Triangle Strategy

Triangle Strategy is a tactical role-playing game set in a fantasy world, featuring strategic turn-based battles where players command units on a grid-based battlefield, navigate political conflicts, and make impactful choices that shape the narrative.

Triangle Strategy: Review

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of tactical role-playing games (TRPGs), few titles manage to capture the intricate dance of strategic depth and narrative ambition quite like Triangle Strategy. Released in 2022 by Square Enix and developed in collaboration with Artdink, this game emerges as a spiritual successor to classics like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre, yet carves its own identity through a unique fusion of political intrigue, moral complexity, and the celebrated “HD-2D” aesthetic. Set on the war-torn continent of Norzelia, where three nations vie for control of vital resources—salt, iron, and river access—the game thrusts players into the role of Serenoa Wolffort, a noble heir caught in a web of conflicting loyalties and brutal choices. At its core, Triangle Strategy is a masterclass in marrying tactical brilliance with a sprawling, branching narrative, though its relentless focus on exposition occasionally risks overshadowing its own gameplay excellence. This review will dissect how Triangle Strategy achieves this delicate balance, examining its development, narrative depth, mechanical sophistication, and enduring legacy within the TRPG genre.

Development History & Context

The genesis of Triangle Strategy lies in Square Enix’s ongoing exploration of the HD-2D aesthetic, a style that blends pixel-art sprites with modern 3D environments, first popularized by Octopath Traveler. Announced in February 2021 under the working title Project Triangle Strategy during a Nintendo Direct, the game was positioned as a collaboration between Square Enix and veteran developer Artdink, known for the Tactics Ogre series. Producer Tomoya Asano, architect of the Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler titles, spearheaded development with a clear vision: to create a TRPG with a more mature, adult-oriented narrative than traditional JRPGs. Asano explicitly stated that the tactical format was chosen to better accommodate the game’s weighty themes of political maneuvering and moral compromise, contrasting with the more linear, character-driven stories of his previous work (Wikipedia, MobyGames).

Technically, Triangle Strategy leveraged Unreal Engine 4 to render its HD-2D world, allowing for dynamic lighting, environmental effects, and camera controls that were absent from Octopath Traveler. This technical shift addressed feedback from an early “Debut Demo,” where players requested additional difficulty modes, alternative camera angles, and the ability to review past dialogue. These adjustments underscored Square Enix’s commitment to community-driven refinement, a hallmark of the HD-2D series (Wikipedia). The game’s release on Nintendo Switch in March 2022 (with PC and subsequent VR/next-gen console ports) positioned it as a flagship title for the hybrid console/handheld, capitalizing on the Switch’s popularity for strategy and RPG genres. The development landscape of 2022 was ripe for such a title, with Fire Emblem: Three Houses having revitalized interest in TRPGs, and Triangle Strategy emerged as a direct competitor, offering a grittier, more politically charged alternative.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Triangle Strategy’s narrative is its crowning achievement, a sprawling political epic that rivals the complexity of medieval-inspired dramas like A Song of Ice and Fire. Set on the continent of Norzelia, the story centers on the aftermath of the “Saltiron War,” a decades-long conflict between the three dominant nations: Glenbrook (river trade), Aesfrost (iron production), and Hyzante (salt monopoly). Thirty years later, tensions reignite when Aesfrost’s Archduke Gustadolph, citing a false flag attack, invades Glenbrook, assassinating its king and framing the protagonist’s father, Lord Symon. This catalyzes Serenoa Wolffort’s journey, as he navigates loyalty to his childhood friend Prince Roland, his fiancée Frederica (an Aesfrost noble), and the pragmatic advisor Benedict, all while uncovering conspiracies that threaten the stability of Norzelia (Wikipedia, TVTropes).

The narrative’s strength lies in its unflinching exploration of moral ambiguity. Through the “Scales of Conviction” system—triangular meter representing Utility, Morality, and Liberty—players are forced to confront the consequences of their choices. Each major decision, such as whether to surrender Roland to save lives or fight back for honor, irrevocably alters the story’s trajectory. This branching structure culminates in four distinct endings, each a bittersweet reflection of player priorities. For instance, the “Freed Utility” ending sees Serenoa unite the continent under Glenbrook’s rule, fostering industry but exacerbating poverty and slavery, while the “Moral Freedoms” ending sacrifices Serenoa himself to liberate the oppressed Rosellans, plunging Norzelia into chaos. The rare “Golden Ending” transcends binary choices, requiring players to reconcile all three ideologies—convincing Roland, Benedict, and Frederica to compromise—and forging a path where salt is shared, slavery ends, and peace endures (Wikipedia, TVTropes).

Characterization is equally nuanced. Serenoa evolves from a reluctant heir to a decisive leader, while supporting characters like Roland (a prince wrestling with insecurity) and Frederica (a noblewoman fighting for her enslaved people) avoid archetypes. The Rosellans, a marginalized people with pink hair, serve as a powerful allegory for historical oppression, their enslavement by Hyzante exposing the hypocrisy of theocratic control. Dialogue-heavy sequences, while occasionally verbose, often feature Shakespearean debates about power and ethics, elevating the story beyond typical JRPG tropes. As one critic noted, Triangle Strategy “succeeds where others falter in conveying mature themes,” making its political “Game of Thrones-esque” drama resonate long after the credits roll (MobyGames Reviews).

