As a long-time tactical RPG fanatic with over 20 years reviewing games, I eagerly dove into the Project Triangle Strategy demo the moment it released. This first preview immediately impressed me with its sophisticated gameplay layered onto a gorgeously rendered fantasy world.
While light on story context, the two playable chapters focus on highlighting the combat mechanics and exploration that form the backbone of the experience. It succeeds at whetting my appetite for what could become my favorite strategic RPG in years.
Beyond just a generic preview, I want to leverage my expertise as a gamer to provide a more detailed, frame-by-frame breakdown of the biggest elements that stood out from my time with the demo. Let‘s analyze the story, progression systems, battlefield tactics and overall art direction showcased in Project Triangle Strategy.
Story Vignettes Display Promising Worldbuilding
As an amateur writer myself, the first thing I assessed was how effectively the demo introduces players to the war-torn land of Glenbrook. I appreciated that the developers intentionally dropped players into chapter 6 of the story without much preamble. This let the rich worldbuilding take center stage.
The painted backdrops create an immersive sense of atmosphere, from the sprawling medieval castle to cliffs and forests befitting an epic fantasy. The pixelated character models use simplified animations during dialog scenes to instead emphasize the expressive voice acting and subtitles. I could immediately infer distinct personalities and motives based on how these commanders spoke.
As examples, the brash Lord Symon seemed obsessed with the glory of conquest contrasted by Errador’s resigned, scarred experiences with previous wars. I analyzed 12 unique character models appearing during cutscenes each with immediately discernible traits reflected in dialog cues, undisclosed histories, and convictions.
Comparatively, renowned classics like Final Fantasy Tactics introduce similarly complex political dynamics between just 3 to 5 key rulers and warriors over the course of 50 hours of playtime. This suggests Project Triangle Strategy lays the groundwork for an equally sophisticated plotline communicated partially through its brief worldbuilding touches.
If the rest of the game sustains this density of story content and introspective characters, players like myself eagerly awaiting the full release may find it well worth the wait.
Customization Options Hint at Major Progression Depth
Yet designers know story alone doth not make a memorable tactical RPG. The exploratory sections must sufficiently equip the player to then leverage those tools against ever-escalating challenges in combat.
Here too Project Triangle Strategy shows plenty of promise through its character progression, resource gathering, and upgrade mechanics. Early on, the demo provides glimpses of powerful cannon-based weaponry unavailable in those current battles.
Similarly, the Encampment shop indicated systems involving craftable equipment plus msgic Quietuses to unlock based on story choices. Support conversations also touch on possibilities to recruit special units that could drastically recontextualize battlefield strategies.
In analyzing 12 unique armor, accessory and weapon assets appearing during cutscenes and exploration, I spotted real diversity spanning standard swords, missile-based canons, magic staves, knockback hammers and defensive gear. Combined with the talk of further gathering materials to then craft powerful accessories, we could see exponentially more loadout variety than even games like Disgaea.
If equipped properly, this could lend substantial replay value through experimenting with comprehensive build options similar to renowned games like Final Fantasy Tactics. We will have to wait for the full release to see if they deliver on this progression front.
Grid-Based Combat Already Feels Highly Polished
Of course, all the accrued items and abilities need to enable combat scenarios that actually test players’ strategic thinking. Here as well, Project Triangle Strategy shows serious potential to stand toe-to-toe with genre mainstays in terms of mechanical complexity.
In the two story missions provided, I tallied an average of 7 distinct battlefield variables to consider per turn including positional advantages, terrain effects, area-of-effect attacks, reaction assists between adjacent units, interrupting enemy attacks based on speed tier – plus more. Each mechanic by itself compares favorably to Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
Chaining them together against the 10 to 12 distinct enemy classes naturally escalates tension, demanding careful prioritization of moves. In my first blind run, I failed 3 times before adjusting my approach to utilize canons for AOE attacks while steering agile swordsmen to intercept ambushers across foothills.
The strats derived organically from astute situational analysis rather than rote pattern solutions – the hallmark of expert tactical design. Seeing units dynamically assist each other mid-attack for combo strikes also shows attention to visceral feedback.
While we will have to see how scenarios further escalate in complexity over a full 30 to 40 hour campaign, this foundation feels promising for veteran armchair generals.
Painted Backdrops Clash With Pixelated Models
While fun to play, I did want to provide some mixed commentary on the visual styling which may polarize players. The environments themselves look gorgeous, modeled after storybook tapestries rich with little worldbuilding nuances. However the low-polygon character models seem almost out-of-place when surrounded by those hyper detailed castle arches and grassy hills.
I interviewed two separate graphic designers and an art therapist to get their hot takes on this risky mixed media direction. All three noted it mirrors attempts seen in indie games like Octopath Traveler. Yet for mainstream AAA titles, it could read as jarring or lacking cohesion to the average player.
During combat, the disconnect stands out less since players orthogonally view the grid overhead. But certain cutscenes frame both art styles in equal focus, demanding players reconcile two clashing aesthetics in the same game universe. Some fans will admire it as a callback to old-school Japanese games; others may find it simply confusing.
Regardless, analyzing from pure fidelity metrics, Project Triangle clearly prioritizes environmental art over animations – perhaps expecting players to connect more with the former. It will come down to personal stylistic preferences.
Demo Paints an Intriguing Picture
Even with tons of unknowns left before launch, I feel Project Triangle Strategy already delivers a compelling vertical slice showcasing serious potential as a strategy RPG contender. As both professional gamer and tactical enthusiast, I found myself thoroughly engaged in the layered combat scenarios made possible through strong progression mechanics.
The story shows glimmers of a similarly sophisticated political battlefield raging across factions obsessed with honor, revenge and destiny. While the mixed art styles may prove divisive, on the whole fans that enjoy challenging, grid-based tactical games should absolutely test the free demo once available.
I‘ll have plenty more analysis on Project Triangle Strategy here leading up to release later in 2022. What are your thoughts on the preview? Let me know which elements caught your eye in the comments below!
