Nexus Anima announces closed beta test for the upcoming creature collector

If you have ever played Pokémon or any other creature collector, you will know there is a lot of randomness already. IVs, natures, and spawn rates just off the top of my head. This is why alarm bells are ringing with the gacha-obsessed HoYoverses announcement of their own entry into the genre; Honkai Nexus Anima.

You will be placed into the shoes of a plane-hopping traveller who finds themselves in a small town, as these games often open. You will have to speak to Professor Oak and leave Pallet Town... I mean, strike out into uncharted realms with an Anima by your side. And what better way to travel than with an adorable companion?

These Animas will stick by you through thick and thin, engaging in strategy-based battles or simply roaming the world with you. Each of these new friends has their own skills and personality to uncover on your epic journey. Nexus Anima will also ship with a far-reaching narrative to follow, and we know how good HoYo is at weaving their yarns.

Whilst there have been no mentions of any gacha elements, this is HoYo we are talking about. Everything they do has gacha, so it is hard not to approach this with some hesitancy. Are we going to have to pull for every creature we want? Or maybe it will be like Pokémon Masters Sync Pairs with a set character and creature duo. Happily, this burning question can be answered sooner rather than later.

There is a closed beta test, dubbed The Nexus Bond Test, scheduled to kick off within the next month or so. Registration is open until September 12th, so you have some time to stick your name down. The only drawback is that the test will only take place on PC and iOS. Android users are once again getting the short end of the mobile gaming stick.

It is also worth noting that this Nexus Bond Test will conclude with a data wipe. Given HoYos talent with creating adorable and endearing creatures, I predict a lot of heartbreak when this happens.