Each major character also has a trait unique to them - such as being able to act twice in a single turn or build ladders to navigate trickier terrain. Everyone is different, which makes selecting which units are coming into each battle that much more difficult. You will need to mix and match in order to match each new situation, which can often result in lower level characters having to hang back until they are needed because, as I said before, grinding opportunities in Triangle Strategy feel oddly truncated for a JRPG of this scope. Outside of battle and between story sequences you are free to visit a War Tent filled with your allies ready to strike up conversations. This is also where merchants and traders are found, who are required to upgrade weapons and advance character classes on the regular.


Having agreed to help Sycras with the sting operation, you now have all of Central Aesfrost to explore. As always, there are items and tidbits of info to pick up , and a few conversations that lead to Conviction boosts - the NPCs that give these have exclamation marks above th

Thankfully the narrative strength pulled me through despite some awkward performances, and away from the main campaign sits a number of Character Stories which are designed both to expand upon existing allies while pulling new ones into the fold. Never ignore these, because not only are they absolutely precious in their execution, but doing so would overlook characters each with distinct mechanics and designs that all shine equally. It’s also a dose of much-needed variety in an experience that sticks by conventions a little too much for my liking.


The larger number of Fire Emblem games to choose from is offset by their growing scarcity, especially with the Nintendo 3DS eShop shutting down in March 2023. Still, Triangle Strategy ’s accessibility compared to most Fire Emblem titles, which are still Japan-only , doesn’t mean it’s a one-to-one replacement for them. The two actually have major mechanical differences that can either lead players to prefer one greatly over the other or to offer welcome diversity in the SRPG fan’s collect

Use Quietuses and secure spoils in battle. Also, in a bit of a dark twist from the Morality guidelines, you'll gain Utility points by winning objective-driven fights but still killing every enemy. (Example: The 'Take Back the Boat' mental mock battle merely requires you to have at least one unit occupy the boat on a turn when zero foes are doing so; that'll let you win, and earn Morality points, but slay everyone first for Utility poin


With an enemy force of 12 units, you sure have your work cut out for you. To balance the scales, you'll also have Rudolph and Sycrus on your side . Rudolph is an archer like Hughette, but prefers to get closer to his targets. Sycrus is a beefy Staffwielder with the Cheer ability, which grants them TP and buffs their strength for a few tu

It doesn’t make much sense, but from a gameplay perspective it presents an enthralling moral conundrum that had me scratching my head on several occasions. Before making your stance clear there will always be a chance to talk with allies, engaging in dialogue and presenting evidence to sway their position on certain matters. Some will be steadfast in where they stand, while others might be open to persuasion with the right approach. Serenoa will often be free to walk into town and speak with NPCs, all of whom have a perspective to offer on current affairs and small hints towards what the right path might be.


Triangle Strategy gets more and more serious as the chapters pass, and this chapter is no exception. While this part of the chapter has no combat, you will be fighting within yourself when trying to decide what to do: should you protect Roland and face a powerful army, or surrender him to Aesfrost in favor of pe


Before you attempt to sway people to your side, remember that this is also something of an exploration event. Chat to the Concierge manning the door SLG game maps and you can explore the Wolffort Streets to pick up crucial information and useful ite


HIgh Conviction scores also influence the arrival of new playable characters via Character Stories . Starting around the fourth chapter or so, Character Stories will be accessible by pressing the '+' button while on the field map. Some Character Stories further develop important cast members in fun ways, and those will typically pop up per how often you use a given character in battles. But the rest will, indeed, provide powerful new units for Serenoa's a

Taking clear inspiration from the likes of Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics, Triangle Strategy is an achingly faithful homage to classic genre conventions that can often feel too retro for its own good. However, this faithfulness is complemented by myriad innovation and creative mechanics that help it shine. Combine that with excellent characters and an unexpectedly poignant narrative and you’ve got one of 2022’s biggest surprises. After being somewhat underwhelmed by Octopath Traveller, the team behind it has returned with a tighter, punchier, and more refined experience that cuts away so much of the needless chaff.