(SPOILERS)

When I finish a game, I need time to reflect on the journey before I give it a fair score, but VA-11 HALL-A is a different case. Once I booted up that title screen and saw the gorgeous pixel art did I realize that I was in for a treat.

Valhalla is a game that prioritizes its story and characters above all else. The game is all about connecting with the people of Glitch City and what better way of doing that than by serving them drinks! In exchange for your service, you get dialogue that helps to expand upon the lore while also developing the characters you meet along the way. I'll never forget experiencing Sei's arc. Starting as a paramedic, she talks about her experience and what it's like working in that field. But as the story continues, she gets caught in a terrorist attack that leaves her injured and her division ruined. One thing that hit me the most was how Stella (her friend) talks about Sei's past, and how she grew up in an abusive household with a school system that failed to recognize her needs.

Without going into detail, it was a story that I could relate to on some level. I understood that pain, and it was something that hit me on a deeper level. It was really unlike anything I've ever played before, and that experience alone describes the beauty of VA-11 HALL-A. It's a game that understands the struggles of the player and comforts them through a short, unforgettable journey. If you want a game with solid writing and characters, then, by all means, pick this game up. I promise that you won't regret it.

10/10

Reviewed on Jul 06, 2020


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