Hands-On Preview: The Hidden Ones – A Stunning Anime-Inspired Fighting Game Experience

Created by Morefun Studios and published by Tencent, The Hidden Ones represents a dynamic foray into the fighting game genre, inspired by the popular Hitori No Shita: The Outcast series. This game is a unique extension of the webcomic Under One Person, incorporating a rich tapestry of mystical martial arts practiced by a diverse array of characters, including college students, criminal factions, and enigmatic warriors. While not a verbatim adaptation of its source material, The Hidden Ones enriches the narrative universe, offering players captivating visuals and finely tuned gameplay that immerse them in an electrifying world.

Whether you are a devoted admirer of the original series or a newcomer, The Hidden Ones delivers a compelling gaming experience. I had the opportunity to participate in a demo event hosted by Screen Rant, where I was able to experience the game’s visceral combat mechanics and witness firsthand the seamless transition from anime-inspired cutscenes to exhilarating brawls. Additionally, engaging with the creative team behind the game provided deeper insights into the mechanics being developed and foreshadowed exciting prospects for its future.

Step into an Anime-Inspired Universe

Tencent’s Ambitious Expansion of Under One Person

One of the standout features of The Hidden Ones is its intuitive control scheme, particularly evident during the anime-style duels. The camera dynamically adjusts and the pace shifts to emphasize techniques reminiscent of thrilling action sequences from beloved anime. This innovative design choice keeps players engaged throughout the story mode, which is replete with distinctive animations and a transition to a beat-em-up gameplay style that is executed with finesse.

At launch, players can choose from nine distinct characters, with the extensive lore of the original anime and a live-service framework promising future character additions. Senior Game Designer Stan Fan highlighted this potential:

“This game is based on the original manga. It has a long story, like 400 to 500 chapters. We have a lot of things to do. I don’t think it will be a problem to find out what [characters] we want to do next.”

This expansive scope allows for a deeper exploration of secondary characters, thereby enhancing the game world organically.

In player-versus-player (PvP) battles, gamers must assemble teams of three fighters, strategically deploying them in sequential combat to vanquish their rivals. The core of any fighting game lies in its controls and graphics; The Hidden Ones excels in both areas. Characters exhibit an impressive agility while navigating the battlefield, showcasing basic attacks, special moves, and powerful ultimate abilities. However, as I discovered during my preview, success in The Hidden Ones hinges on mastering character movement.

Players can effectively dodge enemy strikes, traverse the arena, and even string together attacks by utilizing strategic retreats before launching subsequent assaults. This innovative approach refreshes the classic fighting game template, demanding players remain alert while providing a straightforward yet refined gameplay experience. Dodges, counters, and grapples play integral roles in the fluidity of combat, making the game accessible yet challenging to master through awareness of positioning and movement. The tight controls ensure players feel in command, even amidst chaotic combat scenarios.

Evolution of PvP Focus into an Expanded Story Mode

Transforming Fighters into Brawlers: The Solo Mode

The emphasis on combat was a critical aspect of The Hidden Ones development, according to Lead Game Designer Fox Lin. As Lin articulated:

“The team decided to develop the combat first. We spent a lot of time researching how to make the combat style really fun and visually captivating. That took a couple of years. After that, we moved into the PvP and the story side of the game.”

Introducing a dedicated solo mode opened the door for new gameplay experiences, allowing designers to create formidable boss encounters without jeopardizing the delicate balance established among player characters.

“With combat, bosses cannot have the same abilities as players. They must be challenging enough so players feel the difficulty. Under our design concept, whether facing a boss or another player, anticipating their moves is crucial. You have to react quickly and devise counters for their attacks… We envision this as a live service game. Combat is vital for prolonged engagement. The story mode is a valuable addition for fans wanting to delve into the lore and original narrative. It enhances the overall experience in the long run.”

– Lead Game Designer Fox Lin

The game’s robust mechanics coupled with its artistic presentation promise a memorable experience. During the demo, I experienced the story of Wang Te, a young man navigating his quest for peace amid dangerous adversaries. The single-player mode features captivating cutscenes that seamlessly blend with gameplay, while the emphasis on movement enhances exploration opportunities within the narrative.

The game’s expansive world successfully integrates anime aesthetics, affirming its distinctive visual style.

“Our producer is an artist. He’s very good at creating cinematic experiences, which gives him a solid grasp of balancing combat and narrative. We aim to replicate the experience from the manga, where narratives shift from character to character in a way that connects readers. We wanted players to feel like they are inhabiting the characters, engaging in their fights and sharing their journeys—creating a sense of immersive continuity. That immersion is what we strived for.”

– Senior Game Designer Stan Fan

The Hidden Ones is scheduled to enter Alpha and Beta Testing in early 2025, with a full release planned for PC, Android, and iOS by Q3 2025.

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