Japan isn’t precisely recognized for actual time technique video games. That’s why I used to be shocked to find that The DioField Chronicle was a real-time technique sport, and never a turn-based techniques one just like the Fire Emblem sequence. In phrases of gameplay, this already units The DioField Chronicle other than different related titles within the style as Japanese technique video games lean closely towards turn-based and grid-based techniques.
In a hands-on preview, I performed round three hours of The DioField Chronicle, which consisted of the sport’s first chapter. I got here away impressed by the gameplay because it’s simple to grasp for individuals who aren’t deeply acquainted with real-time technique video games already. Though what particularly stands out is that it nearly seems like a JRPG because of over-the-top battles that seize the style’s love of flashy fight.
Friendly for newcomers
As somebody who doesn’t play RTS video games usually in any respect, The DioField Chronicle’s gameplay techniques are fairly beginner-friendly. The sport takes a extra centered strategy to the style reasonably than piling on techniques. Instead of getting tens of models, you possibly can take a celebration of as much as 4 characters and ship them out into the battlefield. You don’t construct bases or earn any foreign money to name in additional models. It’s extra like managing an RPG social gathering than a military.
While the RTS style has by no means been one in every of my go-tos, I distinctly flashbacked to Halo Wars throughout my demo. I bear in mind feeling overwhelmed and burdened at all the totally different autos, models, and bases I needed to maintain monitor of in real-time. In The DioField Chronicle, you simply should focus in your social gathering of 4 (generally a fifth unit as nicely, as one of many starting missions requires you to escort a defenseless carriage by means of the battlefield).
Having a quick response time and pondering shortly in your ft are useful expertise when enjoying RTS video games, and this centered strategy removes some obstacles for individuals who aren’t in a position to fairly match others. Additionally, I felt extra linked to my models as characters whereas in different video games my troops can be anonymous models that I couldn’t care much less about dying.

However, what makes battles far more manageable is that utilizing a personality’s particular expertise pauses the motion and allows you to take your time to determine what to do subsequent. Is one in every of your teammates low on HP? You received’t have to fret about by chance deciding on the incorrect character to heal amidst the chaos of battle.
I performed the demo on my PS5 utilizing a controller, so I actually appreciated this pause operate because it accommodated my sluggish cursor motion with the left management stick. RTS video games are extra naturally suited towards PC controls, as using a mouse and keyboard makes for quicker response occasions and navigating the battlefield, so it’s good to see good controller concerns right here.
Glory on the battlefield
Each character has expertise to unleash throughout battle, corresponding to Andrias’ Assassination, the place he slices by means of a single enemy a number of occasions leaving afterimages of himself. Waltaquin’s Convalescent Circle ability creates an enormous space the place models inside its neighborhood recuperate HP at common intervals. All of those expertise look extremely flashy, as in the event that they had been pulled straight out of a JRPG. Peeking on the ability tree, later unlockable ones appear to have extra cinematic angles to them, permitting for extra dynamic visuals.
Different coloured orbs are littered all through the battlefield, too: inexperienced is HP, blue is EP, and purple is TP. With sufficient TP constructed up, gamers can summon mystical creatures simply as they’d in a sequence like Final Fantasy. There’s nothing fairly like summoning Bahamut, inflicting it to swoop into the sky and graze a complete portion of the battlefield with a strong blast.

Even on the simplest problem (Casual), some battles could be fairly robust when you rush head-on with no plan. That’s very true in opposition to boss models when you’re under-leveled. At the final mission within the preview, I confronted off in opposition to a giant Fenrir boss with three of its smaller wolf underlings. I went in with my typical technique of spamming expertise till my enemies had been lifeless, however that didn’t fairly work out for me.
I abused Waltaquin’s Convalescent Circle ability at first of the boss battle, her costliest ability. I shortly discovered myself out of EP, unable to provoke a easy therapeutic spell. I initially relied on Iscarion’s bow expertise to do additional harm, however I quickly realized I wanted to preserve his EP as nicely for his Stun Shot ability. This allowed me to cancel out the boss’s big charge-up AOE ice assault that utterly wiped my social gathering a number of occasions.
Although you possibly can’t save throughout a battle, there are checkpoints which you can reload if you find yourself dropping. For instance, there was a checkpoint proper earlier than I bought into the Fenrir battle, and fortunately, I didn’t have to start out the complete mission from the start once more.
The story is … there
So far, The DioField Chronicle’s Story hasn’t utterly grabbed me simply but. The sport’s backstory accommodates fairly a little bit of jargon, explaining how the DioField island is wealthy with Jade, a worthwhile pure useful resource that units up the sport’s political battle. Different factions are attempting to get their palms on it, so battle ensues.
Andrias and his companions type the Blue Foxes, a mercenary group that intends to battle again in opposition to the Empire. However, a brand new risk appears to be on the horizon, which could make the story extra engaging in a while. But solely being about three hours in, I wasn’t in a position to absolutely grasp the true scope of the narrative but.
In addition to the sport’s primary quests, there are sub-quests that target particular characters in your social gathering and their backstories. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to expertise any of them but, as none of them unlocked throughout the first chapter, however I hope they go in-depth and supply us with some wanted character motivations.

So far, The DioField Chronicle’s gameplay leaves a robust impression. Even although I’m solely within the first chapter, I can already take a look at the menus and see the in depth unit customization choices, together with weapon creation, sub-units, and ability timber. In a uncommon style of Japanese real-time technique RPGs, The DioField Chronicle’s opening hours nonetheless have the acquainted sense of a JRPG. If the sport can sustain with its fight development, it’ll proceed to really feel contemporary for the complete journey. An awesome story and a compelling solid of characters will simply be icing on the cake.
The DioField Chronicle launches on September 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. A demo shall be obtainable for gamers on August 10.

Editors’ Recommendations