Valkyrie Chronicles: My vote for most anticipated ps3 game yet!

[greedostick]

Anyone else excited about this one? I have been following it since I downloaded the trailers on the Japanese playstation store about a year ago. I just downloaded the free demo that was bundled with the October issure of Qore and I have to say that I am even more excited.

The demo only consisted of a brief tutorial, and a single skirmish, but it looks, and plays awesome. You set your units Final Fantasy Tactics style, and when the match starts you chose one from the map and then you immediately take the person you choose in "action mode". In action mode you actually run around in real time. So you can be running around and getting shot. But when you take aim on a enemy time freezes so you can aim. From there it is a mix of luck and skill whether or not you hit the enemy. You can even use the same person multipe time in a row. The only drawback is that if you use the same person multiple times in a row you get a hefty time penalization. For example you use your sniper then attack and you have 15 seconds to do this. If you use your sniper again in the same round you have say 7 seconds, next turn then 4 and so on. It adds alot of depth to the game.

The skirmish in the demo is only a small 8 vs. 8 battle with 1 tank per unit. I can only imagine the battles are going to be much bigger, in depth, and the levels are going to be much bigger. It will probably take hours to complete a level (I hope).

The art in the game is based on Miyuzaki's art (Nausicca: Valley of the wind, My Neighbor Totoro), and is done in watercolor. It looks badass!Thin Zelda: The Windwaker cell shade, but colored in water color. So it looks like brush strokes.

I just tried to the official webpage to read up some more and get a exact release date, but forgot the address. Anyone know this off the top of there head?

Unfortunately my ps3 laser eye just crapped out. I have only played downloaded games on it for the last few months. And have maybe 20 hours of actual play on the system using actual cd's. So I guess you could say i'm pretty pissed off. I called Sony and they want my receipt, which I threw away a few weeks ago because it was in my wallet and all the ink rubbed off of it. So I got a statement from my bank showing a purchase for $428 but doesn't actually say ps3 on it. The lady at Sony said I could use it. When my 360 broke there was no questions, just "we'll send you a box, send the system and you'll get a new one". Why does sony have to be so difficult. If I don't get my ps3 back by November, by the time this game is released, something bad may happen.

[josekortez]

Astoundingly, I now own 27 games for the PS3 and I don't own a PS3, but Valkyria Chronicles is the only game I actually want to play on the system when I finally do get it.

[dao2]

I'm very looking forward to valkyrie chronicles. I feel it's a lot more like ring of red then a tactics game though tbh ;p

and wow i didn't no the art was based on ghibli shit :o thats hella cool

[greedostick]

I doesn't really play like ring of red at all. It plays like a shining force game, but you control your character in real time. Ring of Red I guess is kind of similar. But in Ring of Red you just move a mech back and forth. I would actually say it's the exact opposite. Instead of moving your character in the grid world map then fighting in real time like ring of red. You just select your unit in Valkyrie Chronicles, and from then on you control in real time. You don't move your character on a chess like board at all. You simply place them there before the match starts.

[FantasiaWHT]

Sounds like Growlanser Generations?

[G-Boobie]

Sounds like Growlanser Generations?

Far, far better. It's Mass Effect and Final Fantasy Tactics mixed up in a scrumptious, delectable bowl of pure gaming love.

THIS is the Sega that's been missing since the death of Dreamcast. I've been rocking the demo for a couple days; I went out today and pre-ordered it(for which I usually have a strict 'don't do it!' policy), paid in full. It's supplanted Little Big Planet as my most anticipated game of the holiday season.

[Sudo]

I usually don't care for SRPGs, but the demo sold me on this game. I love that you can manually move your units, and control their actions yourself rather than having the game do it for you. The artwork being gorgeous and the music being great doesn't hurt, either.