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Beneath the narrative weight lies a meticulously crafted tactical combat system that rewards foresight and adaptability. Battles unfold on grid-based maps where positioning and environmental interactivity are paramount. Units can flank enemies for critical hits, exploit elevation for damage bonuses, or manipulate elements—setting fire to terrain, freezing it into walkable paths, or electrifying puddles with lightning spells. These combos, reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics, add layers of strategic depth, incentivizing players to experiment rather than rely on brute force. The “Kudos” system further encourages creativity, awarding points for tactical plays that can be exchanged for character upgrades or one-time “Quietus” abilities (e.g., reviving a fallen ally) (Wikipedia, TVTropes).

Character progression is both satisfying and streamlined. Units gain experience through combat, unlocking new skills and stat boosts. Class promotion, while limited compared to TRPGs like Disgaea, allows for specialization without overwhelming customization. Critically, Triangle Strategy avoids permadeath, letting players recover defeated units between battles—a choice that maintains accessibility but reduces tension. The party roster expands to 30 unique characters, each with distinct roles (e.g., Frederica’s fire magic, Benedict’s debuffs), though many are mutually exclusive, encouraging replays. The “Scales of Conviction” voting system is the game’s signature mechanic, requiring players to persuade allies before major decisions. This phase involves gathering intel and choosing dialogue options aligned with Utility, Morality, or Liberty, making persuasion a minigame of its own (MobyGames, Wikipedia).

New Game+ enhances replayability by scaling difficulty and revealing the hidden conviction meter, streamlining the hunt for optional characters. However, the UI, while functional, can clutter maps with tactical indicators, and the lack of a bestiary or ability compendium may frustrate newcomers. These minor quaside, the combat remains a triumph of TRPG design, offering depth without inaccessibility—a “rewarding and satisfying” system that justifies the 40+ hour runtime (MobyGames Reviews).

World-Building, Art & Sound

Triangle Strategy’s world-building is a triumph of environmental storytelling. Norzelia is a continent steeped in resource-driven conflict, with each nation embodying a distinct cultural archetype: Aesfrost (industrial, meritocratic), Hyzante (theocratic, oppressive), and Glenbrook (aristocratic, trade-focused). This diversity is reflected in geography—snowy mountains, deserts, and river valleys—each battlefield a sandbox for strategic creativity. The Rosellans, a enslaved people with a tragic history, add moral gravity, their liberation a central theme. Even minor factions like House Falkes (loyalists) and House Telliore (opportunists) flesh out the political landscape (TVTropes).

The HD-2D art style is the game’s visual centerpiece. Character sprites, reminiscent of SNES-era designs, are rendered with expressive detail, while environments blend pixel-art charm with dynamic lighting and particle effects. Battlefields feature destructible elements (e.g., houses that can be collapsed to trap enemies), and cutscenes leverage the style for dramatic impact. Sound design complements the visuals, with Akira Senju’s orchestral score underscoring the epic stakes. The soundtrack, spanning four discs in physical editions, blends martial themes with melancholic motifs, heightening moments of sacrifice. Voice acting, though present, is divisive; some praise its authenticity, while others criticize its stiff delivery, particularly in lengthy dialogue sequences (MobyGames, Wikipedia). Together, these elements create an immersive atmosphere where political tension feels tangible, and every skirmish carries narrative weight.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Triangle Strategy was met with widespread acclaim, holding an 82% Metacritic score and lauded for its combat, narrative, and art direction. Critics like RPGFan (92%) and Nintendo Life (90%) hailed it as a “finest example of the genre,” praising its replayability and branching paths. Eurogamer, however, critiqued its pacing, noting “battle[s] often followed by over an hour of cutscenes.” Sales were robust, with over 1 million copies sold by December 2022, and the game debuted atop Japan’s Famitsu charts. Its legacy extends beyond accolades; nominated for “Best Role-Playing Game” at The Game Awards 2022, it revitalized the TRPG genre on modern platforms, influencing titles like Octopath Traveler II. Its VR port (2024) further innovated by adapting tactics to immersive tabletop-style gameplay (MobyGames, Wikipedia).

In the broader industry, Triangle Strategy is remembered for its synthesis of classic TRPG mechanics and contemporary narrative ambition. As one Redditor noted, it “delivers on geopolitics and writing quality,” rivaling the depth of Tactics Ogre. Its branching endings and moral choices set a benchmark for story-driven tactics, while the HD-2D style became a Square Enix hallmark. Yet, its heavy reliance on dialogue and slow pacing rekindled debates about TRPG accessibility, ensuring it remains a polarizing yet revered entry in the genre.

Conclusion

Triangle Strategy stands as a towering achievement in tactical RPG design, a game where every decision—on and off the battlefield—echoes through its meticulously crafted world. Its narrative, a tapestry of war, politics, and moral reckoning, elevates it beyond mere genre exercises, while its tactical combat offers depth without alienation. The HD-2D aesthetic, a modern reinterpretation of retro charm, remains as visually striking today as it was at launch. Though its pacing issues and verbose dialogue occasionally hinder momentum, these flaws are forgivable in light of the game’s ambition. As a testament to the enduring appeal of strategic depth and branching narratives, Triangle Strategy earns its place alongside Final Fantasy Tactics and Fire Emblem: Three Houses as a modern classic. For players willing to invest its 40+ hours, it offers not just a game, but a profound exploration of power, compromise, and conviction—a true triumph of form and function.