The core reason behind handing characters out for free is actually quite simple, according to the developer. Since it is a story-driven game, different characters naturally join the team as the narrative unfolds. The developer points out that it simply wouldn't make sense to gate a specific character behind a paywall just because they happen to join the party during the plot. The team wanted to deliver a fair and complete gaming experience, which ultimately led them to this design choice.

The developer notes that the urban open world is chock-full of interactive environmental objects. When building the game, the team actually drew inspiration from kung fu films. As the developer explains, while some kung fu flicks go all-in on frantic, head-on brawls, others take a more humorous, comedic approach where every nearby object becomes a weapon. The team didn't want players to be forced into awkwardly swinging around a golf club in the city; if there is a rubbish bin right next to you, they wanted those everyday objects to seamlessly integrate into the action.

While the developer admits they cannot spill all the beans just yet, they are happy to give a quick teaser. Eagle-eyed fans will have spotted two distinct cities across past and present trailers. In these urban sprawls, the protagonist known as the Captain operates as part of a specific organisation to sort out various messes. The developer specifically highlights two key pillars here.

First is the concept of expanding influence. The protagonist aims to grow their clout within the city using methods suited for the modern era. Doing so opens up more choices in the city and brings more team members into the fold. Second is the brand-new city. The city featured in this current playable build, Zhongsu, happens to be the male protagonist's hometown. A whole slew of new characters will join the roster right here in this hometown, giving birth to plenty more stories along the way.

On top of that, this new city crams in plenty of elements borrowed from Shanghai and Hangzhou. The developer describes it as a melting pot of familiar environments, memories, and things the team genuinely finds brilliant, all rolled into one. The team sincerely hopes players will have a cracking good time exploring it.

Mini-games, individual character side stories, and all sorts of bits and bobs are packed right into the game. First off, the main story is undeniably a massive focal point, and the developer hopes players will grow quite fond of the protagonist's entourage, the Special Dispatch Team. Secondly, you will run into a vast array of characters, allowing players to properly immerse themselves in the lives of selected cast members. Each character boasts distinct professional and personal relationships, leaving plenty of room for players to dig deeper.

Thirdly, there is an absolute mountain of activities to muck about with in the urban open world. Specifically, this includes quirky little mini-games and various subtle Easter eggs, though it is by no means limited to that. Speaking from a personal standpoint, the developer adds that their own favourite way to play might just be driving through the new city while listening to tunes and catching some fresh air, watching the city shift as time passes, or just parking oneself at a suburban teahouse for a leisurely cup of tea.

Addressing things from the player's perspective, the developer notes that the sheer abundance of urban open-world games stems from the massive global appetite for this genre; gamers simply want these titles to exist. As for what makes Project Mugen unique, the developer reckons all the aforementioned features are things the game pulls off brilliantly. For one, the newly introduced city packs a wonderfully fun and distinct flavour, born from the team's genuine appreciation and memories of real-world environments and daily life.

Another standout feature is the meaty narrative content at its core. On the character front, every single cast member flaunts differing personalities and professions, backed by deep lore waiting to be uncovered. As the tale unfolds, players will witness more faces joining the crew, while some might even take their leave. The developer hopes this will deliver a cracking good experience right out of the gate at launch.

The developer points out that featuring cities with contrasting vibes isn't contradictory at all. Just as planet Earth plays host to entirely different nations and metropolises, offering varied urban open-world experiences within a game makes complete sense. Players will spot differing architectural styles, run into entirely unique storylines, and encounter completely different mechanics between the new city and its outskirts. For instance, if you happen to see flying cars in the first city, you might find folks getting about on skateboards or three-wheelers elsewhere. Ultimately, as long as both maps deliver distinct flavours and players enjoy them, the developer considers it a job well done.

The developer wants to extend a massive thank you to everyone keeping a close eye on the game and building up the hype. A tremendous amount of effort has been poured into targeting the South Korean market specifically. Korean voice acting and subtitles are currently in full production, and the team genuinely hopes to deliver a top-tier gaming experience to South Korean players. To top it all off, the developer reminds everyone that pre-registrations are already live across various regions.