Banner of the Maid (SRPG) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

This is an article introducing the SRPG "Banner of the Maid," which is based on the French Revolution.
Originally an overseas game released in 2019, the Japanese version was released in 2026.
It was a challenging game where the compatibility between different troop types was crucial.

On normal difficulty, the completion time was approximately 30 hours.
(I made a decent amount of money on the free map.)

Game Overview

The story centers on Pauline, Napoleon Bonaparte's sister, and follows her as she fights through a France that follows a slightly different historical trajectory.
Since it features many historical figures, people who enjoy world history will likely find it quite exciting.

There are three difficulty levels to choose from.
I chose Normal mode, and the difficulty level felt somewhere between normal and hard.
You can manage to clear the early stages even if you don't fully understand the system, but it gets much more difficult from the middle stages onward.
The side quests, in particular, often require puzzle-solving skills and are quite challenging.

Because this work was translated into Japanese from a foreign language, there are occasional instances of questionable Japanese.
The meaning is generally clear, so it's forgivable, but there are occasional instances where the subtle nuances are inconsistent.
The screenshot above would normally be translated as something like, "You bastard! Are you trying to riot in Paris?!" but the sudden shift to a crude tone can sometimes make you laugh.

As an SRPG, it features a turn-based combat system with varying terrain elevations.
While ranged weapons have advantages such as the ability to attack unilaterally from high ground, they also have limitations due to weather conditions that restrict their range.

In addition, the rock-paper-scissors-like relationships between different troop types are extremely important.
Damage dealt and accuracy are greatly affected by compatibility, so this becomes the basis for formulating your strategy from the mid-game onward.
Because it's a very important element, an icon is always displayed in the upper right corner of the battle screen.

Another feature is the "Heroic Attack," which can be used when morale is high enough.
Attacking enemies builds morale, which is then consumed to unleash powerful attacks.
This is useful in situations where you're just a little bit away from delivering the final blow to an enemy, or during boss battles.

By completing quests available during the main scenario, you can gain prestige from various factions.
Gaining fame will increase the number of items available in the shop and grant you various bonuses.

Review (no spoilers)

I managed to clear the game on normal difficulty.
The system that allowed me to save every turn was a great help.

I'm not very familiar with France during this period, so to be honest, I didn't really know much about characters other than the famous ones.
I knew of Napoleon, Robespierre, Lafayette, and Mirabeau because they appeared in world history textbooks, but I wasn't familiar with anyone other than those famous figures.
I recognized Deon immediately because I was very familiar with him from the anime "Chevalier" (although he's an old man in this film).
Because it was a translated text, to be honest, the scenario was a little difficult to follow, but perhaps due to the beautiful graphics, I was able to enjoy the atmosphere.

I felt the battles were challenging and rewarding.
In the early stages, I didn't really understand the strengths and weaknesses of different unit types, so I just felt like there were times when I wasn't dealing any damage at all.
Since compatibility isn't clearly stated in the help section, I thought I'd have to research it myself while taking notes.
However, once I noticed that the compatibility was displayed in the icon in the upper right corner of the battle screen, I think I was able to strategize effectively.

The enemy reinforcements appeared in rather inconvenient places, and the enemy bosses were genuinely tough opponents, giving the impression that the game wouldn't let you off easy.
However, since you can save every turn in Normal mode, I think it should be manageable.
There were some stages where I almost gave up, but I managed to get through them by leveling up in the farming maps in the side quests and changing classes.

Since I usually play games made with SRPG Studio, this SRPG with its own unique system was a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
There are a few minor points that bother me, but I think that's part of the charm of overseas indie games.
However, the fact that stat-boosting items could only be used during a stage after they were equipped was annoying.
You can get by by having them try simple side quests and use the character repeatedly, but this was where it started to feel like a chore.

Overall assessment:
- The difficulty level is somewhat high, and there are many challenging elements.
- There are New Game Plus elements after clearing the game.
The graphics are very beautiful.
- There are some unhelpful aspects in the details.
That's the impression I get.

If you're a fan of SRPGs, or if you're interested in the atmosphere and beautiful graphics of this era, you should definitely give it a try.

