The DioField Chronicle, Square Enix’s upcoming real-time strategy RPG, has everything you’d want from the masters of fantasy storytelling. On top of the unique, fast-paced combat, there’s also an intriguing story full of warring factions, deep betrayals, and wonderfully realised characters with their own motivations, some of which they’re keeping to themselves. Oh, and English accents. Lots of those.
Before you even get onto the battlefield for the first time, there’s already a rich history surrounding the island of DioField and the characters you’ll meet, and while you’ll learn more about the world and its people just by playing the game, it’s always good to know what you’re about to step into. Given the strategy element of the game, there’s a good chance having some background knowledge is going to be a handy thing. This is where a nice deep lore dive comes in, and fortunately, we’re here to facilitate.
Without further ado, let’s reach into the deep, dark lore of The DioField Chronicle, so you’re all ready for the game’s launch. First off, we’ll look at some of the major locations and factions, the heroes you’ll be controlling, and the villains you’re going to face off against.
Local colour
The DioField in question is actually your home for the duration of the game, as your beloved DioField Island is plunged into an age of darkness and uncertainty. The colonial attentions of far-off powers and a reliance on modern magic have combined to create a tense and volatile atmosphere, tinged with the scent of war. After 200 years of peace and prosperity in the Kingdom of Alletain, under the rule of the Shaytham dynasty, things appear to have gone deeply wrong for the Island and its inhabitants.
In part, this is due to the rich vein of Jade that lies in the Kingdom, a valuable and useful mineral, coveted by magicians and sorcerers. This has driven attention from the Schoevian Empire and the Rowetale Alliance, two powerful entities that have sinister machinations for the humble Kingdom.
Players will be thrown into this gorgeous tapestry of medieval, fantasy, and modern ideas and tasked with becoming its saviour. As the ‘Blue Foxes’, an elite band of mercenaries, you must control a varied cast of skilled agents as they fight for freedom and justice throughout the land.
Historical tensions
DioField Island is the sixth largest in the world – far from a tiny offshoot, this enormous mass is scattered with the remains of an ancient race called the Argus, who occupied its lands way before humanity arrived. The Middenfield is the political heart and figurative soul of the Island, hosting the royal capital of Alletain and Granvell Cathedral, and the rest of the Island is divided into northern, southern, eastern, and western regions – all with different cultures and quirks.
Alongside these regions, there are three main factions to know once you dive deep into the game. The Kingdom of Alletain is the uniting force on the Island, which is separated from the Rowetale Mainland by a stretch of ocean. For 200 years, their rule has been minimal and peaceful. This is where your allegiance lies.
The other two factions are the all-powerful Schoevian Empire of the Mainland, who have a reputation muddied with the blood of war, and have set their sights on DioField Island for its abundance of Jade, and the Rowetale Alliance, an amalgamation of the nations on the Rowetale Mainland who have reached a stalemate in their war with the Empire, and know that magic using Jade might be the key to victory.
Meet and greet
One of the best elements of any narrative-heavy game is undoubtedly the characters. They encompass the rules and traditions of the world around them, giving us a tangible reference rather than endless tomes of prose to read through, which can leave the player cold. With The DioField Chronicle you’ll soon find yourself enveloped by the warmth of the various – very British – characters.
The Blue Foxes are made up of four heads, a diverse bunch with varied skills and abilities. Andrias Rhondarson is the tousle-haired young soldier who acts as the bodyguard to the fourth in line for the Sheytham dynasty throne. He is a cool, calm, and resourceful leader with an ability to think several steps ahead of the enemy, and an intimate knowledge of ancient sorcery. As the character you’ll be controlling for most of the game, you’ll get to know Rias pretty quickly.
Fredret Lester is the second head of the Blue Foxes, and one who has a brotherly bond with Andrias due to the life-threatening situations the pair have endured from a young age. He is a deeply kind and honest man, but can sometimes show naivety or become obsessed with his own passions. Skilled in infantry and riding, he makes a sturdy physical addition to any team.
Iscarion Colchester is the son of a minor noble and the third head of the Blue Foxes. He is aloof and tends to shy away from others, but will never ignore a person in need. His key skill is archery, which he has perfected during his time as a mercenary.
Waltaquin Redditch is the fourth head, and a respected noblewoman from the House Redditch. Prone to arrogance and selfishness, she redeems herself by her grace and intelligence, which have allowed her to become immersed in the magic arts.
Along your travels through the Kingdom you will encounter hundreds of other characters – both friends and foes – and the other members of the Blue Foxes will soon prove themselves to you in battle.
The gritty, compelling, and beautiful storyline of The DioField Chronicle is best explored in the game itself. Check it out now with either the Standard or Deluxe Edition on PC via Steam.