Compelling RPG Shines Even With Minimal VR Changes

Even with minimal VR adjustments on Quest, Triangle Technique stays a compelling turn-based RPG from Sq. Enix. Listed here are our impressions.

There is not any contest after I say Triangle Strategy was my largest shock throughout Connect 2024. Sq. Enix has proven minimal curiosity in VR throughout the years – Monsters of the Deep and Kingdom Hearts VR Experience being notable exceptions. So, seeing a tactical RPG launched for Swap and PC two years in the past all of a sudden heading for Quest was definitely sudden.

In the event you’re questioning what’s modified, functionally not so much. A number of parts just like the UI show and battle controls had been adjusted to higher match VR. In any other case, it is just about a straight port of the unique recreation, although the isometric perspective makes Triangle Technique really feel like an interactive diorama. The spectacular 2D-HD artwork type, which merges pixel artwork with 3D environments, shines throughout fight missions on Quest 3.

As a story-heavy RPG, this comes with an unsurprising trade-off for its quite a few 2D cutscenes. These at the moment are introduced utilizing a floating scroll in a ‘Theatre Mode,’ which I can settle for contemplating the sport was clearly by no means designed for this medium. Between battles and cutscenes, exploring the 3D map to take a look at the Norzelia continent is good.

You’ll be able to play utilizing a totally immersive VR surroundings that places Norzelia within the background, or combined actuality by way of passthrough. I do want Sq. Enix would go additional with MR and it is disappointing that you would be able to’t resize the map. I might like to play this whereas on my couch, placing the map throughout my espresso desk. You are restricted to rotating and pulling the map in direction of you.

That is just about the place the principle VR-specific variations finish on this port. That stated, do not let this deter you should you think about your self a extra traditional RPG fan; we have seen earlier than that VR video games can nonetheless ship sturdy experiences utilizing the same digicam perspective earlier than – simply have a look at Table of Tales. Six hours into this marketing campaign, Triangle Technique is delivering a fascinating RPG that is acquired my consideration.

Whereas establishing its world takes time, the compelling story is arguably the largest issue. You play because the inheritor of Home Wolffort, Serenoa, discovering your self on the middle of a rising battle between the continent’s nations. I will not spoil something particular however the well-written mix of fantasy and politics has me invested on this world. It is a disgrace the English voice performing is not nice, so I am glad you may swap to Japanese.

As a tactical RPG, fight is paying homage to Hearth Emblem and Last Fantasy Ways as you command your occasion throughout a grid-based battlefield. These battles have satisfying depth that encourages strategic considering, like dealing additional harm from greater terrain or how inserting models on either side of a foe allows you to assault them twice in a single go.

Minimal adjustments from the flatscreen launch make Triangle Technique an extremely powerful promote should you’ve already performed it elsewhere, but it is a uncommon recreation the place I am keen to miss that. The narrative is very compelling, fight is strategically satisfying and the visuals stay sturdy. As somebody who largely sticks to RPGs exterior of VR, I am glad it is reaching new audiences and I hope this convinces different publishers to take that likelihood.

Triangle Technique is out now on the Meta Quest platform.