Whenever we talk about the best JRPGs of the PS360/Wii generation, one common name comes to mind: Xenoblade Chronicles. However, this top spot can be explained in the context of the time, as during those years the Japanese industry was going through a deep crisis on a creative and competitive level against Western AAA titles. Square's fall from grace, the numerous problems in the development of video games that persisted over time or were cancelled, and the shift of many productions to portable systems, as in the case of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky or the disappointing Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, are just a few examples of how other great stories stood out from the rest. Not just because of how good they could be, but because they were limited. Personally, apart from Xenoblade Chronicles, I can only save Lost Odyssey and the game I'm reviewing: Valkyria Chronicles. As for these two games, I can't say that I played them at the time because I didn't have an Xbox 360 to play Lost Odyssey or a PlayStation 3 to play Valkyria Chronicles.
Valkyria Chronicles was a game that broke through with the same commercial success as the rest of the Japanese games outside the country, that is, it barely made a dent. It wasn't until late 2014, with its release on Steam, that the game's positive reception from the press and word-of-mouth from players allowed sales and player numbers to soar to the top of the charts in its first few weeks. On top of that, the game was occasionally discounted to just under 8€/$, making it a bargain to pick up one of the best JRPGs of its generation at such a tempting price. Something I couldn't resist.
I knew nothing more about Valkyria Chronicles than that it was a tactical JRPG and that it had been well received. The first thing you see on the screen is an opening with a precious watercolour art style, contrasting with a musical theme and images that evoke feelings of both sadness and grandeur. This is not surprising, as the composer is none other than Mr Hitoshi Sakimoto, and the staff is made up of members of the Sakura Wars team. The story takes us to a fictional Europe where a nation, the Principality of Gallia (geographically located in Switzerland), is threatened by the invasion of the Empire, a combination reminiscent of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The reason for this military conflict is to occupy a strategic position and to exploit a combustible mineral called 'ragnite', whose energy can be used to light the streets or to develop technological armament. The invasion should have been a mere formality for the imperial troops, since the real confrontation on a grand scale was the war between the Empire and the Atlantic Federation. But as soon as they reach the capital, they encounter the unwavering faith and resistance of the Gallian people. We, as Welkin Gunther, will lead the 7th Squadron of the Militia through various missions and skirmishes until the imperial troops are driven out and Gallia is liberated.
The plot is pure cliché from start to finish. A war between two nations leads one of them to invade another's territory in search of a mineral that can make all the difference in the end. And these poor, innocent people are subjected to the oppression and destruction of their country and home. Later, the existence of an extinct tribe called the 'Valkyrur', which gives the game its title, is discovered. However, the story leading up to the final battle doesn't add anything new. In terms of gameplay, the management of units and weapons is very simple. What is Valkyria Chronicles good at? It avoids falling into the stereotypes that characterise this type of story and creates a tactical JRPG that is more dynamic and closer to XCOM than the chess-like strategic gameplay of its counterparts.
First and foremost, the game opts for anime-style designs that fit perfectly with the saga's unique artistic style. The characters are genuinely charismatic, avoiding the need to push archetypes to the limit and cheap fanservice, which in later entries becomes more disgusting, especially considering how this first instalment struggles to give coherence to all these elements. The general tone of the fable revolves around peace and the legacy we leave to future generations, making a clear anti-war statement. At times, however, this message comes across as too soft. Nevertheless, the story remains entertaining, and the ending is very satisfying. It is impossible not to wish the Welkin/Alice couple happiness forever.
Secondly, the 'BLiTZ' system is about bringing tactical role-playing into real time. We control a certain number of units that are free to move around the map. Once we select a unit, we are exposed to enemy counterattacks until we decide to launch an attack or take cover behind a pile of sandbags. Each unit belongs to a specific class and, in addition to carrying different weapons, has a specific purpose: scouts are highly mobile units, but very weak against artillery; shock troopers have limited mobility, but are very tough units; lancers are key units for destroying tanks, and snipers take out enemies from a distance. Welkin, aboard the Edelweiss tank, has the power to issue orders that increase the stats of our units. It feels great to move around the map. It's a shame that if you're clever or on your second run, you can take Alicia, give her some orders, take advantage of her invincibility, capture the enemy base, and get an S-rank on the third turn. Also, some maps are too unfair, with constant ambushes in situations where you are completely exposed. Worst of all is the way the game rewards you based on the number of turns it takes to complete the mission you are given. It's not important to defeat all the enemy units or avoid losing allies. The important thing is to get there quickly and straight.