Strategy Notes: Normal difficulty (Spoiler alert)

It's important to keep healing items equipped in case of emergencies.
Stronger units will have more opportunities to fight, so make sure to equip them with multiple weapons.

From the mid-game onward, I think it's important to develop and assemble a balanced number of each unit type.
It's a good idea to train at least two characters of each troop type.
Units with a range of 2 or more tend to perform well in battles, as they can gain an advantage regardless of type matchups.

Chapter Five: Strict Defenses

To complete the challenge of clearing the level within 8 turns, I think it's best to break down the fence in front of you and proceed.
However, the enemy will move towards us all at once, making it quite difficult to break through.
It would be fine if there were only enemies that attack at close range, but there are also enemies that fire artillery, making the attacks intense and heavy.

I tried several times but couldn't get through, so I simply went around via the side road and conquered it that way.
In this route, the enemies won't move all at once, so you should be able to fight with a normal approach.

Chapter Six: The Skylark of the Valley

Paulette is isolated on a hilltop.
Finally, one reinforcement will appear on a high platform, so you'll need to defeat it on your own.
Just in case, let's give them some bread and head to the highest point at the very back as soon as possible.

You need to eliminate all enemies within 12 turns, so you must aim for a quick advance.
Alphonse, the enemy reinforcement who appears at the end, is a formidable opponent.
Leave the ravens to Myra, and the two dragoons that appear from the starting point to Pauline, while the rest of the members deal with the other enemies.
The gunners that appear with Alphonse can be defeated by counterattacking if you position Paulette on the high ground at the very back.
However, depending on the timing of your attack, Paulette could be defeated and it could be game over, so if she gets hit, just use bread to heal her.

Chapter 7: The Battle of the Old Castle Town

This map involves splitting into two paths, left and right, and progressing upwards.
NPC Rose will appear from the bottom left as reinforcements.
Even if you leave her alone, she will take down some of the surrounding reinforcements, but she will gradually be whittled down.
It's unlikely you'll hold out until the final enemy reinforcements arrive, so it would be a good idea to leave at least one ally behind.
(I left Cosette behind.)

There is a campfire ahead of the troops on the right, but be careful as it will be extinguished by rain as turns pass.

Request: The Tale of the Saint - Part 1

This map's objective is to eliminate all enemies within 6 turns.
Therefore, you must move in a way that allows you to defeat at least one enemy each turn.
When engaging an enemy with 10 HP, you will be counterattacked, so you must defeat several other enemies in between and use the "Rest" skill to recover.
If you engage in combat with enemies that have 10 HP in a row, you will be defeated.

While keeping in mind when to defeat the enemy on the far right, decide on your route of advancement.

Chapter 8: Port Disturbance

Let's make good use of the ship's narrow passages to fight effectively.
There is no turn limit, so you can take your time and fight carefully without rushing.

The newly added Adelaide has a favorable matchup against the enemy, giving us an advantage in battle.
However, be aware that its HP is not very high.

When you stand in front of the hanging shark, the "Investigate" option will appear. If you select it, you will obtain a partially lost journal.

Chapter 11: The Shadow of the Louvre

The map is dark, and you can't see enemies until you get fairly close.
It's important to advance gradually and avoid overextending.

Once all the candles are lit, Nivernais appears from the upper right and proceeds towards the main entrance.
Gather several units near the stairs beforehand and defeat them before they can escape.

After examining the candlestick in the lower left, stand in front of the window on the right side after going up the stairs to obtain the ghost's treasure.

Chapter 12: A Sudden Turn of Events

This map is quite difficult.
You need to chase after Nivernay as she runs away, but there are many obstacles in your path.
The northern route has too many enemies and we don't have time to flank them, so let's attack the rubble to the south and break through.

The light infantry positioned on the high ground have increased range and are becoming a nuisance, so let's eliminate them quickly with Paulette's artillery fire or similar.
I think it's a good idea to place one character in a one-square-wide patch of grass to act as a shield and hold off enemies coming from the north.

