Imagine a game that blends the whimsical charm of The Little Prince with the cozy, community-driven world of Animal Crossing. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what Petit Planet aims to deliver—but here’s where it gets controversial: does it succeed, or does it fall into the trap of imitation rather than innovation? Petit Planet, developed by HoYoverse, doesn’t shy away from its inspiration, even nodding to Animal Crossing’s infamous debt mechanics with a character who jokingly balks at the idea of owing money for a home. Yet, it carves its own path with a unique Little Prince-themed twist, focusing on clear progression and multiplayer—two elements some players felt were missing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. But is it enough to stand on its own?
From the moment I started my five-hour preview of the closed beta, I was captivated by its charm, though not without a few reservations. The character creator, for instance, felt like a missed opportunity. With only four skin tones—one of which barely qualifies as darker than a light tan—and limited hairstyle options, it’s a glaring oversight for a game that touts customization. And this is the part most people miss: while this isn’t the final version, it’s a reminder that inclusivity should never be an afterthought, especially in a global game.
The core premise is delightful: you join three anthropomorphic animal colleagues from Loomi Co. to develop a fledgling planet and explore the galaxy. You start by choosing between two distinct environments—I opted for the 'hot and dry' world with golden prairies—and work alongside Mobai, the game’s version of Isabelle and Tom Nook combined. As you complete tasks, you nurture a special tree that acts as the heart of your planet. Upgrades expand your world, adding multi-level fields, rivers, and even a beach. What I loved was the ability to preview future upgrades, like a mountain area or new tree types, giving me a clear sense of progression.
However, the first hour felt restrictive, with confined tutorials and limited exploration. But here’s where it gets interesting: after that initial grind, the game opens up, introducing new mechanics while still pacing itself with daily progression—think Animal Crossing’s real-time system, not mobile game timers. This forced me to slow down, but I never felt bored, thanks to familiar yet engaging activities like tree-smacking, bug-catching, and even tidepool creature collecting with shellfish tongs. Crafting and cooking add depth, all wrapped in a starry, whimsical design.
The NPCs, or 'Neighbors,' are where Petit Planet truly shines. Each has a distinct personality, backstory, and tastes, reminiscent of HoYoverse’s character-rich games like Genshin Impact. Meeting these characters felt like discovering new friends, and I’m eager to see who else I’ll encounter in my space travels.
Exploration takes a literal turn with a car that lets you visit 'Planettes'—tiny planets with unique resources and potential Neighbors. It’s a fun twist, though the car’s battery system feels like a subtle nudge toward microtransactions. Speaking of which, here’s the controversial bit: while the game is free-to-play, HoYoverse’s gacha mechanics loom large. Will cosmetics, characters, or both be locked behind paywalls? It’s a valid concern, especially for a game targeting younger audiences.
And speaking of younger players, the Galactic Bazaar—an online multiplayer hub—raises safety questions. While the beta is limited to players 18 and older, the lack of chat restrictions and limited moderation tools are worrying. Is this a safe space for kids? I hope HoYoverse addresses this before launch.
Despite these concerns, Petit Planet has potential. Its clear progression, charming design, and HoYoverse’s track record of supporting their games suggest a bright future. I’m already dreaming of crafting furniture sets and unlocking new areas. But here’s the question I leave to you: Can Petit Planet strike a balance between homage and originality, or will it remain in Animal Crossing’s shadow? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m all ears!
