Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles
Studio	Sega Media.Vision (PlayStation 4) Litte Stone Software (PC)
Publisher	Sega
Erstveröffent- lichung	PlayStation 3: April 24, 2008 October 31, 2008 November 4, 2008 Microsoft Windows: November 11, 2014 PlayStation 4: February 10, 2016 May 17, 2016 May 17, 2016
platform	PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Microsoft Windows , Nintendo Switch
Game engine	CANVAS
genre	Strategy RPG
Game mode	Single player
control	Gamepad , keyboard and mouse
medium	Blu-ray , download
language	Audio: English, Japanese Subtitles: English Manual: German
Age rating	USK PEGI

Valkyria Chronicles ( Japanese 戦 場 の ヴ ァ ル キ ュ リ ア , Senjō no Varukyuria , German about "Valkyria of the battlefield") is a strategy role-playing game that was developed by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3 . The game was released on April 24, 2008 in Japan and on October 31, 2008 in Europe. A version for Microsoft Windows has also been available since November 2014 . The sequels, Valkyria Chronicles 2 and Valkyria Chronicles 3 , appeared for the PlayStation Portable . In 2018 Valkyria Chronicles 4 was released for PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows.

Game mechanics

Valkyria Chronicles uses a newly developed turn-based combat system called "Blitz" for the first time, which switches between three modes. The player starts in the so-called command mode. From there he chooses an individual unit, which he then controls in action mode. From action mode, the player can switch to aiming mode to attack. When he's done, he can go back to command mode and select the next unit.

In command mode you need command points to select units. When they are used up, the player must end his turn and it is the opponent's turn. At the beginning of their own round, each party receives a certain number of new command points. Your own turn can be ended early, whereby the remaining command points are carried over to the next turn. However, no more than 20 command points can be accumulated.

In action mode, movements and other actions take place in real time, but are limited by AP (action points), which vary in number depending on the selected unit. It is possible in command mode to select a unit that was previously selected in the same round, but then it has fewer action points than in the previous turn (100% for the first selection, 66% for the second, then 33% and then for all others Actions a constant minimum of action points).

From the real-time action mode, the player can switch to target mode once per action. The figure can no longer be moved there, but you also leave the real-time part so that the player can aim and shoot in peace. If the enemy survives, he shoots back.

The game then switches back to action mode. The figure can then no longer shoot, but can still be moved if there are still action points left. When all action points have been used up and the figure has attacked, the only option left is to switch back to command mode. However, it is also possible to switch back early, e.g. B. if a character is only supposed to attack, but not move away from its position.

Each character in the game has a specific role. For example, Alicia is a scout, armed with a rifle, while Welkin is in command of a tank. There are a variety of other functions, such as the anti-tank unit, snipers, mortar units, stormtroopers and mechanics. The different units work according to the rock-paper-scissors principle . The foot soldiers are effective against slow opponents like the anti-tank unit. These are successful against tanks, which in turn effectively eliminate the foot soldiers. By completing the missions, the player receives new recruits and can improve equipment and units.

The environment is also an important factor in combat. In an urban setting e.g. B. snipers can be placed on roofs and effectively eliminate opponents. Tanks can remove obstacles to clear new paths, and the surrounding buildings offer good protection from enemy salvos. A rural environment also has its advantages, such as raised grass, which offers a good hiding place and in which enemies can be surprised and skillfully eliminated.

While the Gallic force marches across the field, checkpoints can be captured, which offer a tactical advantage and give the opportunity to call in reinforcements. In addition, the player as commander Welkin can give various commands, which z. B. Increase the morale of the troops or request artillery support.

action

In 1935 EC, the continent of Europe is dominated by two superpowers: the autocratic Eastern European Imperial Alliance and a community of nations of loosely allied democratic states known as the Atlantic Federation in the west. The economy of both powers is dependent on the precious mineral ragnite. The growing scarcity of raw materials leads to an aggressive incursion by the Alliance across the eastern border of the Federation and ignites the Second European War. The federation is no match for the military superiority of the alliance and is put on the defensive. Encouraged by their successful and rapid advance, the empire decides to form a second front line: they invade the neutral principality of Gallia, a small stretch of land in northern Europe.

