize cars like it’s Need for Speed. It’s the cast.
The Unusual Suspects of Neverness to Everness
When you first look at the Neverness to Everness characters, you might think you’ve seen them before. You haven't. Take Mint, for example. She’s the first one we really saw in the debut trailers.
She isn't just some moe mascot. Mint works at the Antique Shop, and her vibe is "exhausted professional dealing with ghosts." She uses a massive, oversized hammer in combat, which feels like a direct nod to the absurdity of the "Esper" powers in this universe. Her gameplay revolves around physical impact, but her personality is grounded in the mundane reality of living in a city where your toaster might suddenly start reciting poetry or trying to eat your soul.
Then there is Nanami.
If you played Tower of Fantasy, you know Nanami. She’s a multiversal constant. In NTE, she’s back, but she feels more integrated into the "Anomalous" theme. She represents that bridge between the developer's previous work and this new, slicker urban environment. Seeing her here confirms that Hotta is building a cohesive brand, even if the worlds are technically separate.
Why the Character Design Hits Different
Most games use "urban" as a synonym for "wearing a hoodie."
💡 You might also like: Wordle August 19th: Why This Puzzle Still Trips People Up
In NTE, the character design is built around the concept of "Anomalies." The characters don't just have magic; they have specific, often bizarre interactions with the reality-warping physics of Hesperia. You’ll notice Sakiri, another standout. Her design leans heavily into the sleek, modern aesthetic of Hesperia's high-end districts. She’s sharp. Dangerous. She fits the "Appraiser" role perfectly.
In this world, Appraisers are the ones who hunt down and deal with Anomalies. They’re basically supernatural bounty hunters with better outfits.
The sheer variety is staggering. You’ve got characters who look like they stepped out of a high-fashion runway show standing next to others who look like they’ve been living in a basement tinkering with cursed engines for three weeks. This contrast is the heart of Hesperia. It’s a city of extremes.
Breaking Down the Gameplay Mechanics
How do these characters actually play?
It’s a tag-team system. You aren't just stuck with one person on screen. You’re swapping between three Neverness to Everness characters to chain together "Anomalous" abilities. This creates a flow that feels more like a dance than a button-masher.
The most interesting part? The interaction with the environment.
Hesperia is a sandbox. You aren't just running through hallways. You can drive your customized car—which is a massive feature—and your characters actually exist within the city. You see them sitting in cafes or walking the streets. It makes the gacha element feel less like pulling for a JPG and more like recruiting a new neighbor.
📖 Related: Wordle Answers July 29: Why Today’s Word Is Giving Everyone a Headache
The Rarity Factor
We don't have the final "pull rates" yet, obviously. But the distinction between 4-star and 5-star characters seems to be less about raw power and more about the complexity of their kits.
- Standard Appraisers: Usually have straightforward elemental or physical builds.
- High-Tier Anomalies: These characters often manipulate the battlefield itself, changing gravity or slowing time.
The "EID" and Character Growth
NTE introduces the EID (Extraordinary Intelligence Division). This is the organization that tracks all the weird stuff. Your characters aren't just fighting; they're cataloging.
The progression system seems to tie character growth to your "Urban Level." Basically, the more you interact with the city—buying property, decorating your house, winning street races—the more resources you get to beef up your squad. It’s a holistic approach to a gacha game that many of us have been wanting for years.
Honestly, the house-building mechanic is where a lot of people are going to lose their minds. Imagine pulling a top-tier character and then having to design a bedroom that fits their aesthetic. It’s Sims meets Genshin, and it’s kind of brilliant.
Let's Talk About Hesperia’s Identity Crisis
Hesperia itself is almost a character.
The city is built on Unreal Engine 5, and it shows. The way the light hits the wet pavement after an "Anomaly Rain" event is gorgeous. But the city is also dangerous. The Neverness to Everness characters have to navigate a world that is actively trying to rewrite its own rules.
You’ll encounter "Anomalous Entities" that aren't just monsters. Sometimes they’re objects. Sometimes they’re buildings. Your characters need specific tools to deal with these. It’s not just about having the highest DPS (Damage Per Second); it’s about having the right type of Esper ability to stabilize the zone.
👉 See also: Why the Pokemon Gen 1 Weakness Chart Is Still So Confusing
The Role of the Protagonist
You play as the "Proxy" or a similar central figure who manages these characters. Unlike some silent protagonists who feel like a blank slate, the NTE lead seems to have a bit more bite. You’re an Appraiser. You’re a professional.
You’re the one who organizes the team, drives the car, and decides which Anomalies are worth the risk. The relationship between the player character and the recruitable cast is built on a "Business Partner" dynamic rather than just "Hero and Followers." It’s refreshing. It feels more adult.
How to Prepare for the Global Launch
If you're looking to dive into the world of Neverness to Everness characters, you need a plan. The game is likely to have a heavy focus on "dailies" that involve city exploration rather than just clearing a dungeon.
- Focus on the car first. It sounds weird for a character-based game, but your mobility in Hesperia dictates how fast you can gather upgrade materials. A fast car means faster character growth.
- Learn the "Anomaly" types. Don't just pull for the character that looks the coolest. Look at their interaction with the city's physics. Certain characters will be essential for "Parkour" style exploration missions.
- Save your currency for the "Urban Legend" banners. These are expected to be the limited-run characters who have unique interactions with the open world, like the ability to fly or phase through certain barriers.
- Pay attention to the shopkeepers. In NTE, NPCs actually matter. Building relationships with local business owners in Hesperia can unlock specific gear for your main team.
The Future of Hesperia
Hotta Studio is betting big. They want this to be the "GTA of Gacha."
By making the characters feel like they belong in a living, breathing city, they're avoiding the "waifu simulator" trap. These characters have jobs. They have bills. They have favorite coffee shops.
When you finally get your hands on the game, don't rush to the endgame. Spend time walking around. See how your characters react to the neon signs and the shifting shadows of the back alleys. The magic of NTE isn't in the damage numbers—it's in the vibe of a city that never sleeps because it's too afraid of what's under the bed.
Actionable Next Steps for Hesperia Citizens
To get the most out of your experience when the gates finally open, start by following the official NTE social channels for "Character Spotlights." These videos usually drop hints about elemental synergies that aren't in the written descriptions.
Also, keep an eye on the technical requirements. Since this is an Unreal Engine 5 title, you're going to need a beefy setup, whether on PC or mobile, to see these characters in their full glory. If your hardware is lagging, the fast-paced combat swaps will feel clunky, and you'll miss the subtle animations that give these characters their personality.
Prepare your storage space now. Hesperia is a big city, and it's only going to get bigger.