After breaking through the rubble, send in cavalry ahead to block the path to Nivernais.
You don't have the luxury of defeating every enemy in your path, so I think it's best to surround Nivernais and concentrate your attacks on him without worrying about your allies getting defeated.

Chapter 13: The Battlefield After the Starry Night

The enemy numbers are large, so this will be a very long battle.
If you rely on only a few allies, you might run out of weapons, so be sure to prepare plenty of weapons and healing sheet music.
The game ends if even two of your allies are defeated, so it's important to advance slowly while ensuring your safety.

When investigating the house, be careful as there are two locations where several enemies will appear nearby if you stand in front of the door.
Try to stand on a blue square when there are many allies around you who haven't taken any action yet.

When you get close to the location of the blue cursor on the screen, reinforcements will appear near Bridget.
It would be best to complete the house inspection by this point and be fully prepared before engaging in battle.
Bridget is quite dangerous if left alone, so I think it's actually safer to focus your attacks on her and take her down before the other enemies.
Their counterattacks are powerful, so try to attack them using indirect attacks whenever possible.

Chapter 15: The Rescue at Dawn

The enemies are scattered in all directions, but it's safest to gather near Rose in the center and fight with your advantageous allies.
However, red squares will appear every few turns, and you will be subjected to artillery fire from the enemy.
Rose will take damage at regular intervals, so be sure to heal her frequently whenever she gets hurt.
If Rose is defeated, it's game over.

Enemy reinforcements appear fairly continuously from the edge of the screen, so be prepared to adapt to the situation as it arises.
Since enemy reinforcements often appear in groups of the same unit type, I think one ally with an advantageous unit type should be able to handle them.

Chapter 18: The Border in the Snow

You can move around without being affected by status ailments as long as you are within two squares of a campfire.
It's best not to attack recklessly, but to fight within safe limits.
When an enemy's speed is reduced, it's an opportunity to pursue them.

Therese, who appears in the upper right corner, will join your party if you talk to her through Pauline.

Chapter 19: Farewell to an Old Friend

Philip will join your party after you talk to him in Ernestine.
Since Ernestine's initial position cannot be changed, let's have her head towards Philip.
If you don't direct him there, Philip might move to the allied side in the upper right.

Chapter 24: The Paris Underground

This is an indoor map, which is unusual for this game.
In the darkness, we cannot see the enemy, but they will attack us precisely, so proceed cautiously.
Leclerc joined the party after talking to Pauline.
I think you can probably communicate with Emey as well.

Chapter 25: Lights Shining in the Parisian Sky

You must get Charlotte to the top left corner before turn 11 is up.
Let's avoid the stairs where the large contingent is waiting and take the narrower staircase instead.
If you visit the house near the four allies positioned in the lower left, they will unlock the door immediately to their left. Let's lure Charlotte and the others from the lower right to the left and attack from there.

On turn 4, four Hussar cavalrymen will appear from near the starting position on the left.
For now, let's bring the right-hand unit closer so we can respond.

Chapter 26: The Cycle of Hatred

Since Charlotte is isolated and unable to move, let's have her talk to Lafayette.
If you let him talk, Lafayette will be unable to act for two turns.
You can continue the conversation even while Lafayette is incapacitated, but that would be a waste, so let's wait until he's fully recovered before continuing the conversation.
Let's equip Charlotte with some healing items just in case.

The other two allied units should each head off to defeat the boss.
Be sure to bring along units that have an advantage against the types of enemy units you will encounter along the way.
At this point, it becomes difficult to fight effectively with a disadvantaged unit type.

Chapter 28: The Saint's Banner

Our forces are positioned on both flanks, but the enemy won't approach unless we get close.
I think it would be safer to concentrate our forces on one side and advance from there.

Each turn, Marie uses Sapphire, which confuses all of your allies.
Since your allies will be acting freely during that turn, I think damage during the enemy's turn is unavoidable.

Reinforcements will appear from both flanks near your initial position, and these enemies will approach aggressively.
Let's stop for a moment, deal with the situation, and then move forward.

Nivernay is a formidable opponent, so make sure to keep your Hussar cavalry alive to give them an advantage in battle and use them at the very end.