When imperial forces attack the Gallic border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of the late General Belgen Gunther, fights for his life together with Alicia Melchiott, the commander of the city guard. Together with Welkin's adopted sister Isara, the three flee to the capital, Randgriz, and join the militia there. Welkin receives the rank of lieutenant and is assigned to command Squad 7 with Alicia, as his sergeant, as commander. The members of Squad 7 question Welkin's abilities and suitability as their commander at the beginning, as he has no combat experience. Nevertheless, Welkin succeeds within a very short time with his ingenious tactical ideas to convince them of his skills and to win their trust and loyalty. In addition, Welkin and Alicia soon get closer.

After Squad 7 successfully takes action against the Imperial Force, the Crown Prince Maximilian sends his most loyal commander, Selvaria Bles, to end the resistance once and for all. Selvaria uses her superhuman magical powers of the Valkyria and thus decimates the Gallic army within a very short time. Faldio shoots Alicia to awaken her own hidden Valkyria forces, and she can hold Selvaria off long enough to allow the Gallic army to advance to the border. Selvaria commits suicide defending the Ghirlandaio fortress and kills the Gallic commander, but spares Squad 7.

Maximilian reaches for the ultimate weapon, a land battleship called the Marmota , to break through the defenses of Gaul and steal a gigantic Valkyria lance that lies in Rangriz Castle. The princess reveals herself as Darcsen: the Valkyria rewrote history to make themselves heroes, while an allied Darcsen tribe received Randgriz as spoil. With Alicia's help, Squad 7 can board the Marmota, destroy their machines and defeat Maximilian. Alicia and Welkin then return to Bruhl, where they get married and raise a child.

Characters

Squad 7

• Welkin Gunther - The main character of the game. Before the invasion of the Empire, he was a 22 year old college student. After joining the militia, his intelligence and determination earned him the position of Commander of Squad 7. He majored in animal sociology. He uses this knowledge of the flora and fauna of Gallia as the basis for his military strategies. Isara's death throws him into crisis and only Alicia can get him out of there again. Together with Alicia he opposes Maximilian and defeats him. He confesses his love to her and they return to Bruhl to live there together.

• Alicia Melchiott - alongside Welkin, is the heroine of the story. A 19 year old girl who wants to be a successful baker. Alicia becomes a soldier after being drawn into the chaos of the Imperial invasion. Righteous and dependable, she loves helping others and begins to love Welkin. She also takes care of Hans, a pig with wings who was made an honorary member of Squad 7. In addition, she has the powers of a Valkyria, but this only becomes apparent later. It becomes Gaul's new secret weapon and can defy Selvaria in the battle for the headquarters of the imperial occupying forces in Gaul. She is apparently killed by the subsequent explosion, but then returns to Randgriz to defeat Maximilian. She succeeds too. Welkin confesses his love to her and they return to Bruhl to live there together.

• Isara Gunther - Welkin's 16-year-old adopted sister who caringly cares for her comrades. She was accepted by the Gunthers as a young girl. She drives and maintains the unique Edelweiss tank , which her biological father constructed during the First European War , but which was too expensive for mass production. She comes very much after her father and is a real child prodigy when it comes to mechanics. Isara is killed by a sniper in a battle shortly after she reconciled with Rosie. Her death plunges Welkin into an emotional crisis. The scarf she always wears identifies her as Darcsen. A race that is being punished for the deeds of their ancestors who destroyed almost the entire continent.

• Brigitte "Rosie" Stark - 27-year-old Brigitte used to be a singer in a bar. She still bears her stage name Rosie . As a core member of Squad 7, she belongs to the shock troopers (infantry with machine guns). Even if she is often perceived as bossy or arrogant, she is a capable soldier whose harsh tone motivates others in combat. Her prejudices against Darcsens often lead to an argument with Isara and Zaka. However, she can enclose this in the course of the action. In the end, she leaves the militia with Zaka.

• Largo Potter - A gruff 36-year-old ex-NCO in the First European War and Squad 7's first anti-tank Lancer. Despite his exemplary service, he refuses a promotion several times and remains on the front line. On the battlefield, he values ​​experience above all else, but begins to value Welkin after his strategies prove successful.
  Behind the hard shell, he hides a passion for vegetables. Because he spent his childhood on his father's farm. He also has a past Commander Varrot. He and his best friend were both in love with her. Before she could decide, however, Largo's friend was killed. At the end of the plot he remains in the militia together with Commander Varrot.

