What The Critics Are Saying About Triangle Strategy
"Triangle Strategy," the oddly named title from "Octopath Traveler" creator Tomoya Asano, is finally ready to debut. Critic reviews have begun to be published for the game praising the HD-2D art style and its tactical combat. "Triangle Strategy" is a tactical RPG, in the vein of "Final Fantasy Tactics" and "Fire Emblem," where three kingdoms fight for the dwindling resources of salt and iron. While the game isn't a direct sequel to "Octopath Traveler," it does share a similar setting, with fantasy elements and magic wielders.
"Triangle Strategy" is also the latest HD-2D release from Square Enix, with "Live A Live" and "Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D" also using the same art style in the future. For reference, "Octopath Traveler" is currently sitting at an 83 on Metacritic, receiving modestly positive reviews. So, how does "Triangle Strategy" shape up compared to its predecessor? Here is what the critics are saying about "Triangle Strategy."
Triangle Strategy is a long but well made tactical RPG
"Triangle Strategy" actually shares a Metacritic rating of 83 with "Octopath Traveler," though that number could change. Chris Scullion at VGC gave the game a 4/5, writing that after a few slow opening chapters, the game gets rolling on a story about a war-torn region that never slows back down. Scullion also praised the game for not only giving each member of the party their own story and personality, but spending enough time with them for the player to care about each one. Scullion did mention that it is a lengthy game where characters like to talk, perhaps a bit too much.
Eurogamer recommended "Triangle Strategy," with critic Malindy Hetfeld saying that the game does an excellent job of navigating medieval warfare in a way that feels honest and real, at the expense of not having a "hero moment" towards the end of the story. Hetfeld complimented the combat, which takes place on an isometric field,\ and allows each character to both move and take an action during their turn. Players also have to consider other strategic elements, like which direction characters are facing at the end of their turn, since any attack to the back is a critical hit.
Digital Trends gave it 2.5/5, with Giovanni Colantonio criticizing the game for its overly long dialogue sections, referring to the game as a "laundry folder," since he felt like he could finish an entire load of laundry between combat sequences. Colantonio said the combat is fun, but there is far too much down time. Overall, "Triangle Strategy" is a niche experience that, like "Octopath Traveler," will appeal to some gamers, but not to all.