War hangs like the sword of Damocles over Helvetia, a land ruled by four Dark Lords. In this age of blood and strife, Leonhardt Arknoah, a war hero and leader of the Varganian Empire's secret task force, steps onto the battlefield once more, the flames of ambition burning brightly within him.
The game blends visual novel storytelling with deep, complex turn-based strategy gameplay. The intricate battle system sets it apart from traditional strategy RPGs, allowing players to take control of multiple squad formations, each with up to 6 units, leading to intense 18-vs-18 battalion battles.
In the core "Battalion Battle" system, players deploy three separate squads, each with 6 units, for a total of 18 units per side. This creates a chaotic battlefield where units can engage in combat with enemies from opposing squads based on the player's orders and pre-set tactics. The outcome of battles can often be determined before they even start, depending on the player's strategic deployment and unit synergies.
Players can assemble unique, customized squads by focusing on commander units, common units, or building synergistic teams based on unit affinities. This level of customization allows players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles to overcome challenges.
Strategically placing squads on important choke points or aggressively sending multiple squads to capture the enemy's base can significantly impact the outcome of battles. The positioning of squads and the use of terrain are crucial considerations.
Players can raise and equip individual units, as well as assign them unique titles that grant additional skills and abilities. This deep unit customization enables players to create powerful, specialized units to dominate the battlefield.
Beyond tactical combat, the game features an internal administration system that players must manage. This includes factors such as food, magic, Anima (for recruiting units), and gold production, as well as the effectiveness of the military and medical resources. Effectively managing these logistical aspects is crucial for waging successful wars.
The game offers multiple difficulty settings, catering to both casual players and hardcore strategy enthusiasts. The easy mode includes a "Win Skip" function, allowing players to skip battles or entire maps if they just want to focus on the story. For more experienced players, the New Game Plus mode unlocks higher difficulty levels, providing a challenging and rewarding experience.