Review: Aniimo is a Constantly Distracting Experience

Aniimo, an open-world creature-capturing action RPG developed by Pawprint Studio, has launched for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and mobile devices. Players assume the role of a Polaris Institute researcher tasked with studying and befriending creatures while investigating phenomena like the Prismana Flow. The game allows users to "twine" with these beings to utilize their unique traversal abilities, such as climbing or swimming.

However, critical reception highlights significant issues with execution. Reviewers describe the gameplay as disjointed, citing clunky controls and a battle system reliant on repetitive attacks. Progression is hampered by intrusive busywork that interrupts the narrative flow without connecting to the story or environment. Farming mechanics exist in a separate pocket dimension rather than integrating with the main world.

Technical performance further detracts from the experience. The title suffers from frequent crashes, pop-in errors, and broken animations, with some players forced to switch platforms to mitigate instability. Additionally, the developer previously admitted to creating and later removing generative AI advertisements in July 2026. Critics conclude that the game feels half-baked and fails to distinguish itself from competitors.