I really enjoy the character development of Roland, Benedict and Frederica, because unlike most stories they actually change for the _worse_ as the story progresses, yet in vastly different ways: - Roland becomes more cowardly and insecure, feeling like every decision he makes just leads to more suffering and resentment towards him. He's desperate for someone to take away his responsibility, even if those people are cruel, oppressive zealots (aka Hyzante). His total lack of faith in Aesfrosts ideals of freedom also shows just how little faith he actually has in people, and why he so gladly supports Hyzante totalitarian form of government. Of the three, he has changed the most, and not for the better. - Benedict has become gradually more and more ruthless. He no longer seems very concerned with even feigning compassion for others, becoming increasingly self-assured in his own methods. Once Roland's failures become common-knowledge, he immediately starts planning to overthrow him, treating Serenoa's outrage at the idea as you would a child too stupid to understand what's good for them. He is so obsessed with living up to old promises and debts that he fails to see anything of value in the present. - Frederica is at first glance the most benevolent of the three (which is unsurprising since she represents Morality in the endgame), but her plan is also arguably the most selfish of them all. She grows from just being compassionate towards the Roselle to completely obsessed with them, to the point that she is so desperate to live up to her mother's legacy that she is practically willing to sacrifice everything else to achieve it. Her plan is focused on the biggest victims of the Salt-Iron War, but it fails to take anyone else into account. Her outrage at Roland's plan is of course understandable, but she fails to see that she's not so different from him as she may think. They are both willing sacrifice a lot of innocent lives to achieve their goals. Frederica does so more indirectly, but nonetheless she is fine with leaving the continent to rot if it ensures her own people's survival. Of course, all three grow out of these mindsets in the Golden Ending, but I still applaud the game for showing us how these well-intentioned people slowly become corrupted by their own ideals over the course of the game. Absolutely phenomenal writing from Square Enix, can't wait to see what this development team will bring us next.
An that's why Serenoa is my favorite Character of the game, because he represents what his most trusted confidants lack in every way: BALANCE, just like his father he found a way to give everyone what they want without losing sight of what's important, but at the same time he made them realize how wrong and divided they were, Frederica realizing that taking action is no for the few but for everyone , Benedict showing remorse and shame over his aggressive methods and Roland finally overcoming his fears and taking responsibility as King are incredible developments of each character. Although idealistic, it is not impossible in real life to achieve balance, this game shows me how important is to maintain balance and order, my favorite game of 2022 indeed because they represent the best way to be better persons without being obsessed with our own ideals and convictions.
Triangle Strategy. A story that teaches us that there is always another way and to never believe one path is the only path. Forging a plan that will appease as many people as possible and finding balance in your convictions. Such beautiful story-telling
The most beautiful moment when the Scales of Conviction was weighing around as Serenoa made the strategy to attain victory for all sides, and ultimately all three scales lighting up as Serenoa affirmed his convictions. It shows that Serenoa has achieved true balance of Morality, Liberty, and Utility. Only when one has learned to accept all three is a true leader brought to the world.
I just recently played through this route on my first run and even on normal it kicked my ass. All of my teams were incomplete and I favored some chars so much that there were a few on each team that were around level 10. On all 3 fights I had to keep my party together and play more defensively than I ever had before the first 2 fights were brutal and I lost a couple times before I was able to win. Those heavy defensive tactics were even better for the final few battles when I had everyone back together.
In my case, i had about 6/7 characters per regiment and chose all the wrong ones, most of them severely underleveled. Calling it an ass whooping would undersell it, but i refused to change difficulty because I'd be betraying my convictions... That's how much the story impacted me (also, overwrote my save file after choosing)
Got this route on my second playthrough and proceeded to grind everyone for the next few days because I only used a select few characters and everyone was so underleveled.
This route although it Leads to the good ending of triangle strategy is not for the faint of heart I’d recommend playing all three of the previous routes before the golden route
Fun fact, I played Triangle Strategy for the first three character routes, but then paused for the golden route. I did so because I wanted to savor the final playthrough and make sure that my mind is fresh and able to watch the story unfold from beginning to end. And getting to see this was beautiful and seeing everything that was worked to be achieved, which also reflects Serenoa's growth, and also understanding of why each specific point must be met. So my excitement was really high from this.