• Zaka - The local Darcsens leader was held in an Imperial labor camp where he and his people were forced to work in the dangerous ragnite mines and factories under brutal working conditions imposed on them by Gregor. The 33-year-old is helping Squad 7 in their attack on Fouzen as an insider contact. After joining the group shortly after combat, he commanded the Shamrock , a customized version of Gaul's main battle tank. Behind his serene manner, he hides the effects of the oppression that he has experienced all his life.

• Susie Evans - She is the daughter of a wealthy company owner and, like Alicia, comes from Bruhl and is just like her a scout. Susie is very sensitive and often starts crying or faints.

• Edy Nelson - A bit stubborn and very lively member of Squad 7. She is in love with Homer. In addition, she still has a pronounced self-confidence. She's a shock trooper just like Rosie.

• Homer Pieroni - Is a rather shy boy and in love with Edy. He's a mechanic.

• Emile and Oscar Bielert - They often do nonsense together, although Oscar is in charge most of the time, as he is the older of the two brothers and Emile is in poor health. Oscar therefore protects his good-natured brother. Both are snipers. Emile is wounded in the Battle of Randgriz.

• Jann Walker - He's gay and wears pink lipstick, which he doesn't try to hide. He is also an excellent anti-tank gunner.

• Klaus Landsatt - A rather shy and reserved guy, but when it comes down to it, he is a helpful and quite skilled mechanic.

• Aisha Neumann - by far the youngest in Squad 7 and shock trooper. But although she is only 14 years old, an exception was made because her skills were convincing. Accordingly, she is also more mature than other children of her age, although a certain childishness cannot be overlooked.

• Marina Wulfstan - She stands out among her comrades because of her reserved manner, which she drops when it comes to the winged pig Hans, as she develops a special relationship with him. The taciturn girl is also an excellent sniper and trapper.

Squad 1

• Faldio Landzaat - One of Welkin's former classmates who studied archeology and is now the tank commander of Gaul's Squad 1. After examining desert ruins built by Valkyria, he became interested in the history of Valkyria and the misfortune of the Darcsen. That interest slowly turns into an obsession as he desperately searches for a means by which to win the war. He becomes very traumatized by the death of his entire squad and becomes even more obsessed with the powers of the Valkyria. This even goes so far that he shoots Alicia to awaken her powers. He dies in the Battle of Randgriz when he prevents Maximilian from wreaking havoc by destroying himself. It then rushes to its death with him.

• Ramal Vold - Ramal harbors enormous admiration for his commander Faldio and therefore it may not if the scapegraces is from Squad 7 together. Only Isara, whom he didn't like at first, seems to attract his attention, which he denies at first, but then becomes quite clear. Ramal and the rest of Squad 1 are killed by Selvarina. However, at the last moment he manages to push Faldio into a ditch. With this Ramal saves his life. Faldio is severely traumatized by this, which then leads to the fact that he shoots Alicia.

Others

• Eleanor Varrot - Eleanor, a cool and collected woman, is the captain of Gaul's militia and Welkin's direct superior. She is a veteran from the First War, where she served as a sniper alongside Largo. Eleanor is deeply connected to Squad 7 and ensures their well-being. She often socializes with General Damon, who looks down on the militia soldiers and considers them unqualified.

Civilians

• Irene Ellet - Irene is a 25-year-old reporter and correspondent for radio station GBS and is always on the lookout for the next sensational news item. When the "Second European War" broke out, Ellet was collecting information for both sides of the war. After the invasion of Gaul, however, she hangs up on Squad 7 as a war correspondent for the militia to bring the uncensored truth to light.

Nobles

• Cordelia di Randgriz (voiced by Mamiko Noto ) - Cordelia is the 16-year-old Princess of Gaul and part of the Randgriz royal family, whose genetic makeup shows traces of the mysterious Valkyria. After her parents died, she ascended the throne, but was not crowned due to her young age. Because of her reserved nature, she delegates most state affairs to her prime minister. After a failed kidnapping attempt, however, her demeanor changes and she becomes a more confident leader and later it turns out that she is a Darcsen and not the descendant of the Valkyria.

• Maurits von Borg - As Gaul's Prime Minister, it is he who handles power and acts as regent, while Cordelia is reduced to a symbolic figure. Using his influence, van Borg tries to steer the course of the war in his favor by clever tactics with both warring parties.

