Indie developer 2ndPlayerGames and publisher Deck13 Spotlight have officially announced Full Circle, a 2.5HD Japanese role playing game inspired by the genre's most beloved PlayStation era classics. The reveal took place during the Indie Quest 2026 Showcase, and players will have their first opportunity to try the game later this year at gamescom.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the adventure unfolds on a planet overrun by mutated beasts and terrifying monsters that have pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. To survive, the last remnants of civilization have taken refuge in floating cities, considered the final safe havens of humankind. However, the time has come to return to the surface, setting in motion a journey that will challenge everything these communities believe to be true.

The story follows young heroes who have been raised with a single purpose: venture into the wilderness and ensure the survival of humanity's last sanctuary. When a mission beyond the known borders uncovers survivors, rival cities, and long hidden secrets, the protagonists begin to question the very foundations of their society.

The creative vision draws heavily from the golden age of JRPGs, taking inspiration from iconic series such as Lunar, Breath of Fire, Final Fantasy, and Legend of Dragoon. According to the developer, the project was born from a desire to pay tribute to the games that shaped his childhood, blending traditional genre elements with modern features, including enhanced pixel art, updated controls, and a contemporary visual presentation.

The combat system is designed to maintain a constant flow, combining turn based strategy with real time precision mechanics. Players can time their inputs to chain attacks, discover powerful combinations, and switch party members during battle without disrupting the pace of the action.

Party customization also plays a central role in progression. The roster features a diverse cast of characters with unique abilities that influence both combat and exploration. Players will be able to combine four active members and four reserve characters, experimenting with different equipment, synergies, and playstyles to tackle the challenges ahead.

The world features floating cities, ancient ruins, survivor settlements, and untamed regions, each with its own culture and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Beyond the main storyline, players can tame creatures, recover lost technology, and pursue hidden quests scattered throughout the landscape.

The narrative embraces a coming of age approach shaped by both hope and melancholy, exploring a world where appearances often conceal deeper truths. This combination of emotional storytelling and exploration aims to appeal to longtime JRPG fans while also welcoming a new generation of players.

By combining classic inspirations with mechanics that would not have been possible during the original console era, the project seeks to preserve the identity of traditional JRPGs while introducing modern innovations that make the experience more fluid and accessible.