Unit usage impressions - Normal (Spoiler alert)

I will write about my impressions of the units I deployed on the final map.

Pauline

Overall, they had high abilities, and could fight advantageously unless they were at a disadvantage against a particular unit type.
The prototype musket with a range of 1-2 that I had from the beginning was convenient, and I continued to use it until the very end.
However, since being defeated often resulted in a loss, I had them fight a little further back from the front lines.
Since I often fight on the front lines, being able to heal myself through skills was very helpful.

Lannes

He's a valuable musket user who joins your party early in the game.
However, he wasn't very tough and was often defeated.
After learning the rest skill, it showed some resilience, but its lack of speed made it difficult to pursue opponents, which was a drawback.
Nevertheless, he played an active role in quickly boosting morale with the new recruits' muskets and then delivering a decisive blow with his heroic attacks.

Murat

Initially weak with low attack power, as it grew stronger, it became a cavalry unit with a combination of attack, speed, and mobility, and played an active role.
The ability to move three spaces after cutting in with the detour skill made it even more useful and effective.

Paulette

Its long range and ability to attack without incurring counterattacks are its major strengths.
I'm grateful that the skills helped to overcome the disadvantage of low mobility to some extent.
However, its extremely low speed made it vulnerable to almost constant pursuit by enemy artillery, which was a major problem.
If you build up morale and defeat them in one hit with a heroic attack, you won't be counterattacked, but that was quite difficult.
It was great because I could attack other enemies without taking any damage.

Cosette

The strength of this unit lies in its long range, allowing it to attack enemies unilaterally.
If you can use skills to move without being affected by terrain effects, you can attack even more comfortably.
It has high attack power and can almost always follow up with an attack, so its firepower is also high.

・Emmy

As a valuable healer, you can use her to boost your allies' morale with uplifting songs whenever she has a free moment, making sure nothing goes to waste.
As a healer, I performed admirably on each map.

Adelaide

They might have been the most successful unit out of all of them.
With high attack power, easy follow-up attacks, and a high evasion rate, it was practically invincible against units with an advantage.
His overwhelming combat power allowed him to defeat opponents even when there was no clear advantage or disadvantage, making him a reliable asset.
The ability to move three steps after an action, thanks to the flanking skill, was a huge advantage, allowing me to fight using hit-and-run tactics despite being an infantry unit.

Eugenie

Although Pauline treats her like an idiot, she was useful as a second healer.
As a mounted unit, it has good mobility, and the ability to move again using the Triumphal Melody was helpful in a pinch.

Oscar

It was very useful against Hussar cavalry, as it allowed me to fight with almost no damage taken.
However, its low speed made it vulnerable to pursuit, and it was easily defeated if attacked by a unit of a disadvantageous type.
I think this is a type of soldier that requires some ingenuity in its operation.

Charlotte

Like Murat, he served as a hussar cavalryman.
It's slightly slower than the Murat, but I used it with almost the same feel.
I really like this character visually.
He suddenly found himself in the spotlight during the scene where he persuades Lafayette.

Dutheuil

We didn't expect her to be particularly effective in combat; she was primarily used as a supply unit to restore weapon usage counts.
To be honest, another unit would have been fine, but this one served as a safety net on a map where a long battle was expected.

Nicolette

I occasionally used a musket along with Pauline and Lannes.
Her raw abilities were comparable to Pauline's, making her quite powerful.
He was a much more reliable person than Lannes.

Lafite

I deployed them in the later stages of the battle as the second artillery unit.
It operates almost exactly the same way as Paulette.

Antoinette

With General Dozer gone, Oscar was the only dragoon left, and we were having a hard time.
However, her joining the team made her a valuable asset as the second dragoon.
Visually, she's my second favorite character after Charlotte.

・Ernestine

I occasionally used her as my third rifleman, after Adelaide and Cosette.
Since riflemen can fire with a range of 2 or more, I actively deployed them whenever I had extra deployment slots.
She's supposed to be a headstrong, impulsive girl, but unfortunately, we didn't see many episodes that reflected that in the main story.
If anything, his older brother Philip was more prominent, but he hardly ever used it.