If, like me, you loved JRPGs on the legendary PlayStation and had a particular soft spot for Xenogears, then this is one project you simply can’t overlook.
Indie developer Classi5ed has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Lie of Caelum: Spirit, a science-fiction JRPG shaped by the 32-bit era of PlayStation and Sega Saturn. The studio is seeking $34,000 to continue development of its politically charged adventure, which centers on turn-based mech combat and timed inputs.
The initial release is planned for PC, supporting English and Japanese, while Xbox and Nintendo Switch versions are attached to an additional stretch goal. Spirit is a direct sequel to Classi5ed’s original Lie of Caelum, a free-to-play JRPG released on Steam in December 2022. Prior knowledge will not be required, however, making the new chapter a standalone entry point into its world, characters, and central conflict.
Turn-Based Battles With an Active Execution Layer
Combat is turn-based but with an input-combo system that asks players to perform specific commands and time their attacks correctly, with successful Just Attacks producing stronger results and Just Guards providing a way to mitigate incoming damage.
The Kickstarter campaign also describes Normal, Chain, and Power attacks, which are intended to encourage tactical rotation. Character abilities are built around these timing systems, so execution skill should matter alongside conventional decisions such as targeting, ability selection, and resource management.
Classi5ed is planning a roster of 14 playable characters, with each fighter paired with a unique Frame, the game’s term for its pilotable mechs. Every character and Frame follows a different combat philosophy.
Equipment follows a similar approach. Rare gear can alter how a character functions or reinforce a particular role, while boss encounters are being designed around party synergy and an understanding of each squad member’s responsibilities.
The party will also be accompanied by Link Catalysts, small sentient machines that support their owners in and outside combat. These companions can attack enemies found on the map, summon Frames, and eventually contribute to a more powerful transformation mechanic.
Mech Combat, Shmup Sequences, and On-Foot Exploration
Lie of Caelum: Spirit moves between three connected forms of play. Traditional exploration takes place on foot, larger confrontations bring the Frames into turn-based battles, and certain sections shift into high-speed shoot-’em-up gameplay.
Enemy encounters will not be random, and hidden routes and optional discoveries are also planned, alongside side quests, lore, minigames, and a collectible card game called BURST TCG.
Moving between turn-based encounters, exploration, and shmup sequences, the story follows a group of people divided by class and social background who are forced to cooperate during a worldwide crisis. As the mission progresses, inconsistencies emerge between historical records and the reality surrounding them, leading the party toward a conspiracy involving religion, political power, identity, and the foundations of Caelum itself.
Classi5ed openly identifies Xenogears and Phantasy Star as major inspirations. Those influences can be seen in the bright but heavily militarized science-fiction setting, the prominence of giant machines, and a narrative that uses its central mystery to question what the characters have been taught about their world.
Motoi Sakuraba Joins as a Guest Composer
Kurippertronixxx and Mushra, previously associated with Seed of Nostalgia, are handling the main soundtrack. Should the Kickstarter reach its funding target, veteran composer Motoi Sakuraba will also contribute music as a guest.
Sakuraba’s extensive RPG credits include the Tales, Star Ocean, Valkyrie Profile, and Dark Souls series.
His involvement is especially relevant here because he previously worked on Phantasy Star Nova and contributed an arrangement to the Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Premium Arrange album, directly connecting him to one of the project’s principal inspirations.
Kickstarter pledges begin at $18 for a Steam key. Higher tiers give supporters increasingly direct involvement in development, including opportunities to create a monster, design an NPC, or work with Classi5ed on a complete playable character and accompanying Frame.
Lie of Caelum: Spirit is being developed in RPG Maker MZ by a small team led by Stark Joker, who began the project while handling its artwork, programming, writing, and design largely alone. No release date has been announced, but the game can already be wishlisted on Steam while its Kickstarter campaign is underway.
