In September Square Enix is releasing its next RPG,The DioField Chronicle. The fantasy strategy RPG is described as a “hard-hitting” story with real-time combat. It’s co-developed between Square Enix and Lancarse, the studio known forShin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. The result is an interesting mix of real-time strategic combat, akin toValkyria Chronicles, and a classic style of JRPG influence, like fromFinal Fantasy Tactics. And with the release of a new demo, RPG fans can tryThe DioField Chroniclefor themselves.Square Enix has released the demo forThe DioField Chronicleacross all supported platforms, includingNintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The demo will feature a slice of the game, as well as three difficulty levels, Casual, Normal, and Hard. Altogether, the demo will include around three hours of gameplay, though playing multiple times with different difficulties will increase that. And save files for the demo will carry over intoThe DioField Chronicle’s full release.RELATED:Square Enix Working on More HD Remakes of 2D ClassicsTo be more specific about the demo’s content, the first five missions fromThe DioField Chronicle’s storywill be available to play. This includes a lengthy, story-rich prologue that sets the tone for what’s to come. The gameplay starts as the game’s protagonists join a mercenary group and begin to take on tasks. Of course, there’s more to this group than first meets the eye and increasingly important tasks before them.
Each mission will, naturally, have its own combat component.The DioField Chroniclewill task players with eliminating enemies, capturing bases, and interacting with various map gimmicks that change from mission to mission. The depth ofThe DioField Chroniclewill be up to players to discover, withSquare Enixhinting at some interesting features included in the demo that might surprise those who play it all the way through.
The DioField Chroniclemay not be as large of an experience as Square Enix’s major franchise offerings, likeFinal FantasyorDragon Quest, but this growing niche of classically-inspired RPGs, likeOctopath TravelerandTriangle Strategy, has certainly found an audience. Releasing an early demo is a key part of Square Enix’s strategy, too, offering a free glimpse at each game’s epic story.
Those interested inThe DioField Chroniclecan try theJRPG’s demo out right now, as it’s launched across all supported platforms. It will remain available throughThe DioField Chronicle’s full launch and, as noted, will carry over progress for those that purchase the full game. Expect further details regardingThe DioField Chronicleover the coming month.
The DioField Chroniclereleases on September 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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