Triangle Strategy

Triangle Strategy is one of the cleverest tactics games around, with an intriguing story, rewarding choices, and (mostly) excellent stage design.

With engaging battles, a captivating story, excellent world-building, and interesting choices with actual weight and consequences, Triangle Strategy is an absolute gem that far exceeds all expectations.

All in all, I'm a huge fan of this HD-2D style approach Square Enix is taking with these games. Octopath Traveler looked like a souped-up Final Fantasy VI, and similarly, Triangle Strategy looks like a souped-up Final Fantasy Tactics with more modern mechanics and UI. I think fans of the genre are going to really appreciate what Triangle Strategy has going for it, even if the character development could use a bit more work. And for genre newcomers or those less familiar with it like myself, this is a fantastic entry point with an engaging story to keep you hooked.

Triangle Strategy combines a compelling narrative with meaningful player choices, but does how does it hold up overall? Here is our review.

As a huge fan of classic turn-based strategy RPGs, I'm very happy to say that Triangle Strategy is finally here and it's one excellent game.

Triangle Strategy strips away some classic genre norms while adding extra nuances of its own and a stellar, if sometimes indulgent, story.

Triangle Strategy is a unique tactical JRPG, excelling in delivering enjoyable tactical combat and developing an intricate world where the complexities weigh heavily on the choices players have to make. It isn't without its issues as the execution of such rich world building and interpersonal relationships requires a lot of exposition which leads to pacing issues. Even if the player is interested in the developing narrative, some of the early cutscenes drag on for too long and simply end up being boring. The tradeoff is that those who can get through the slower-paced games are rewarded with a ...

The issue with the story is, it's a lot. That can be interpreted as a credit to Triangle Strategy's turn-based battles, which are beautifully designed, fun to play, and easy to understand. You find yourself wanting more of these fights, but the exposition-heavy cutscenes far outweigh the instances where you'll actually play the game, which is unfortunate.

Triangle Strategy puts the strategy in strategy RPG. Its setting is gorgeously realized, its worldbuilding is excellent, and its characters are messy and complex in the best way. The game avoids putting all its eggs in one basket by also containing some intricate and often grueling combat. Both these sides of the title are woven together by the urgency of its plot and the uncertainty of what your decisions will cost. Unfortunately, that doesn’t keep the seams between gameplay and narrative from showing.

Triangle Strategy tells a compelling story that connects with the tough decisions world leaders have made throughout history and today—but even with this strong narrative and well-designed gameplay, the long cutscenes and frustrating UI make the game less than perfect.

A visual novel that offers the occasional diversion into some engaging turn-based strategy but would’ve been infinitely better if it had curtailed it’s long-winded storytelling aspirations.

“Triangle Strategy delivers smart tactics, but battles play second fiddle to its dull political lore.”