[dao2]

I doesn't really play like ring of red at all. It plays like a shining force game, but you control your character in real time. Ring of Red I guess is kind of similar. But in Ring of Red you just move a mech back and forth. I would actually say it's the exact opposite. Instead of moving your character in the grid world map then fighting in real time like ring of red. You just select your unit in Valkyrie Chronicles, and from then on you control in real time. You don't move your character on a chess like board at all. You simply place them there before the match starts.

ya I know how it plays ;p but everytime I see it it screams ring of red to me :P

[carlcarlson]

It's Mass Effect and Final Fantasy Tactics mixed up in a scrumptious, delectable bowl of pure gaming love.

That's a pretty damn good endorsement. This game is now one of three reasons I wish I had a PS3.

[BHvrd]

That's a pretty damn good endorsement. This game is now one of three reasons I wish I had a PS3.

Indeed and it's pretty spot on. It's truly the stuff of the Saturn/Dreamcast era. The Mass Effect comparison might be a bit much, I mean they do move in 3D and you do have control, but it's limited via the Final Fantasy Tactics reference. It's a bit cartoony and arcadey, it's very classic Sega which is great.

Only complaints I have are when the tank runs into obstacles and when you get too close you miss, otherwise yes, this is awesome and great to see. A definite buy, lets hope we see more like this, maybe even a new Dragon Force? One can hope. I'm buying this.

[MonoTekETeA]

AHHHH! This game is fantastic! This was nearly the sole reason I got a PS3, and I am so bloody happy I did. I've put in 10+ hours into this game in a little less then a week, which is more then what I have put into games for the past 5 months.

If you have a PS3, and enjoy turn based strategy, action games, fps games, or RPGs, go out and give this a chance!
People have been complaining about games that really make the PS3, and stand out, this game is one of those games. Give it a try, make it well known, and spread the word.
:lovin: I might be making a old school fan site dedicated to it. Ugh, I need to go pass out from pure bliss.

It doesn't have everything and isn't perfect, but it is so well balanced and solid, that that fact doesn't even matter, and if they decided to make another one...Oh boy, it will be the cats pajama's and then some.

I am done, I just was really sad to see that no thread was running for this game, after launch. So here, re-bump, and start conversing. I would love to hear ya'll thoughts on the game, even if it isn't your cup of tea, I would love to hear why.

Rock and roll, and good night.
-Jeremy

[greedostick]

Sadly I have not picked this up yet due to car issues. I did talk the guys at game stop into giving me the art book that came with the pre order though. pretty nice little book. I only seen a handful on ebay, so you may want to go to game stop now and try to secure one. There gonna be hard to find. I may have to break down tomorrow and buy a copy.

Any word on online play? Does the game have it? If so are there many people playing online?

The book is called Valkyrie Chronicles: On the Gallion front.

[G-Boobie]

I love it. It's brilliant. This and Little Big Planet are so far my games of the year.

There's no online play, greedostick, but even so... Valkyria is probably the wisest gaming purchase a strategy RPG player can make this year, or any recent year for that matter.

It's deep, well balanced, and beautiful to look at. Thanks, Sega.

[carlcarlson]

Ah, finally some thoughts on the game. I've been checking gamespot and gametrailers for reviews but they haven't even done them yet. This game and LBP are making me hunt for PS3 right now.

[Sudo]

I bought the game a week ago, but I'm waiting to play it for a week until I get my HDTV. The wait is killing me. :(

[Half Japanese]

I plan on picking this up at some point, it just had the misfortune to come out the same day as Resistance 2 and two weeks before Left 4 Dead, so I had to make a judgment call.

[MonoTekETeA]

I bought the game a week ago, but I'm waiting to play it for a week until I get my HDTV. The wait is killing me. :(

A wise choice Sudo, my friends (REFan and Bigredroo) and they just can't get enough of how good it looks on my TV versus theirs.

Greedo, that art book is very nice. I picked one up at my Gamestop too, and am hoping to snag another one some how. They are very limited though, each gamestop only got like 3 if even, or something like that. Crazy. I also do wish that is was online, and all that I can do is that if the game gets the support it should, they will come out with a second one, bring it over to the US, and include online play, a long with tweaking some issues.

