Square Enix released Triangle Strategy for the Nintendo Switch. A tactical RPG where every decision counts, both outside and inside the combat. We tried it and we tell you in this review if it is a good decision!
Triangle Strategy came to switch with a proposal with classic elements of other products of Square Enix, although with renewed airs. A story that includes aspects of politics from wars for territories and resources, as well as a marriage arranged to keep the peace in force. For this reason, the decisions we make will be vital, whether in tactical RPG-style combat or in dialogues with the various characters. We tested it on the Nintendo Switch to tell you in this review what the successes are and what things could be improved about this game!
The road to build
The adventure takes place in norseliaa continent in recovery after the Great Ferrosaline War in which the three great powers fighting for power clashed: the Archduchy of Frostforge to the north with control of iron, information and technology; the Holy See of Dunalgida to the east with premises such as faith, medicine and the exploitation of salt; and the Kingdom of Glaucoburg in the middle with agricultural and fishing resources. Although they all have their internal problems, the situation between the three parties seems to be at peace.
However, serinoathe protagonist and heir to the house wolffort (one of the three main Glaucoburg) has an uncertain destiny.
The boy has an arranged marriage with Frederica, daughter of the previous Archduke of Frostforge, in search of harmony between both territories. But a sudden discovery in the mines of that place makes the young man acquire a leadership role, in which his decisions impact his future, those around him and even the different regions and his people.
proceed with caution
After witnessing the first dialogues (written and dubbing at the same time) and different scenes (which mix 3D scenarios and 2D pixel-style characters such as Final Fantasy Tactics or Octopath Traveler), it’s time for action. The combats take place in scenarios delimited by boxes, where our team and the rival move, which will influence when it comes to being able to attack or deliver a good blow from behind. Each character has their specific equipment and abilities, with ranges that will go hand in hand with the spaces on the map (for example, someone with a sword and melee techniques does not cover the same distance as someone with a bow, spear or magic). .
The duel will be considered won by completing the previously indicated objective or by defeating the entire group of opponents. To do this, you have to think strategically about each action, since poor positioning can leave a unit unprotected, either due to poor turn calculation, an unguarded rearguard or lack of range. But beware, unlike other titles, the characters that fall in the fight do not disappear from the team, but become available again once it is over.
The experience of each member is not added at the end, but after each effective action.
every word counts
Outside of the realm of battle, very important things also happen. For example, the first thing you see is the map, which allows us to go through the different places where dialogues and disputes take place. An indicator with a red exclamation point indicates where the base story follows, while others in green refer to parallel plot fragments that contribute to the development (if the latter are omitted, there is no way to try to visualize them again).
At certain times within the cities there are lapses to wander through them. But it is not something irrelevant, since you can collect objects or talk to the villagers to collect useful information for later.
The most important aspect within the game and the development of the story by its chapters is the Scales of Conviction. She is employed at decisive moments by voting among the seven characters closest to her. serinoa to define how to proceed. Everyone has their initial thought, but we can twist fate by using our persuasion to choose what to say to them, even with data we collect and unlock new alternatives.
The more prepared, the better
Within the main menu there is a sector called Camp. In it you can access shops, improve skills or character stats and enable story fragments that are purchased with unique points.
But, perhaps, what has more weight is the recruitment format. It is displayed as the plot progresses, in a special icon that can be seen on the large-scale map. After a brief introduction to the character, he joins. The choices we make and their consequences also impact the appearance of members: if we take a course we can add someone in particular, while we lose another who was on the other branch of the route.
A set of good decisions
This product of Square Enix It has several points in its favour. The first of them is, obviously, the gameplay and the importance of each decision made. This leads to much more meticulous planning and invites playing again to see other forks in development.
As for graphics, it has designs that appeal to nostalgia with that 2D-3D fusion, as well as admirable drawings in the profile of each character. Another no less important detail is the dubbing, which brings much more personality to each individual and accompanies each talk or narration.
The combat is the most entertaining and complex. It has factors that can affect the result for either side: height differences in the terrain, changes in the field (for example, melting snow with a fire attack generates a pool of water, which in turn powers electric attacks ), positions, levels and acquisition of skills at the moment, range of attacks, turns and many more.
Conclusions
Triangle Strategy, exclusive to switch in this 2022, it incorporates new airs to the tactical RPG genre, with the key factor of decisions and their results. Consequently, it invites you to try more than once to get to know other paths and protagonists. The story mixes action, politics and love, with charismatic characters and despicable villains. A proposal for nostalgics to have other condiments to savor and for the newer ones to immerse themselves in this style. Have you already decided to play it?
RELEASE DATE | March 4, 2022 |
DEVELOPER | Square Enix |
DISTRIBUTOR | Nintendo |
PLATAFORMS | switch |