Tag-Team Fighting-Infused RPG A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara Announced for PC

Why It Matters

The title introduces a hybrid genre that could attract both RPG enthusiasts and fighting‑game fans, expanding the indie market’s audience reach. Its successful funding may signal strong demand for narrative‑centric combat experiences on PC.

Key Takeaways

• JRPG narrative fused with tag‑team fighting system
• Manga‑style art by award‑winning illustrator
• Soundtrack composed by Secret of Mana veteran
• Local couch co‑op supports multiplayer
• Kickstarter launch aims to secure development funds

Pulse Analysis

The convergence of role‑playing and fighting genres is gaining traction, and BadRez Games’ A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara exemplifies this trend. By embedding real‑time tag‑team battles within a classic JRPG framework, the game promises deeper player agency: combat outcomes hinge on relationship meters, encouraging players to invest in character development as much as tactical execution. This design choice mirrors the growing appetite for mechanics that reward narrative choices, a pattern seen in titles like Persona 5 and Dragon Quest XI, but with a distinct fighting‑game precision.

Culturally, the project leans heavily on 1990s shonen manga aesthetics, tapping into nostalgia while delivering fresh gameplay. The involvement of Issaka Galadima, known for Clock Striker, ensures authentic manga‑style visuals that differentiate the title from typical pixel‑art indie RPGs. Coupled with Hiroki Kikuta’s orchestral score—renowned from Secret of Mana—the audio‑visual package aims to attract both retro enthusiasts and new players seeking a polished, story‑rich experience. Such high‑profile collaborations can elevate an indie’s visibility on platforms like Steam, especially when paired with a well‑executed Kickstarter campaign.

From a market perspective, the upcoming Kickstarter will be a litmus test for demand. Successful funding could encourage other developers to experiment with hybrid mechanics, potentially reshaping indie funding dynamics. Moreover, the inclusion of local couch co‑op addresses a niche yet growing segment of gamers craving shared, offline experiences in an increasingly online‑centric landscape. If Mindara delivers on its promises, it may set a benchmark for future titles that aim to blend deep storytelling with competitive, skill‑based combat.

Tag-team fighting-infused RPG A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara announced for PC

By Sal Romano · Feb 19 2026 / 3:18 PM EST

![A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara illustration – two characters on an orange background]

Montreal‑based developer BadRez Games has announced A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara, a narrative‑driven, Japanese‑inspired RPG that fuses “rich storytelling and exploration with the discipline and intensity of a true fighting game.” It will be available for PC via Steam. A Kickstarter campaign is coming soon.

Overview (via BadRez Games)

About

A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara is a narrative‑driven JRPG that fuses character‑focused storytelling with the intensity and precision of a true tag‑team fighting game.

You follow Maya, a determined teenage martial artist searching for her own purpose, and Mindara, a mysterious wolf‑man haunted by an unjust banishment and driven by revenge. Their journey leads them to a legendary tournament held within a hidden magical city—an arena where destiny, myth, and ambition collide.

As they travel, you’ll meet a diverse cast of companions—each with their own motivations, backstories, combat styles and abilities. Through friendships, rivalries, and hard‑earned trust, you’ll experience a classic JRPG‑style adventure where growth, wisdom, and meaning are forged not just through dialogue, but through the art of battle itself.

Engage in Explosive Tag‑Team Combat

Every encounter is a fully playable fighting‑game match, within a JRPG narrative experience. Battles unfold in real time with precise controls, advanced mechanics, and deep combo systems.

Switch between characters mid‑fight, chain abilities together, and discover devastating tag‑team synergies. Each character brings their own fighting style, signature techniques, and ultimate abilities, allowing you to experiment with team compositions and strategies.

Your relationships matter: story choices and bonds between characters directly influence combat synergy, unlocking unique duo techniques and special moves. The stronger the bond, the more spectacular—and personal—their combined attacks become, seamlessly blending narrative and combat into a single riveting experience.

A Love Letter to Shonen Manga

Inspired by classic 90s manga such as Ranma 1/2, Dragon Ball, Yu Yu Hakusho, Hunter × Hunter, and more, A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara is a vibrant homage to Japanese storytelling. Its manga‑style black‑and‑white panels, illustrated by award‑winning manga artist Issaka Galadima (Clock Striker), give each cutscene a bold yet familiar look.

All of this will be set to the soaring melodies of a new soundtrack by Hiroki Kikuta, the original composer for Secret of Mana.

Key Features

• Embark on a true JRPG narrative adventure with explosive fighting mechanics and seamless transitions between story and combat.

• Switch heroes at any time with dynamic tag gameplay, choosing which companion to lead the game.

• Discover unique skills for each hero to bring their own flair to the fight.

• Build bonds between characters to enhance combos and unlock new tactical options.

• Feast your eyes on graphic manga cutscenes that enhance dialogue and set your deepest emotions aflame.

• Play to win or to be challenged with simplified controls for newcomers and advanced precision for seasoned players.

• Local couch co‑op with a friend.

Trailer

A short announcement trailer has been released (link to the video).

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The article originally appeared on Gematsu.