Although the issues described are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience, they are the nuances that separate a good game from an excellent one. Valkyria Chronicles deserves recognition as one of the best JRPGs of its time. The saga has four parts. The sequels have been spread across portable and home systems. It is never too late to remember this heartwarming tale. A story carefully crafted during a turbulent time for Japanese video games.
Valkyria Chronicles was a game that broke through with the same commercial success as the rest of the Japanese games outside the country, that is, it barely made a dent. It wasn't until late 2014, with its release on Steam, that the game's positive reception from the press and word-of-mouth from players allowed sales and player numbers to soar to the top of the charts in its first few weeks. On top of that, the game was occasionally discounted to just under 8€/$, making it a bargain to pick up one of the best JRPGs of its generation at such a tempting price. Something I couldn't resist.
I knew nothing more about Valkyria Chronicles than that it was a tactical JRPG and that it had been well received. The first thing you see on the screen is an opening with a precious watercolour art style, contrasting with a musical theme and images that evoke feelings of both sadness and grandeur. This is not surprising, as the composer is none other than Mr Hitoshi Sakimoto, and the staff is made up of members of the Sakura Wars team. The story takes us to a fictional Europe where a nation, the Principality of Gallia (geographically located in Switzerland), is threatened by the invasion of the Empire, a combination reminiscent of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The reason for this military conflict is to occupy a strategic position and to exploit a combustible mineral called 'ragnite', whose energy can be used to light the streets or to develop technological armament. The invasion should have been a mere formality for the imperial troops, since the real confrontation on a grand scale was the war between the Empire and the Atlantic Federation. But as soon as they reach the capital, they encounter the unwavering faith and resistance of the Gallian people. We, as Welkin Gunther, will lead the 7th Squadron of the Militia through various missions and skirmishes until the imperial troops are driven out and Gallia is liberated.
The plot is pure cliché from start to finish. A war between two nations leads one of them to invade another's territory in search of a mineral that can make all the difference in the end. And these poor, innocent people are subjected to the oppression and destruction of their country and home. Later, the existence of an extinct tribe called the 'Valkyrur', which gives the game its title, is discovered. However, the story leading up to the final battle doesn't add anything new. In terms of gameplay, the management of units and weapons is very simple. What is Valkyria Chronicles good at? It avoids falling into the stereotypes that characterise this type of story and creates a tactical JRPG that is more dynamic and closer to XCOM than the chess-like strategic gameplay of its counterparts.
First and foremost, the game opts for anime-style designs that fit perfectly with the saga's unique artistic style. The characters are genuinely charismatic, avoiding the need to push archetypes to the limit and cheap fanservice, which in later entries becomes more disgusting, especially considering how this first instalment struggles to give coherence to all these elements. The general tone of the fable revolves around peace and the legacy we leave to future generations, making a clear anti-war statement. At times, however, this message comes across as too soft. Nevertheless, the story remains entertaining, and the ending is very satisfying. It is impossible not to wish the Welkin/Alice couple happiness forever.
Secondly, the 'BLiTZ' system is about bringing tactical role-playing into real time. We control a certain number of units that are free to move around the map. Once we select a unit, we are exposed to enemy counterattacks until we decide to launch an attack or take cover behind a pile of sandbags. Each unit belongs to a specific class and, in addition to carrying different weapons, has a specific purpose: scouts are highly mobile units, but very weak against artillery; shock troopers have limited mobility, but are very tough units; lancers are key units for destroying tanks, and snipers take out enemies from a distance. Welkin, aboard the Edelweiss tank, has the power to issue orders that increase the stats of our units. It feels great to move around the map. It's a shame that if you're clever or on your second run, you can take Alicia, give her some orders, take advantage of her invincibility, capture the enemy base, and get an S-rank on the third turn. Also, some maps are too unfair, with constant ambushes in situations where you are completely exposed. Worst of all is the way the game rewards you based on the number of turns it takes to complete the mission you are given. It's not important to defeat all the enemy units or avoid losing allies. The important thing is to get there quickly and straight.
Although the issues described are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience, they are the nuances that separate a good game from an excellent one. Valkyria Chronicles deserves recognition as one of the best JRPGs of its time. The saga has four parts. The sequels have been spread across portable and home systems. It is never too late to remember this heartwarming tale. A story carefully crafted during a turbulent time for Japanese video games.