I'll give it another week or so, and I'll start chatting about tactics and strategy. Want to give everyone a little longer to go out and get it.:band:

Catch ya out on the battlefield.
-Jeremy

[greedostick]

A wise choice Sudo, my friends (REFan and Bigredroo) and they just can't get enough of how good it looks on my TV versus theirs.

Greedo, that art book is very nice. I picked one up at my Gamestop too, and am hoping to snag another one some how. They are very limited though, each gamestop only got like 3 if even, or something like that. Crazy. I also do wish that is was online, and all that I can do is that if the game gets the support it should, they will come out with a second one, bring it over to the US, and include online play, a long with tweaking some issues.

I'll give it another week or so, and I'll start chatting about tactics and strategy. Want to give everyone a little longer to go out and get it.:band:

Catch ya out on the battlefield.
-Jeremy

I doubt the game will get a big fanbase. Anymore a game has to have a t.v. commercial for it to be a hit. Also the game is too good. All the REALLY good games always just pass by with no one noticing except for the video game nerds like myslef who hang out on these types websites.

I did pick the game up a few days ago though. And it's awesome! I played all the way into chapter 4 without stopping. I really like that you level up by class and not by individual fighter. I hate that in other strategy games where 1 fighter gets a really high level, and all the other ones suck. Then you have to play a few rounds just using your sucky characters so they can go up in levels.

I havent found out any strategies yet, I pretty much suck balls. I like to die alot at the end of a mission.

[kupomogli]

Valkyria is probably the wisest gaming purchase a strategy RPG player can make this year, or any recent year for that matter.

It's deep, well balanced, and beautiful to look at.

Wild ARMs XF was released this year. 03/11/08. That game deserves a 9/10 and is one of the best tactical RPGs ever created. It's on par with FFTactics, just the storyline isn't as good(though it does have a pretty good story.) Still doesn't beat Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together.

[walrusmonger]

I've been playing VC for the past week and change- I wanted to play through some other games first.

The demo sealed the deal for me, but the real game is even better. Story is great, voice acting is great, graphics are great, gameplay is pretty close to perfect (some AI issues and -very- minor control problems).

I usually don't like anime, jrpgs or srpgs, but VC is just so damn awesome it doesn't matter what you like.

I'd give it a solid 9.2/10, every PS3 owner who wants to own one of the top exclusives owes it to themselves to buy this game.

[swlovinist]

I actually saw this at PAX back this last year and actually did not give it a second look. I will never make that mistake again. As for great PS3 exclusives right now, this is one of the best and is a great sleeper title. I hope it does well enough for a sequel.

[monkeychemist]

I hate to bring things down but I didn't really like the game. I played the demo and had a good time with it. Then I saw on craigslist that someone was selling their copy for $30 so I got it. I played 4-5 levels and get really bored. First of all the "story" parts of the game did not capture my interest and it became a chore to skip through it before playing levels. The game itself is a novel idea but I just could not get into it. Maybe i've grown up and don't like cartoon games...who know. I am disappointed because I also very much anticipated it but didn't like it after all

[G-Boobie]

Wild ARMs XF was released this year. 03/11/08. That game deserves a 9/10 and is one of the best tactical RPGs ever created. It's on par with FFTactics, just the storyline isn't as good(though it does have a pretty good story.) Still doesn't beat Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together.

I liked Wild Arms XF too, but what makes Valkyria Chronicles so much better(in my opinion, of course), is the real time movement. It adds a bit of tension to a genre that oftentimes lacks it.


I hate to bring things down but I didn't really like the game. I played the demo and had a good time with it. Then I saw on craigslist that someone was selling their copy for $30 so I got it. I played 4-5 levels and get really bored. First of all the "story" parts of the game did not capture my interest and it became a chore to skip through it before playing levels. The game itself is a novel idea but I just could not get into it. Maybe i've grown up and don't like cartoon games...who know. I am disappointed because I also very much anticipated it but didn't like it after all

That's cool, son. I dunno about the whole 'growing out of cartoon games' thing, but I agree that the story parts get tedious pretty quickly.