@@akhafasu That must have been difficult. I imagine that you got most of the units by your 2nd playthrough, but were lacking in a couple of them, given that you need at least 4 playthroughs to get all the characters.
@@akhafasu *28 instead of 30 But yeah, you definitely can. Really, the hardest fight would really have to be on Benedict's side. I am glad though that the Golden Route is very much not recommended for a 1st playthrough. You likely aren't going to have the best units or even enough units in a single playthrough for the golden route. And the Golden Route is really at its best when you have everyone, cause you can see the characters at the ending.
@@0axis771 Totally! And I found the final one (Frederica’s) to be easiest of the three. If you use the traps, than Benedict’s gets easier and if not then yes, his is the toughest. But every battle has a number of way to complete them in an easy way. Right now I’m doing step by step guides for all the battles on Hard Mode without getting any KOs. Super fun to apply numerous strategies using different characters to see which work best together. Can’t wait to get to the late game battles and make step by step guides for ‘em
I thought I got the golden path because I became king but I lost Roland, Serinoa's father and had to fight the goddesses abomination. I Wonder how is it possible to keep Roland and not fight the goddess.
I dont know the route I went but at one point I got to turn over Roland to the bad guys, Betray my fellow houses, and get sent on a mission to kill a old friend who in return burned his whole village down in protest. I literally have never had so much fun in a game than watching some of these events unfold.
@@akhafasu that was it. That wad the all time high point for me. I absolutely loved it as it's something you don't get to do in these games enough. I should go back and finish at some point I just wasn't nearly as gripped by the story when hyzant joined
Its frustrating I got everything right on my first playthrough without looking at any guide exept that I did burn one house in chapter 7 that prevent me acces to the golden route.. Now I have to do exactly all the same choice but not burn a house but wont get any new characters :(
@@akhafasu Makes sense. I'm on the Golden route now about to fight Minister Exharme. Wasn't sure if I used the traps this time if it'll disqualify me from finishing the Golden route.
@@troycarmony341 nope. Now you’re set for the True Ending. Up to you if you want to use the traps or not. Save a file here and see what happens if you use them or not
@@akhafasu i know but if i knew this info i wouldve picked one of the other 2 choices that means to recruit everyone i have to do a 5th route.(since golden route you have to recruit Milo and there are 4 characters you can only recruit in Chapter 15)
I really enjoy the character development of Roland, Benedict and Frederica, because unlike most stories they actually change for the _worse_ as the story progresses, yet in vastly different ways:
- Roland becomes more cowardly and insecure, feeling like every decision he makes just leads to more suffering and resentment towards him. He's desperate for someone to take away his responsibility, even if those people are cruel, oppressive zealots (aka Hyzante). His total lack of faith in Aesfrosts ideals of freedom also shows just how little faith he actually has in people, and why he so gladly supports Hyzante totalitarian form of government. Of the three, he has changed the most, and not for the better.
- Benedict has become gradually more and more ruthless. He no longer seems very concerned with even feigning compassion for others, becoming increasingly self-assured in his own methods. Once Roland's failures become common-knowledge, he immediately starts planning to overthrow him, treating Serenoa's outrage at the idea as you would a child too stupid to understand what's good for them. He is so obsessed with living up to old promises and debts that he fails to see anything of value in the present.
- Frederica is at first glance the most benevolent of the three (which is unsurprising since she represents Morality in the endgame), but her plan is also arguably the most selfish of them all. She grows from just being compassionate towards the Roselle to completely obsessed with them, to the point that she is so desperate to live up to her mother's legacy that she is practically willing to sacrifice everything else to achieve it. Her plan is focused on the biggest victims of the Salt-Iron War, but it fails to take anyone else into account. Her outrage at Roland's plan is of course understandable, but she fails to see that she's not so different from him as she may think. They are both willing sacrifice a lot of innocent lives to achieve their goals. Frederica does so more indirectly, but nonetheless she is fine with leaving the continent to rot if it ensures her own people's survival.
