Kalm – A 2.5D Turn-Based RPG Adventure

Here’s a look at my ongoing JRPG project, Kalm — a 2.5D adventure built in Unity and inspired by my favourite Final Fantasy titles (VII, VIII, and X).

Kalm – A 2.5D Turn-Based RPG Adventure

After a mysterious comet crashes into the Kalm Lands, strange energy begins seeping through the earth. 

Guided by fate, Zavian sets out to uncover its secrets — joined by Yuna, a close friend and an archer with secrets of her own.

This project started after I completed the Unity 2.5D Turn-Based Combat course from GameDev.tv, and quickly evolved into something much bigger.

I wanted to take what I learned and push it further — expanding both the visuals and gameplay systems to create something of my own.

The names and locations throughout Kalm subtly reference the Final Fantasy games that inspired its world.

Some of the character names draw inspiration from Sufi, Arabic and Persian culture.

🎮 Expanded Features:

- Custom Shader Graph screen transitions (shutters, fade)

- First playable area: Kalm Lands → Kalm Village

- JRPG-style location title animations and cinematic intro crawl

- More immersive UI work when entering zones.

- Original characters and dialogue, including an early story event with Zavian and Yuna

- Dialogue panels with options

- Character art for UI dialogue boxes (AI made)

- Environmental VFX and god rays tied to story events

- Persistent data and seamless overworld–battle transitions

- Area-based music triggers and unique SFX for each character (Extended audio logic: ensuring music resumes correctly after battle/scene transitions)

- Game over screen

- Prologue scene

- Main Menu scene

- Pause Menu

- Inspired story

and more!

It's still early days, but I'm pleased with the progress so far.

I have a few more levels in mind to continue the story with. 

This is an early demo showcasing the core systems, including battle mechanics, overworld exploration, character interactions, and environmental storytelling. Experience points  (XP) and items will be added in future builds, as well as a save system that will make use of the Continue and Load Game options.

Survey

I’m both excited (and nervous) to see what people think! I’ve created a short Google Form survey for feedback — if you play the demo, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Your feedback will help shape the journey ahead!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewKvFhMu1s0on__BCOKMyHDE63KVJrg9IEP1ei...

Behind the scenes

Check out early build screenshots and a look at how it all started on my portfolio post!

https://amariqbal.artstation.com/projects/L4B3Qr

Credits

Retro RPG Menu Sounds - leohpaz (OpenGameArt.org)

Game Over Music by Cleyton Kauffman - https://soundcloud.com/cleytonkauffman (OpenGameArt.org)

Title Screen Music - Philémon Weber (Helmet)

Main Menu Sounds / Battle Intro Sound - KillaMaaki (OpenGameArt.org)

Featuring Music by Matthew Pablo - RPG Battle Theme - "The Last Encounter" (OpenGameArt.org)

Prologue Music - "Time Has Come" - JRPG Chronicles: Golden Age Music Pack (OpenGameArt.org) - Mushra Games

Kalm Lands Music - "Map Exploration" - Mushra Games