New Project Phoenix Video details squad tactics, significance of terrain in combat

Creative Intelligence Arts has outed a new developer diary for Project Phoenix, expanding on the role of environment in combat in the tactical RTS/JRPG Kickstarter-funded project. Director/Producer Hiroaki Yura starts off the combat update by stating how different types of terrain can be utilised to one’s advantage, such as how the elven princess Sylrianah scouting skills enables her to see farther if on elevated terrain and attacking opponents from a higher vantage point grants combat bonuses. Another interesting example of interaction with the environment during combat is how destroying a robe bridge forces enemies to seek alternative paths, though beware as your opponent may do the same to you, particularly on higher difficulty levels.

Combining your team’s skills leads to much more fulfilling gameplay and provides you an edge in combat: Hiroaki states how Sylrianah can detect a nearby enemy on the opposite side of a wall, a dwarven ally can breach the wall and therefore catch the enemy unaware and swiftly despatch it. Another option is to lure your opponents into an ambush and then take them out.

He also elaborates on squad tactics with the help of the image below; Templar Marcus Stern utilises and aggressive combat playstyle and rushes the enemy; Sylrianah and two other companions are in a defensive mode with the former focusing on long-range attacks, the dwarf protecting against flanking opponents, and Ruffles supporting and healing allies; finally, the last character stays in stealth mode on the right side of the screen, providing visual assistance to the party.