28.4 hours played
Written 19 days ago
Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 91:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (9/10)
[i] Triangle Strategy [/i] is a deeply ambitious tactical RPG from Square Enix that mixes classic grid-based combat with a morally complex, politically charged story. It’s a game that expects you to pay attention: not just to battlefield tactics, but to dialogue, character motivations, and the consequences of your choices.
It’s slow-burning, but incredibly rewarding, like a tactical novel where every decision shapes your army, your worldview, and your future. With gorgeous HD-2D visuals and standout English voice acting, it’s easily one of the best modern entries in the genre. If you love morally complex stories, sharp tactics gameplay, and slow-burning political intrigue, [i] Triangle Strategy [/i] is an essential experience. But if you’re looking for something fast-paced or breezy, the heavy themes, branching paths, and dense pacing might wear on you. Still, few strategy games reward patient, thoughtful play quite like this.
📜[b] Pros: [/b]
[list]
[*] A morally complex narrative with real consequence. What sets [i] Triangle Strategy [/i] apart is how much it leans into political philosophy. This isn’t “good vs evil." This is about compromise, sacrifice, and conviction. The Scales of Conviction voting system is genuinely engaging, forcing you to weigh competing ideas and often pick the lesser evil. Whether you’re pursuing economic independence, social equality, or military strength, no route is clean. And your choices matter! Entire characters and maps can be locked behind certain paths, and the story branches significantly.
[*] Robust, rewarding tactical combat. The turn-based battles are layered and deliberate. Unit placement, elevation, elemental synergy, and turn order all play a major role. For example, placing a fire mage next to an oil barrel can ignite whole patches of ground, while flanking an enemy triggers double-team backstabs. Every encounter feels handcrafted, with terrain and objectives that ask you to rethink your strategy. Later maps get genuinely challenging! Expect to restart a few times if you're not thinking ahead.
[*] Diverse and creative cast of characters. From the noble and conflicted Seranoa to the brilliant spy Anna, the game is filled with units that feel unique and mechanically distinct. Characters like Hughette (a flying archer), Medina (an apothecary with insane item spam potential), or Lionel (a literal merchant whose skills manipulate enemies with money) all bring something new. The side characters, unlocked through optional recruitment events, often turn out to be the most powerful or interesting additions.
[*] Top-tier voice acting and localization. Almost the entire game is voiced, and the performances are surprisingly mature. There’s nuance to even the smallest roles, and it helps ground the world in realism. The localization deserves special mention; it walks the line between poetic and political without being cheesy or preachy.
[*] HD-2D visuals are stunning. This is one of the best uses of the HD-2D art style to date. Dynamic lighting, rich pixel textures, subtle weather effects, and great camera work all contribute to a painterly aesthetic that’s both nostalgic and modern. The cities and towns feel warm and lived-in; the battlefields feel ominous and dramatic.
[*] Worldbuilding that respects the player. The world of Norzelia feels lived-in and politically coherent. The salt and iron wars, the religious state of Hyzante, the resource-rich Aesfrost, the noble Glenbrook—each nation has clear ideological and economic motivations. The lore isn't just dumped on you, but uncovered through optional stories, exploration, and dialogue.
[*] Beginner-friendly and intuitive UI. Despite its narrative and strategic depth, the menus are incredibly clean. The unit info screens, battle UI, and upgrade systems are easy to navigate. It’s a great entry point for people newer to tactics games, without dumbing anything down.
[/list]
🔐[b] Cons: [/b]
[list]
[*] The "Golden Route" has obscure requirements. There’s a secret "true" or "golden" ending, but reaching it on your first playthrough is highly unlikely unless you're using a guide. It requires balancing all three Convictions (Utility, Morality, Liberty), something the game doesn't help you track or understand well, and choosing very specific votes. If you're someone who wants to see the best content without replaying 40+ hours, it’s frustrating. Some scenes required for the route are also easily missable unless you talk to every NPC and investigate every prompt.
[*] Early pacing is glacial. The first few chapters are very talk-heavy, and the stakes take a while to ramp up. If you're not immediately drawn in by the politics, it can feel like a wall of exposition. Battles are spaced far apart early on, which may throw off players expecting more consistent action.
[*] Branching narrative comes at a cost. While the plot does branch meaningfully, that also means large sections of the game (entire maps, characters, and scenes) are gated behind mutually exclusive decisions. Some players may feel like they missed out on key development, especially if they accidentally take the “less interesting” path.
[*] Dialogue can be stiff or over-explained. While most of the voice acting is great, there are moments where the writing becomes a little too expository. Characters will sometimes repeat the same idea in multiple ways, or over-articulate themes the player already understands.
[/list]
