Announced today during the online Nintendo Direct presentation, Square Enix has debuted a new strategy RPG codenamedProject Triangle Strategy.The hybrid 2D-3D style of the trailer is reminiscent ofOctopath Traveler, but the new title more clearly resembles toFinal Fantasy Tactics, and that’s probably on purpose.
The firstfull Nintendo Direct presentationsince September of 2019 aired today, as somewhat of a surprise to fans. The nearly hour-long show debuted a myriad of new games and announced DLC for others. It also announced several games that are being ported to the Switch or updated for the portable/home console hybrid. Square Enix had a robust showing at the presentation including a remasteredLegend of ManaandSaGa Frontiertitle coming to the Switch.Project Triangle Strategywas also announced by Square Enix, and it seems to be paying homage to and following in the legacy ofFinal Fantasy Tactics.
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Project Triangle Strategy Carrying on from Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tacticsis one of the most popular games in the long-running JRPG franchise. Many fans have been hoping foranotherFinal Fantasy Tacticstitlesince the last release more than a decade ago, withTactics Advanced 2on the Nintendo DS. The newly announcedProject Triangle Strategyseems to be aimed at those same fans, with its trailer today including themes, gameplay, and design elements that seem to be heavily inspired byFinal Fantasy Tactics.
The visual style of the game shown off today is again reminiscent ofOctopath Traveler. 2D sprites are set against 3D backgrounds, with some unique effects shown off during some spells and special abilities in the trailer. The character art and design also seemed very similar toFinal Fantasy Tactics' style, especially in the PSP updatedWar of the Lionsversion of the game. Sharply drawn lines and a heavy European fantasy flair harken back to the days of classicFinal Fantasybefore the more anime-inspiredvisuals became the standard fans are used to today. The story seems to have taken some notes fromTacticsas well.
One of the things many players enjoyed aboutFinal Fantasy Tacticswas a more concise scope to its story. Rife with political intrigue, and pulling the curtain back on the more epic supernatural events more slowly than otherFinal Fantasygames,Tactics' story is often regarded as one of the best in the franchise. The short trailer forTriangle Strategyshown off today points towards avoidingthese sameFinal Fantasytropes, while embracing the ones that do the series justice.
The story involves three kingdoms that are trapped in a conflict over resources called the Saltiron Wars, and a group from one kingdom’s quest to defend their home in said conflict. Focusing on political intrigue and character choice (as the trailer shows off well) could helpTriangle Strategydistinguish itself from the pack.
The gameplay, while obviously taking pages fromTactics’book, seems to expand on the classic’s core mechanics. Factors like elevation and flanking seem to play a bigger role in battles this time around. The trailer also shows off an interesting system for environmental interactions that wasn’t present inTactics. The trailer shows how players can cast a water spell to flood the battlefield, then use a lightning spell to deal extra damage to enemies trapped in water.
Fans were only shown a glimpse of the menus they’ll have access to in the full game, but it remains to be seen ifTriangle Strategywill incorporate the Job system fromTacticsin a way similar toBravely Default 2. A demo was scheduled for release later today so eager fans ofTacticsdon’t have to wait long to get a glimpse at howTriangle Strategywill hopefully carry the torch.
Project Triangle Strategyis a working title, and the game is currently in development for the Switch.
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