[Half Japanese]

I finally got around to picking VC up and it definitely lives up to the promise the demo hinted at. I'm not too far in just yet, but I love what I've played so far, and think it has some of the best production values of any game this generation, especially considering that it isn't a huge release with tons of marketing push behind it. Games like this are what make gaming worthwhile.

[greedostick]

I finally got around to picking VC up and it definitely lives up to the promise the demo hinted at. I'm not too far in just yet, but I love what I've played so far, and think it has some of the best production values of any game this generation, especially considering that it isn't a huge release with tons of marketing push behind it. Games like this are what make gaming worthwhile.

I quit playing for awhile, and finally just started playing again since I got a new monitor. I'm glad I waited, cause it looks amazing. This game definately gets better as you get further into it. I am in chapter 12 now, and don't find myself wishing I could skip the story scenes. And after you finally get around to getting new classes for the characters (level 11), the game gets much more enjoyable. It's to the point now where I feel the scouts are the most important classes in the game. Without them it would be near impossible to get A rankings in the skirmishes. There grenade launchers are the best weapons in the game.

[carlcarlson]

I just got a big PS3 bundle a couple weeks ago because of this game. Unfortunately the VC that came with it is sealed, so I need to sell it to get maximum $$ out of it. I'll need to pick up a used copy later.

I've played the demo a bunch of times though and it is great.

[Sudo]

I just got a big PS3 bundle a couple weeks ago because of this game. Unfortunately the VC that came with it is sealed, so I need to sell it to get maximum $$ out of it. I'll need to pick up a used copy later.

I've played the demo a bunch of times though and it is great.

I don't know how much you'll get for it. I still see it in stores sealed on a regular basis, it's not really rare despite what people on the Internet would lead you to believe.

[carlcarlson]

I don't know how much you'll get for it. I still see it in stores sealed on a regular basis, it's not really rare despite what people on the Internet would lead you to believe.

It pulls $45-$55 on ebay, so I guess some people are having a hard time finding it. I'm just going to try to get $45 and see what happens. If I can't sell it I would have no problem keeping it :)

[exit]

Had a friend pick me up a copy from Gamestop since it was on "sale", he grabbed the only two copies they had. I didn't really plan on playing the game, I figured I'd just sit on it and see how much it'll eventually go far, but I was pleasantly surprised on how good it is. I don't care much for the story (I do hear it gets better tho) and the animation isn't really my forte anymore, but it seems to be a solid game so far. Not sure how far I'll get into it, but I'm going to enjoy it as much as possible before it hits the backburner.

[Snapple]

VC is definitely my favorite PS3 game. The gameplay I think is just absolutely phenomenal, and it only gets better as the game goes along. Welkin and Alicia I think are kind of stupid characters, but I'm able to overlook that.

[greedostick]

VC is definitely my favorite PS3 game. The gameplay I think is just absolutely phenomenal, and it only gets better as the game goes along. Welkin and Alicia I think are kind of stupid characters, but I'm able to overlook that.

The next Shining Force game, if there is ever one, should be exactly like this.

[exit]

Played it for a couple of hours today and so far I am very impressed with the game. The fact that you can blow up/knock down walls to make a path wins me over. I was on a mission that semi-requires you to reach your goal within a few turns, otherwise more enemies will appear, thus making the mission a bit more complicated. Well I was aiming for a Tank and ended up shooting the wall right in front of me and to my surprise I saw it crumble, thus helping me use better tactic the second time around after my eventual downfall. No other strategy game that I've played let you do this and that alone makes up for whatever little nitpicking I had over the game.

Great Job! Sega, now just bring Yakuza 3 over here and we'll call it even.

edit: It seems they're releasing DLC for the game tomorrow, which makes me wonder if the Gamestop sale wasn't something more than a convenient coincidence. The content will include Hard-Ex mode and two new missions, the most interesting being playing as the Selvaria.

