Valkyria Chronicles - PS3

This game was originally released on Nov 2008 for PS3 only. This is a high quality RPG made by SEGA. It combines several aspects of different genres into a cohesive whole. There have been 2 sequels to the game; however, both only on the PSP. (This reminds me of what happened with Monster Hunter on the PS2. We can expect that the next console Valkyria Chronicles will be for the Wii...). In my opinion this game was buried under the many releases that came out that capitalist season and it never reemerged from the overwhelming pile on top of it.


Story: 
SCORE: 9/10
Story Cut Scenes video sample (Chapter 1)

Valkyria Chronicles' story is combination of anime style drama, comedy and romance. Although it tries to stay away from being too overly dramatic, possibly in order to appeal to more western audience, the Japanese influence is still obviously present.

This is a story of war, love and revenge that seems like a colorful WWII alternate spin off. War has split Europa in two: the Atlantic Federation to the east and the Empire to the west. The story develops on a tiny neutral nation called Gallia located between both alliances currently at war. Gallia is involved in the war by the invasion of the Empire in search of ragnite resources and the Valkyria power to aid their goal of world domination. The story focuses on Welkin Gunther as he becomes the lieutenant of the militia's Squad 7 and has to command a group of individuals from distinct backgrounds and attitudes to defend their homeland.

The story is told through a series of chapters and episodic cut scenes that divide the story and allow exposure background and context that further your attachment to characters and personalities while keeping things fresh and advancing every subdivision of the chapter.

Overall, this story can be quite engaging as long as you can put up with having to hit X every time a speech is done during the manga style cut scenes, which comprises of about 60% of all the cut scenes. The character development is slow and repetitive at first, but abrupt and satisfying at the end, which makes it feel like these personalities changed in a realistic manner (people tend to stick to what they know despite influences all around them until one day something just clicks and everything changes).


Gameplay and Design:
SCORE: 9/10

The gameplay combines elements from three genres (RPGs, strategy games, and third-person shooters) in order to create a unique Turn-based RTS (That's exactly how it felt to me).

Missions begin with an overhead view of the battlefield with all units are represented by icons that separate them by class. Command Points (CPs) allow you to choose one unit in order to move and attack. Once the unit is chosen the camera shifts into third-person; movement is limited by an action gauge and only one type of attack is allowed per unit's action. When attacking one can consider cover, weak points and positioning in order to get the most out of that action. Once all CPs are spent the Phase shifts to the enemy's side after that another turn begins on the player's phase. Battles are won by either obliterating all enemy forces or completing certain tasks, such as capturing enemy camps or disabling certain units, within 20 turns.

After each battle you get money and experience according to the mission completion rank dependent on your performance. These can be used on headquarters to upgrade your troops and weapons. You can also customize your squad from a list of recruits that have unique personalities and tastes that will affect their performance in battle. Your troops are divided into 5 classes; each class behaves differently and has advantages confronting certain opponents.This creates a rock-paper-scissor system that requires the player to use a certain class in the right situation. Battles tend to emphasize squad teamwork because of different attacks and special moves of each class that are required to overcome obstacles. The factor that I like the most and did not expect was a squad member death. If one of your soldiers is shot down in combat you have 3 phases or before an enemy reaches them; otherwise they will perish for the rest of your game. This adds an additional layer to the game as you probably will bond with some of the personalities and skills.

Overall this game is well balance, complex and deep (Perhaps a little too deep). Although once you are able to keep track of all the different variables you will be severely rewarded it is so much to remember that you will make mistakes that can jeopardize the mission and waste your time. If you are not willing to give the same mission a try a couple times you will not be able to complete every mission. This game is difficult; even if you are a great chess player.


Presentation:
SCORE: 10/10

The visuals in Valkyria Chronicles are just great. All animation and interaction feels anime cartoon like, but of great quality. The game's shading style makes it feel as if you were watching a moving watercolor painting instead of your TV. There is not other game that looks like it. There is very little difference between the CG cutscenes and the actual engine work seen during battles and gameplay. The voice acting feels very genuine and nails what each cutscene wants to convey.
Overall the presentation is just beautiful without having to exploit all of the engine's power. However, if you do not like anime styled art you will definitely hate the look of this beast.


Lasting Appeal:
SCORE: 4/10

This game is a strong single player experience. However, there is very little incentive to make you play again once you have finished the game once other than to relive the story. There is no online or multiplayer to exploit. Although farming for experience and money to crack up your squad's level and equipment might keep you busy it will not bring out new content that is truly worth your time. The hard mode is a way to go through the game again with added challenge, but the story is the same and strategy is extremely similar as in normal mode. You could also strive to achieve a rank A in each mission, but you will receive little more than in game medals that do not transfer to PS3 trophies. Thus there truly is nothing to stop you from reselling this game once you played through once.


Overall Score: 8/10


PS: I know this took me a LONG time... but it was very difficult to figure out what type of layout to use and the type of scoring I found fitting. As of right now this is still  a draft of what I'd like to work on.... If there is anything anyone can contribute to help me make better reviews please go ahead and let me know.

Again thanks for reading!!