A new free-to-play creature-collecting RPG is taking a familiar formula and changing one of its biggest rules.

Aniimo, developed by Pawprint Studio, launches today, September 16, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with versions for iOS and Android arriving on September 23. The game is set in the massive open world of Idyll, where players can capture and evolve more than 200 different creatures known as Aniimo.

At first glance, Aniimo may look familiar. Players explore different environments, encounter creatures, capture them and evolve them as they progress.

But there is one major difference: you don't always have to play as the human character.

Aniimo features a system called Twining, which allows players to merge with one of their captured creatures and directly take control of it.

That means your creature isn't simply a companion waiting for orders.

You actually become the creature.

Each Aniimo can give the player completely different abilities. Some can fly, others can swim, climb, burrow underground or interact with the environment in ways that are impossible for the human character.

The system is also designed to become part of exploration, combat and puzzle solving rather than functioning as a simple transformation gimmick.

And the creatures themselves are not completely static.

Their appearances and development can be influenced by environmental factors such as the biome, weather and time of day. Evolution also plays a major role, giving players different possibilities when developing their Aniimo.

This means that collecting creatures is only one part of the experience.

The world itself is designed to encourage experimentation.

Aniimo also takes a different approach to the player's home base. Instead of being restricted to a traditional house or permanent headquarters, players can use an RV while exploring the world and customize their own Homeland with crops, decorations and different facilities.

But perhaps the most unusual aspect is how the creatures are integrated into the game's world and story.

The different abilities of Aniimo aren't simply there for combat. They can change how players explore Idyll, solve environmental puzzles and access areas that would otherwise be unreachable.

And because different creatures offer different movement abilities, choosing which Aniimo to use can fundamentally change the way you approach the same environment.

The game also isn't designed exclusively around solo play.

Aniimo includes multiplayer content, including cooperative gameplay and a three-player PvEvP mode called Egg Heist, where teams compete to secure valuable eggs while dealing with other players and wild creatures.

The launch is also being supported across multiple platforms.

PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players can enter the world of Idyll starting September 16, while mobile players will join on September 23.

The game is free-to-play, although optional paid editions and in-game purchases are available.

Ultimately, Aniimo is entering a crowded creature-collecting market, but its central idea is easy to understand:

Instead of simply commanding your creatures, become them.

Whether you're flying across the map, exploring underwater areas, solving puzzles or fighting other creatures, the Aniimo you choose can completely change how you interact with the world.

And with its free-to-play model and cross-platform multiplayer focus, the game is now ready to see whether its transformation mechanic is enough to make it stand out from the growing number of creature-collecting RPGs.