Announced today during the online Nintendo Direct presentation, Square Enix has debuted a new strategy RPG codenamed Project Triangle Strategy. The hybrid 2D-3D style of the trailer is reminiscent of Octopath Traveler, but the new title more clearly resembles to Final Fantasy Tactics, and that's probably on purpose.
The first full Nintendo Direct presentation since 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 remastered Legend of Mana and SaGa Frontier title coming to the Switch. Project Triangle Strategy was also announced by Square Enix, and it seems to be paying homage to and following in the legacy of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Project Triangle Strategy Carrying on from Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the most popular games in the long-running JRPG franchise. Many fans have been hoping for another Final Fantasy Tactics title since the last release more than a decade ago, with Tactics Advanced 2 on the Nintendo DS. The newly announced Project Triangle Strategy seems to be aimed at those same fans, with its trailer today including themes, gameplay, and design elements that seem to be heavily inspired by Final Fantasy Tactics.
The visual style of the game shown off today is again reminiscent of Octopath 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 to Final Fantasy Tactics' style, especially in the PSP updated War of the Lions version of the game. Sharply drawn lines and a heavy European fantasy flair harken back to the days of classic Final Fantasy before the more anime-inspired visuals became the standard fans are used to today. The story seems to have taken some notes from Tactics as well.
One of the things many players enjoyed about Final Fantasy Tactics was 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 other Final Fantasy games, Tactics' story is often regarded as one of the best in the franchise. The short trailer for Triangle Strategy shown off today points towards avoiding these same Final Fantasy tropes, 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 help Triangle Strategy distinguish itself from the pack.
The gameplay, while obviously taking pages from Tactics' 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 in Tactics. 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 if Triangle Strategy will incorporate the Job system from Tactics in a way similar to Bravely Default 2. A demo was scheduled for release later today so eager fans of Tactics don't have to wait long to get a glimpse at how Triangle Strategy will hopefully carry the torch.
Project Triangle Strategy is a working title, and the game is currently in development for the Switch.