This strategy role-playing video game is co-developed by Square Enix and Lancarse. I have always loved strategy games and was pretty excited to play the game. This fascinating video game was released in September 2022 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows platforms. The DioField Chronicle gameplay is quite different from Final Fantasy and more related to Xcom regarding movement.

Finally! A Non-Tile-Based Strategy RPG That Isn’t Boring

The DioField Chronicle is a strategy role-playing video game, which, thankfully, isn’t tile-based. The game allows for more free directional movement, bringing more fun and life to the genre. While I loved Final Fantasy Tactics, I could do with more diverse gameplay. The DioField Chronicle brings that to the table, so I jumped on the game at first. The game features a real-time battle system, and the battle system is called the “Real-time Tactical Battle System.” Obvious right? I also love this game because it features other real-time strategy elements. 

Meet The Legendary Blue Foxes

The game involves the player controlling a party of characters. These characters are a group of mercenaries known as the Blue Foxes. Noble Duke Hende has employed them to get involved in the political war in the nations. Everyone is fighting for power; they all want resources, etc. But only the strongest can get them. 

The Blue Foxes are also known to respond to calls for help from other citizens that grab their attention. Key members of the Blue Foxes include assassin Andrais, Horse riding lancer Fredette, Ranger Isacarion, and mage Waltaquin.

The Battlefield is Where You Display Your Strategic Thinking Abilities

In The DioField Chronicle, the player controls the movement and actions of the mercenaries by engaging them to participate in tactical battles, completing missions such as defeating enemies, defending strongholds, escorting an ally, and capturing points on a map. You are to guide your characters across the battle map. Once you lead them to the battlefield, they will attack the enemies automatically, but you must learn to place them strategically. 

You can tap the commands button to exact character-specific abilities, where the game gets most enjoyable, and you get to put your strategic thinking to the test. Some of the abilities include; triggering summons that can damage an enemy area, creating healing zones, etc. The DioField Chronicle gives you the old-school feeling of the Final Fantasy game. It has distinct enemy types, different character classes, and mind-blowing artwork; I can’t leave out the captivating voice acting.

The Game’s Plot and Storyline Did Not Disappoint

Another interesting thing about the gameplay is that the viewpoint shifts as the battles play out, like in Fire Emblem. At the end of each mission you play, you earn skill points. You can use these skill points to upgrade different character abilities.

The DioField Chronicle storyline is built around a war-torn land where an invading nation is trying to control the entire continent. The player plays as a mercenary group known as the blue foxes. The blue foxes are the last surviving independent group who have become a force to contend in DioField. When you enlist their help, they must fight off attackers and defend the nation. So the players’ work is to fend off attackers through strategic thinking and placement. 

Selfish Humans Aren’t the Only Enemies You’ll Encounter

You will fight various enemies on the battlefield, ranging from humans to monsters. The humans are members of competing nations whom you must fight to get control of resources and strongholds. The monsters are there to make the battles a lot tougher and reduce your chances of winning or probably kill you. Monsters you will face in the game include; massive orges, flying fire-breathing wyverns, etc. 

Fighting these monsters seems to be one of the best parts of the game. The story is built on war, so if you do not enjoy war stories, you may find it boring, but if war stories are your thing, you will find it intriguing how various factions devise schemes as they advance.

You can interact with NPCs During Side Missions

The DioField Chronicle features many interesting side missions. While engaging in the side missions, you can have conversations with the person with an icon over their head. These conversations, in turn, give you insight into the characters and also helps you understand the different factions and ideals of the story. You will need to get involved and understand the world of DioField to get the best out of the game and have amazing impacts. 

Aside from being built around war stories, the DioField Chronicle follows Andrias. Early in the game, you will be told he has a plan; however, this plan is not revealed to you. The character Andrais is neither Honest nor is he upfront. The four characters in the game have separate ambitions. At first, they work together, but as their ambition grows, they start to have conflict. The story builds up as you play, then you get to understand and know the characters.

The DioField Chronicle Still Lacks Challenge and Variety

Now let’s get into some parts that didn’t tickle my fancy, the game is not challenging enough, and you would expect some challenge from a game built on war-like stories, like if you can manage to get all of the awards for each battle and use them wisely, then you may defeat your enemies easily, without much fuss. It doesn’t mean you should relax as you may be confronted with surprises.

I know that the monsters are there to give you a challenge, but you will eventually get the hang of it. Well, many of them. If you’re a great strategic thinker, you wouldn’t have many issues moving your characters away from their strong attackers. Then they will most definitely not pose a problem or become a hindrance. The variety of enemies will sure get you going, but after using the same summon for them every time, you find yourself getting bored again.

Conclusion

In summary, the DioField Chronicle is a game that I enjoyed playing. Although it had its downs, I still enjoy the real-time strategic battlefield, the interestingly amusing voice acting, the beautiful graphics, and the great story build-up. The combat is properly tuned, and you won’t need much explanation to understand how to play it. The DioField Chronicle makes it easy to enjoy playing the game and lures you into falling in love with it.