Of course, all three grow out of these mindsets in the Golden Ending, but I still applaud the game for showing us how these well-intentioned people slowly become corrupted by their own ideals over the course of the game. Absolutely phenomenal writing from Square Enix, can't wait to see what this development team will bring us next.
Gotta agree with you there. Great analysis
An that's why Serenoa is my favorite Character of the game, because he represents what his most trusted confidants lack in every way: BALANCE, just like his father he found a way to give everyone what they want without losing sight of what's important, but at the same time he made them realize how wrong and divided they were, Frederica realizing that taking action is no for the few but for everyone , Benedict showing remorse and shame over his aggressive methods and Roland finally overcoming his fears and taking responsibility as King are incredible developments of each character. Although idealistic, it is not impossible in real life to achieve balance, this game shows me how important is to maintain balance and order, my favorite game of 2022 indeed because they represent the best way to be better persons without being obsessed with our own ideals and convictions.
Oh, I always read it as the saltiron war.
The "There must be another way!" scene had me SHOOK
Same here 😃
Triangle Strategy. A story that teaches us that there is always another way and to never believe one path is the only path. Forging a plan that will appease as many people as possible and finding balance in your convictions. Such beautiful story-telling
Well said. Love the story telling aspect of this game
38:40 got chills at this moment when i was hyped of the future battles incoming
The most beautiful moment when the Scales of Conviction was weighing around as Serenoa made the strategy to attain victory for all sides, and ultimately all three scales lighting up as Serenoa affirmed his convictions. It shows that Serenoa has achieved true balance of Morality, Liberty, and Utility. Only when one has learned to accept all three is a true leader brought to the world.
Couldn’t have said it better myself :)
I just recently played through this route on my first run and even on normal it kicked my ass. All of my teams were incomplete and I favored some chars so much that there were a few on each team that were around level 10. On all 3 fights I had to keep my party together and play more defensively than I ever had before the first 2 fights were brutal and I lost a couple times before I was able to win. Those heavy defensive tactics were even better for the final few battles when I had everyone back together.
In my case, i had about 6/7 characters per regiment and chose all the wrong ones, most of them severely underleveled. Calling it an ass whooping would undersell it, but i refused to change difficulty because I'd be betraying my convictions... That's how much the story impacted me (also, overwrote my save file after choosing)
Got this route on my second playthrough and proceeded to grind everyone for the next few days because I only used a select few characters and everyone was so underleveled.
Lolll same
This route although it Leads to the good ending of triangle strategy is not for the faint of heart I’d recommend playing all three of the previous routes before the golden route
Yup, you’re right. I did the true ending twice: one with limited people and later with all 30 characters
Fun fact, I played Triangle Strategy for the first three character routes, but then paused for the golden route. I did so because I wanted to savor the final playthrough and make sure that my mind is fresh and able to watch the story unfold from beginning to end. And getting to see this was beautiful and seeing everything that was worked to be achieved, which also reflects Serenoa's growth, and also understanding of why each specific point must be met. So my excitement was really high from this.
Well said. You did the right thing and enjoyed the game as it was meant to be. I got carried away and did the Golden Route in my second playthrough
@@akhafasu That must have been difficult. I imagine that you got most of the units by your 2nd playthrough, but were lacking in a couple of them, given that you need at least 4 playthroughs to get all the characters.
@@0axis771 yeah, I had to make due with 28 instead of 30 characters. But I had fun doing it with less characters
@@akhafasu *28 instead of 30
But yeah, you definitely can. Really, the hardest fight would really have to be on Benedict's side.
I am glad though that the Golden Route is very much not recommended for a 1st playthrough. You likely aren't going to have the best units or even enough units in a single playthrough for the golden route. And the Golden Route is really at its best when you have everyone, cause you can see the characters at the ending.