[kupomogli]

For those interested in picking Valkyria Chronicle up. Gamestop has it for 29.99 at their Game Days sale.

[G-Boobie]

The DLC is up on the Playstation store. It's a bit pricey at five bucks each, but I"m a fool for this game.

[greedostick]

I just looked for DLC the other day, I wouldn't have checked for DLC for months. Thanks for posting. I just assumed they would have never made any.

[lazyhoboguy]

I finally got this game yesterday and I played it for 6 hours straight. I find the dialogue and cutscenes really cheesy. I do not enjoy having to sit through a bunch of dialogue before each mission. IMO this game would be a lot better if there was just one custscene before each mission. Right now you have to go through 4 or 5 before each mission. I am not a big rpg person mysefl so maybe other people are enjoying these cheesy cutscenes more than me. Like I would enjoy the game more if they just killed off the rpg story/cutscene elements in the game and turned it into more a pure strategy game.

The gameplay is what matters though and the game does not dissapoint on this front. The gameplay is really well done and unique. It feels like advance wars on crack. Like I love the way they blended turn base strategy game aspects with real time aspects. I like how all the different classes have different potentials and abilities based on what they are doing in the environment.

So, far I would say it is defintely worth the 20 bucks I paid for a new copy haha. I would have paid more even despite my being a huge cheap ass.

[eskobar]

I finally got this game yesterday and I played it for 6 hours straight. I find the dialogue and cutscenes really cheesy. I do not enjoy having to sit through a bunch of dialogue before each mission. IMO this game would be a lot better if there was just one custscene before each mission. Right now you have to go through 4 or 5 before each mission. I am not a big rpg person mysefl so maybe other people are enjoying these cheesy cutscenes more than me. Like I would enjoy the game more if they just killed off the rpg story/cutscene elements in the game and turned it into more a pure strategy game.

The gameplay is what matters though and the game does not dissapoint on this front. The gameplay is really well done and unique. It feels like advance wars on crack. Like I love the way they blended turn base strategy game aspects with real time aspects. I like how all the different classes have different potentials and abilities based on what they are doing in the environment.

So, far I would say it is defintely worth the 20 bucks I paid for a new copy haha. I would have paid more even despite my being a huge cheap ass.

Fortunately you can skip the cutscenes :D

I enjoyed every one of the scenes, even the final ones that are a longer and every REPORT from Irene, those chapters really added great content in the character development area.

I am looking to get the DLC but i haven't been able to travel to the US since January, any site you can recommend to purchase psn codes ??? ;)

[greedostick]

I finally got this game yesterday and I played it for 6 hours straight. I find the dialogue and cutscenes really cheesy. I do not enjoy having to sit through a bunch of dialogue before each mission. IMO this game would be a lot better if there was just one custscene before each mission. Right now you have to go through 4 or 5 before each mission. I am not a big rpg person mysefl so maybe other people are enjoying these cheesy cutscenes more than me. Like I would enjoy the game more if they just killed off the rpg story/cutscene elements in the game and turned it into more a pure strategy game.

The gameplay is what matters though and the game does not dissapoint on this front. The gameplay is really well done and unique. It feels like advance wars on crack. Like I love the way they blended turn base strategy game aspects with real time aspects. I like how all the different classes have different potentials and abilities based on what they are doing in the environment.

So, far I would say it is defintely worth the 20 bucks I paid for a new copy haha. I would have paid more even despite my being a huge cheap ass.

Yes, skip the cutscenes if they bother you. Also, you could set the language of the game to Japanese. I always do this in any game I play that way I don't notice when the Japanese people speak and sound cheesy. Some of the scenes are much better toward the end of the game. I guess they're hit or miss.

[lazyhoboguy]

Hmm I did not think about setting the voice acting to japanese. I might try that. I have noticed that the cutscenes are getting a little better as I play the game more. The ones about the actual war are a lot more interesting then the ones where the characters just make smalltalk.