Review: The DioField Chronicle

destructoid.com:

The DioField Chronicle is an odd one among the cavalcade of tactics we’ve seen this year. It’s real-time, rather than turn-based; it’s about tight, compact skirmishes rather than drawn-out battles. DioField mixes wyvern and rifles, swords and sorcery, and even some airships for good measure.

Throughout the 20-ish hours it took me to finish The DioField Chronicle, there are some pretty cool concepts and ideas on display, though they’re not always framed the best. There’s a solid story, but some odd choices in direction. DioField is an interesting strategy game to play, even when it’s not at its best.

The DioField Chronicle (PC, PS4, PS5 [reviewed], Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)Developer: Square Enix, LancarsePublisher: Square EnixReleased: September 22, 2022MSRP: $59.99

The DioField Chronicle follows the Blue Foxes, a mercenary group under the employ of a duke on the island nation of DioField. The island is rich in Jade stones that have magical properties, making it a prime target for trade, subterfuge, and invasion from the nearby continent.

Two up-and-coming warriors, Andrias and Fredret, are the core of the story and are soon joined by errant knight Iscarion and the powerfully magic descendant of nobility, Waltaquin. These four comprise the heart and soul of the Blue Foxes, and much of the story revolves around their rise to power amidst the political intrigue and fighting that constantly besets DioField.

Drama is at the heart of the story, and there’s a lot of appeal in seeing how these four come together and deal with mounting tension as their goals start to differ. The interpersonal drama really clicks in solid moments, like Waltaquin teasing Andrias or Iscarion doubting a plan. Each of the characters