@@0axis771 Totally! And I found the final one (Frederica’s) to be easiest of the three. If you use the traps, than Benedict’s gets easier and if not then yes, his is the toughest. But every battle has a number of way to complete them in an easy way. Right now I’m doing step by step guides for all the battles on Hard Mode without getting any KOs. Super fun to apply numerous strategies using different characters to see which work best together. Can’t wait to get to the late game battles and make step by step guides for ‘em
In my first playthough I waltzed into the Golden ending and Archibald was saving my life in Benedict’s battle
Nice. You just made all the right decisions and got it first try! I burned a house in chapter 3. But golden ending in first playthrough is pretty hard
@@akhafasu It was, Archibald and Avlora were saving my ass every fight
@@GrandTemplarVigilant yeah those two are solid characters when it comes to battles
triangle strategy is based on 3 people's plan combined: benedict, frederica, and roland
Well and Serenoa. He guides you to the true ending
I thought I got the golden path because I became king but I lost Roland, Serinoa's father and had to fight the goddesses abomination. I Wonder how is it possible to keep Roland and not fight the goddess.
Just curious, but how did you get Cordelia to join you? I thought she could not be recruited in the golden ending path?
I got her in my first playthrough
New Game +. You keep characters from past playthroughs.
this felt liek Revisualization from AceAttorney.
Do we only get to play Benedict’s part to defend the Wolfort demesne? Or all 3?
You get to make 3 regiments and fight 3 different battles with each regiment. Can’t change characters between battles
@@akhafasu ok good, I made sure I didn’t put all my eggs in one basket Ahaha I made sure I had it even on all 3 regiments. Thank you!
@@christianyumang1528 you’re very welcome
I dont know the route I went but at one point I got to turn over Roland to the bad guys, Betray my fellow houses, and get sent on a mission to kill a old friend who in return burned his whole village down in protest. I literally have never had so much fun in a game than watching some of these events unfold.
It seems you gave up Roland that resulted in fighting Landroi Falkes. This game is a lot of fun indeed!
@@akhafasu that was it. That wad the all time high point for me. I absolutely loved it as it's something you don't get to do in these games enough.
I should go back and finish at some point I just wasn't nearly as gripped by the story when hyzant joined
@@purplatypus7405 try saving Roland this time and choose a different path. You’ll be surprised how the game moves forward
@@akhafasu Honestly I cant see myself playing the game again but Luckily I can live vicariously though content creators!
@@purplatypus7405 lol. Sure thing. I’ve got all the routes laid out in my channel. Have a go!
What are the best environments ? i keep seeing the same backgrounds
Are you referring to where the battles take place?
Damn you have way more characters for the last battle
I went with the Golden Route on my 2nd playthrough. So I’m just missing one out
Its frustrating I got everything right on my first playthrough without looking at any guide exept that I did burn one house in chapter 7 that prevent me acces to the golden route.. Now I have to do exactly all the same choice but not burn a house but wont get any new characters :(
Happened to me too on my first try. I know how you feel
Why there are spaces on some regiments? It should be 30 characters, 10 each
Coz I did this in my 2nd playthrough.
How did you get the golden route?
Have a look here:
th-cam.com/video/2fbfnZQQpIo/w-d-xo.html
@@akhafasu thanks ^^
@@Snow-zv9ps no problem
Is it okay to use the fire traps this time?
Depending upon whether you use them or not, the ending changes slightly
@@akhafasu
Makes sense.
I'm on the Golden route now about to fight Minister Exharme.
Wasn't sure if I used the traps this time if it'll disqualify me from finishing the Golden route.
@@troycarmony341 nope. Now you’re set for the True Ending. Up to you if you want to use the traps or not. Save a file here and see what happens if you use them or not
@@akhafasu
Cool. Thank you so much! 🥳
@@troycarmony341 you’re very welcome. Played hard mode yet?
Never mind, this is New Game +, isn't it?
Yup. It’s NG+
i had done everything to get the golden route, still i cant get this scene...
You must’ve missed something. Or else this scene plays
damn because i burn a house trap i couldnt get this route if i knew i wouldnt have recruited milo
I did that too. But if you plan to get all characters then you need yo play through the game 3-4 times and explore other options
@@akhafasu i know but if i knew this info i wouldve picked one of the other 2 choices that means to recruit everyone i have to do a 5th route.(since golden route you have to recruit Milo and there are 4 characters you can only recruit in Chapter 15)