The turn-based tactics genre is about to get a radical new spin. Independent studio Disc 2 Games, supported by the award-winning team at Black Salt Games (DREDGE), has unveiled its debut title: Canvas City. Blending rollerblades, rebellion, and freeform tactical combat, the game invites players to lead a crew of skaters and street artists in a fight for cultural freedom.
The reveal trailer set the tone immediately: neon-lit streets, rail-grinding tricks, and a city in turmoil.
Tactics Meets Style
At its core, Canvas City is a story-driven tactical RPG, but instead of knights or soldiers, you’ll be commanding musicians, dancers, and graffiti crews. Battles unfold across vibrant, vertical maps where movement isn’t just positioning—it’s performance. Players can chain tricks mid-turn, sliding rails, flipping over ramps, and tagging walls to rack up Style Points, which fuel powerful abilities.
“Movement isn’t just getting from one spot to another—it’s part of the plan,” explains Technical Director Kris Nicholson. “Chaining tricks and attacks mid-turn changes how you think about positioning and opens up new ways to win.”
A Fresh Setting for Tactics Fans
While most tactical RPGs lean on fantasy or military backdrops, Canvas City flips the script. “We wanted something different—no armies, no kingdoms. Instead, crews of artists, skaters, and performers fighting back against an oppressive regime,” says Creative Director Johannes Otte.
Music also plays a starring role, with each crew bringing its own vibe. From heavy percussion to bright synths, the soundtrack evolves with every encounter. “It’s about making every fight sound as distinct as it feels,” adds composer David Mason.
Crews, Culture, and Combat Depth
Players will recruit and customize a roster of 12 unique characters, each with their own style, backstory, and skill set. With over 80 abilities spanning buffs, debuffs, mobility tricks, and area control, every battle becomes a layered puzzle of style and strategy.
Opponents aren’t faceless armies either—they’re rival crews with their own agendas, tactics, and flair. From corporate-sponsored enforcers to chaotic performance artists, every encounter feels like a clash of cultures as much as a clash of tactics.
Progression unfolds in the Garage, your crew’s hub for upgrades, backstory reveals, and pre-mission planning. Bonus objectives and revisits let perfectionists refine strategies and aim for high-rank clears.
Key Features at a Glance
- A rebellious tactical RPG campaign uncovering the truth behind Canvas City’s cultural crackdown.
- 12 recruitable characters, each with unique abilities, tricks, and stories.
- Over 80 combat powers including buffs, debuffs, movement tricks, and environmental control.
- Dynamic vertical maps with rails, ramps, and rooftops that reward stylish play.
- Style-based combat system where chaining tricks powers up abilities.
- Crew management in the Garage, where upgrades, items, and backstories come together.
- Replayable stages with bonus objectives and high-score rankings.
Release Info
Canvas City is currently in development for PC and Nintendo Switch, and is now available to wishlist on Steam. The game will launch in English, German, French, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
