Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)

Reviewed by Tim on August 3rd, 2009

I splashed out on Valkyria Chronicles after I'd read it was one of those games that critics encourage everyone to try, but which they worry won't sell well (think Okami, but for the PS3). And I certainly wasn't disappointed!

There really is no easy way to describe this game - part RPG, part third-person action game, part strategy... it is made up of so many different parts that it could easily have been a disaster, but in the end came together really nicely.

The graphics too have to be mentioned - they really are stunning, particularly in the cutscenes in the final third of the game.

Perhaps my only warning would be that you need to have your thinking cap on for this one... if you've had a long day at the office and need to unwind, this isn't the game to do it with! On the other hand, finally nailing a mission you've attempted several times really gives you a sense of satisfaction many games cannot hope to match.

Highly recommended

Reviewed by Edmund on December 31st, 2008

Best damn Strategy RPG ever created this generation. This is where Sega manages to turn the traditional turn-based SRPG and make it more exciting and fun. Developed by team WOW, who are composed of Sega's 2 best development teams, AM1 and Overworks, and if any of you know the history of Sega, they always churn out something good or memorable. So with this game, I'll repeat again, it's the best damn strategy RPG ever created this generation. Game of the Year I believe.

The action to this game is fast and intense, often times the hailing of enemy bullets can literally take your team down fast. The story is well written. It is mature in it's storytelling without it feeling like it's treating war as a rosy coloured adventure at the same time throwing in some good plot twist or revelations here and there. The English localisation is also top-notch as it features plenty of well know actors (in the dubbing world) who knows how to capture the charm of what makes a good story (thank you Jack Fletcher). And if you want there's even the Japanese version as well for those who prefer it that way, but bear in mind that the subtitles are really dubtitles and about 85% of what they say.

Lastly it has a lot of replayability as once you have completed the game, you can go back with all the experience you gain to take on the old story maps again and try to get an A rank for it.

I hope that this won't be the end of the line with this franchise (or the game engine) and I pray that Sega utilise this for their next SRPG.

Reviewed by Tintin on December 28th, 2008

Valkyria Chronicles is definitely 2008's best RPG yet at the same time, the most overlooked game of the year.

The most unique thing about this game is the gameplay, which cleverly combines strategy, action and the usual RPG aspects into a unique and addictive battle system. You start off each battle by positioning your troops (you have a squad of 20, most of the times you can have 9 out on the front line, the rest are reserves), then when the battle is commenced, you and your opponent have turns. In each turn, you have a certain number of CP (Command Point), each CP can be used to select a certain soldier and have him/her do what you want (you get to control them of course), or you can use it it issue orders. You win the battle when you capture the enemy's main base. That's pretty much how the battle proceed, it may sound a bit plain but if I go into details, this review will end up being too long.

The story is nice. It's still the usual cliche "I will save the world/*insert here*" RPG story but nevertheless, the story is still quite unique compare to the other RPGs. You progress through the game by reading chapters from a book, each chapters contains episodes (cutscenes and battles). At the same time when playing through the story, you can access "Tabs" from the book such as Skirmish Battles, Personnel Info, Weapons Info and your Headquarter. Your headquarter is where you can assign which recruits will form your unique 20 men/women squad, each of them have their own characteristics and the people that they like to work with. This is also where you upgrade weapons and level up your characters.

You will either love the graphics in the game or hate it. It's no where near detailed as the next-gen graphics you see in other next-gen games, but also at the same time the most unique and artistic graphics out of all of them. Sounds and music are nicely done, Japanese voice over is there as well for people who want an original JRPG experience.

If you like RPG, this game is a must have. If you're a casual looking for something different, this game will not disappoint. If you're still unsure, download the demo and give it a try. This is one of the few games that should not be missed if you own a PS3.

Reviewed by David on December 21st, 2008

Umm... I wouldn't class this game as Adventure & RPG, it would be more of strategy + action + turnbase RPG.

For each mission, you have to deploy your units which include tank(s) and infantry, your infantry can be divide into scout, machine gunner, tank killer, sniper and engineer. each unit has its own ability and carry different set of equipments, you would need to balance your team according to your intel and map layout.

However instead of giving each unit their commands, you will manually control each unit on the map to move/perform tasks (this is where the game becomes action instead of normal RPG). This including moving, aiming, shooting, finding cover, sniping, repairing etc.

Also you can learn special ability (as commander), improve your unit skills, develop new equipments, earn medals and unlock unique equipments.

Yes the canvas graphic may not appear to be that interesting. However please remember, great game doesn't have to come in fancy package or developed in high-end 3D engine.

It's all about fun and this game can give you plenty of it.