Summary
Out of all the great nicheJRPGseries - the Shadow Hearts, the Grandias and the Suikodens -Valkyria Chroniclesis one of the strongest contenders. The series introduced a groundbreaking blend of real-time and turn-based strategy combat, and boasted one of the best implementations of anime-styled 3D graphics.
Many games show influence from Valkyria Chronicles, but few ever credit it. The series has remained niche; its closest brush with fame being a blockbuster Steam debut of the first title in 2014. It seems that Valkyria Chronicles is forever to be relegated to hidden gem status. Here’s every one of those gems ranked.
Valkyria Revolution
Valkyria Revolution feels undeserving of the series' branding. It’s an incredibly disappointing game, and it has nothing in common with the mainline titles besides occasionally having a Valkyria in it. For the most part, it’s a marathon of stiffly animated cutscenes with some gameplay in between.
The gameplay itself is an inversion of the usual Valkyria Chronicles formula. Instead of being a turn-based game with real-time combat, Valkyria Revolution is a real-time game with turn-based combat. The end result is clunky and frustrating.
The tank designs are inspired, and if this game had opted to be a straightforward hack-and-slasher, or a ‘Monster Hunter with mechs’ concept, it would likely have been far more fun. This is not an essential title for any but the most hardcore fans.
5Valkyria Chronicles Duel
A spin-off released for browsers and mobile phones in 2012, Valkyria Chronicles Duel was unlucky in that it launched when gacha was still Wild West territory. Unable to effectively monetize off of a niche series, the game hobbled to its closure in 2015, having never seen a Western release.
The game was a base-management and card-battling simulator, where characters from the first three games could be pitted against one another. Valkyria Chronicles Duel showcased the series' constantpropensity for blending genres. If it had been released a few years later, it would probably have been more successful. At least it served as an excuse for character designer Raita Honjo to draw more artwork for the series.
4Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 4
A Continent Engulfed in the Bitter Flames of War!Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes place in the same timeframe as the original Valkyria Chronicles, but focuses on Squad E of the Federation. Commander Claude Wallace and his childhood friends set out to fight for freedom in this desperate war, but bone-chilling blizzards, waves of imperial soldiers, and the godlike powers of the Valkyria stand between them and victory.The return of the BLiTZ Battle System and the CANVAS Graphic Engine!The Next Generation of the BLiTZ Battle System - The part overhead turn-based strategy, part RPG, and part real-time 3rd person shooter the “BLiTZ” battle system storms onto the battlefield. Fight the imperial threat with more units on bigger maps than ever before. An explosive new unit called the Grenadier and numerous options for both offensive and defensive battle support make their debut in Valkyria Chronicles 4.A Lush Watercolor World - The series’ signature hand-drawn visual style is back! Inspired by watercolor compositions, the CANVAS Graphics Engine blends visual elements of reality and imagination to create an expressive world filled with colorful emotions. Watch the journey of Squad E unfold like an interactive painting
Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the most visually stunning game in the series. For the first time, you felt like there were battles going on outside your own firefights, with stray bullets and explosions around you. The environmental effects were updated, making the game breathtaking to look at. The gameplay was improved as well, incorporating features from all previous mainline titles.
The game’s cast, however, was the least memorable of the series - despite a commendable portrayal of a transgender squad member. It’s also a shame that the game’s environments, initially so varied, eventually turn into chapter after chapter of bleak tundras. In spite of these shortcomings, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a gripping game with an important anti-nuke message.
Valkyria Chronicles
The first Valkyria Chronicles was innovative in more ways than one. It introduced the hybrid combat of the series. It had an inspired modern military setting. It featured a beautiful watercolour art direction that made it one of the first 3D games to truly feel like you were playing an anime.
Valkyria Chronicles has a few weak moments in its plot, and the English dub is not the best, but it’s still a great game with captivating gameplay and an iconic cast. Raita Honjo’s character designs are to Valkyria Chronicles what Akira Yamaoka’s soundtracks are to Silent Hill.
Valkyria Chronicles 2
Valkyria Chronicles 2’s announcement was met with backlash from fans, because it was to be a PSP-exclusive title. The concern was legitimate: how could this game live up to its predecessor, reputed for its amazing graphics, on a handheld?
By surpassing it in gameplay, it turns out. The PSP’s hardware limitations meant that large maps were a no-go, which was why levels were split into separate, smaller areas. This made the gameplay even better, as capturing base camps held greater strategic value now.
There’s enough content to keep you playing for months; every character has their own side-story. It also had robust multiplayer options, allowing for co-op and PvP battles. Overall, Valkyria Chronicles 2 is a much bigger and better game than its predecessor, even if it’s on a smaller console.
1Valkyria Chronicles 3
Not sinceMother 3has a game’s lack of a localization been so lamentable. Valkyria Chronicles 3 is the best game in the series. It improves on VC2’s gameplay, with the much-criticized class upgrade mechanic being removed outright. Now, you can switch any character to any class. There are also minor dating-sim elements: you can choose which of your two companions to live with happily ever after.
Valkyria Chronicles 3 has a heartrending plot highlighting that sometimes, the greatest heroes don’t make the history books. It is poignant and profound, and is sure to linger in the hearts of those who play it. If you can’t read Japanese, fret not: fans of this beloved series took matters into their own hands, and a translation patch exists.
