Thrilling Battles, Boring Politics
The older I get the more I find myself pulling for the underdogs of gaming, in this case I am referring to new franchises. There have been so many sequels, and prequels that it is always a breath of fresh air when a team announces something new. Triangle Strategy is a new strategy RPG game that is from a collaboration between Square Enix and Artdink; I say NEW but the game actually came out earlier in March of 2022 for the Switch for which we have a review, play time was on the recently released PC version for this review.
Triangle Strategy sets up a grand tapestry woven together by war and bloodshed between three kingdoms: Glenbrook, Aesfrost, and Hyzante. 30 years after the last war over Salt and Iron a new discovery is made that sets up a new conflict for the great nations. By far this is the most mature narrative that I have played in a Square Enix game, the story handles some very real issues in racism, classism and many other ‘isms’ that exist. Because the game touched on these real word issues it helped add some weight to the decisions that players will have to make over the course of the game.
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: PC (reviewed), Switch
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
Speaking of choices, Triangle Strategy uses a mechanic called the ‘Scales of Conviction’ to add players with helping to make these sometimes game altering decisions. During these moments the players’ companions will take a vote on what actions to take, and it becomes up to the player to convince them otherwise. This is accomplished by exploring the game world in between these moments. Players will find bits of dialog, or lore that will help to make a case of an argument later. While some of your companions will not be swayed by your convictions no matter what you say, all these instances will allow for some different gameplay and narrative options to explore.
While the story didn’t grab me immediately, I will admit that it picks up once you get further in. Especially for those that are fans of politics in shows like Game of Thrones this ends up being quite an adventure. I never really came away with a standout character, none of them were bad per say they just all kind of fit a mold that was needed for the narrative, nothing really standout. The fact that the game is fully voiced certainly helped things here, and the cast weren’t bad either, which is always nice in a 50+ hour long adventure.
For me it was the combat that I enjoyed most in Triangle Strategy, for those unfamiliar it uses a grid-based system where players will move their characters and plot attacks per grid space. One of the things that helps to make TS feel unique is the ability to utilize the battlefield and make it work for you, see a patch of grass use a fire spell and in addition to the damage the area will burn. Next turn use water to put out the fire and then cast an electric spell to create a shock field. Things like this have been done in plenty of games, but it always helps to add an extra layer of strategy to games when the very battlefield can be turned against an enemy.
Triangle Strategy wasn’t the game I thought it was when I accepted the review assignment, but I am glad I did because after I really got into the game I enjoyed the story, and the extremely tough decisions it asks the player to make. Triangle Strategy isn’t a perfect game but it is a really good time.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
