Following a few setbacks in getting The Distant Circular World’s Steam demo approved last week, Japanese indie developer Hyogo Onimushi has joyfully revealed that the latest refined version cleared Steam’s inspection and is now ready for players.
Onimushi explained that a scene featuring the game’s protagonist taking a shower in another character’s residence was the reason the demo was initially rejected. Although the original scene contained no explicit or suggestive material, it was reportedly considered “too sexual,” and even after replacing the scene’s artwork with a solid black image and resubmitting, it failed approval. It was only after removing the scene entirely that the demo met Steam’s standards and was released, according to the developer. Despite the initial difficulty, Onimushi is happy that fans can now try the demo.
Taking place after the events of Return to Shironagasu Island, The Distant Circular World is a dual-narrative sequel featuring private detective Sen Ikeda and his aide, Neneko Izumozaki, who find their separate lives connected through an unusual time rewind feature. “Side A” is set in New York and follows Sen’s probe into an unlawful syndicate, while “Side B” is set in a rural Japanese town, where Neneko must uncover a deceased individual tied to her mother’s vanishing.
The Distant Circular World includes a “Zapping” system that lets you switch between the two main characters. It also offers a time leap mechanic enabling you to reverse time and alter specific occurrences.
The Distant Circular World is currently in development for Windows (Steam). Although the game is currently only confirmed for a Japanese launch, the developer is looking into the possibility of localization.