Set in a distant post-apocalyptic future, Full Circle is an immersive turn-based JRPG that blends classic genre sensibilities with a compelling science-fiction narrative. Players lead a ragtag band of freedom fighters on a mission to reclaim their world from oppressive AI overlords, embarking on a journey filled with strategic battles, memorable characters, and high-stakes adventure.
Published by Deck13 Spotlight, the same label behind acclaimed indie RPGs such as Chained Echoes and CrossCode, Full Circle evokes the charm of beloved PlayStation-era classics like The Legend of Dragoon and Breath of Fire III and IV, while introducing its own modern identity.
Based on our hands-on time with the demo, developer 2nd Player Games appears to have something special on its hands. With its nostalgic presentation, promising combat system, and intriguing premise, Full Circle is shaping up to be a title that JRPG fans should keep firmly on their radar.
Full Circle Highlights Character Synergy and Strategic Depth
Full Circle begins with protagonist Ena, who finds himself navigating a city devastated by war. Separated from his allies and determined to see their mission through, Ena sets out across the ruined landscape in search of his comrades. Along the way, he battles hostile drones and eventually reunites with fellow resistance members Octo and Maxi, forming the first steps toward rebuilding their team.
Exploration plays a significant role throughout the adventure. Ena can scan the environment to uncover hidden items, reveal treasure chests, and locate salvageable materials used to upgrade equipment. His grappling hook also serves as a valuable traversal tool, allowing him to scale obstacles, cross gaps, and access otherwise unreachable areas within the city’s rubble-strewn districts.
Combat in Full Circle adopts a traditional turn-based structure that will feel immediately familiar to JRPG fans. Actions are dictated by an initiative system, requiring players to carefully manage turn order while depleting enemy HP. Party members can choose between standard attacks, special skills, and consumable items, while also having the flexibility to swap in reserve characters or pass turns to allies to better execute strategic plans.
What sets the combat system apart is its emphasis on Chain Attacks. When certain skills are used in a specific sequence, characters can unleash powerful combination attacks that deal significant damage without consuming SP. For example, Ena’s Double Slash can seamlessly transition into one of Octo’s fire-based abilities to trigger a devastating combo. Additional combinations become available as more party members join the roster, encouraging experimentation and party synergy.
Every action also incorporates interactive timing mechanics. Properly timed button presses can increase damage dealt, while well-timed defensive inputs improve damage mitigation and may even trigger counterattacks. Characters utilize these mechanics differently based on their combat style. Firearm users such as Maxi and Kyra engage in aiming-based prompts that reward precision, while Aisha’s abilities can be enhanced through rapid button inputs to amplify their effectiveness. These elements add a layer of player engagement that keeps encounters dynamic despite the turn-based framework.
After finally reaching a nearby town and spending the night, the team resumes its primary objective. However, players can also take on side quests and errands for local residents, earning valuable rewards and building goodwill within the community. Exploration beyond the town introduces additional environmental puzzles and traversal challenges, often requiring the party to split up and leverage characters’ unique abilities, such as Ena’s grappling hook and Kyra’s plant-based powers, to uncover new paths and objectives.
Completing the demo, I’m looking forward to seeing Full Circle either as an early access game or its completed form to follow Ena and his team’s future adventures!
Full Circle is currently in development and will be coming soon on PC and consoles!