• George von Damon - general and head of the Gallic Central Army. A nobleman who received his position through the influence of his family. He is a rude and obnoxious man who sees the militia as worthless scum. Due to his inexperience in battle, half of Gaul fell under the control of the empire and he foamed with rage when the militia of all people turned the tide in Gaul's favor. Damon's anger is later primarily centered on Squad 7, which he orders dangerous missions to use as cannon fodder, so that his own troops only have to march to the front and earn the glory. He dies, along with most of the Gaulish army, in the battle for the headquarters of the imperial occupation forces in Gaul.

The enemy

• Maximilian - The ambitious 20-year-old with the clever mind is the second crown prince of the empire and the supreme commander of the imperial occupying power in Gaul. His strategies revolve around the use of massive armed forces, powerful weapons such as huge land battleships, and Selvarias Valkyria skills to break the resistance of Gaul. He wants to use this to subjugate the empire itself. Directly below him are the "Three Stars", his hand-picked generals.

• Selvaria Bles - A proud, noble and aloof woman who, at 22 years of age, serves Maximilian with absolute loyalty as part of the "Three Stars". The blood of the legendary Valkyria flows through her veins and gives her superhuman powers in battle, with which she can use a special ragnit spear and shield. In her childhood she was held in an imperial research facility and used as a test object until Maximilian saved her. She sacrifices herself in the battle for the headquarters of the imperial occupying power in Gaul, because she believes that her defeat against Alicia means that she no longer has any value for Maximilian. With her powers she creates a huge explosion that destroys both the headquarters and part of the imperial army, as well as most of the Gallic armed forces and apparently Alicia as well.

• Berthold Gregor - At 51 years of age, the oldest of the "Three Stars", Berthold is considered but cruel. Even among Imperials, he is feared for his love of torture. He runs a Darcsen labor camp in the captured mining town of '' Fouzen '' and forces people there to live and work under inhumane conditions. He is killed in the battle for Fouzen when he falls down with his artillery platoon.

• Radi Jaeger - As one of Maximilian's “Three Star” generals, the 36-year-old Radi is a real joker who puts the emphasis on chivalry in combat and respects those who do the same. Jaeger is not fighting for the empire, but to help his own country to gain independence. As the leader of the imperial elite unit, he commands an individualized tank called the '' Lupus ''. He is shot by Maximilian in the Battle of Randgriz because he refused to obey him after hearing of Karl Oswald's death.

• Karl Oswald - Is the assistant of Salveria and is given the special task of the empire to keep them away from Maximilian.

Karl regularly writes letters to his mother, in which he describes his experiences and who is probably very happy that things are now much quieter for him. However, at this point in time, he does not yet know what danger he was in when he accepted the special assignment from the Empire. Maximilian himself shot him as a "traitor" because he stood in his way and drew attention to Selvaria's victim.

development

The creative minds behind Valkyria Chronicles were mostly employees who were also involved in the Sakura Wars series , as well as producer Ryutaro Nonaka and director Shuntaro Tanaka. Together they wanted to create a game that combines facets of their previous work: the strategic elements of Sakura Wars , the third-person action elements of the Playstation 2 title Nightshade (2004) and the influence of Tanaka's role-playing game Skies of Arcadia . Originally working under the working title Gallian Panzers , the team focused on treating the strategy and action parts of the game equally. In contrast to the usual steady game speed of other turn-based strategy games, the lightning combat system creates a tense atmosphere for the player. This was forced by allowing enemies to defend themselves while the player was attacking, and vice versa.

The team decided to use the CANVAS graphics engine to visualize the game and hoped to reach players who wanted a more realistic setting. The use of warm tones should, as Nonaka put it, push the "grotesque, realistic nature of war" into the background and focus on the characters and plot. The characters were created by Raita Honjou. The leitmotif of the clothing was the Second World War . Raita first created concepts and illustrations by Alicia and Welkin and then used them as the basis for further Gallic roles. The influence of World War II can also be seen in the design of the Imperials. The best example is Gregor, whose uniform is based on that of a German officer at the time.

The music was composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and took eight months to complete.

Sequels

Valkyria Chronicles 2

Valkyria Chronicles 2 was released on January 21, 2010 exclusively for the PlayStation Portable in Japan. Part 2 of the saga appeared in Germany on September 3, 2010. The action takes place two years after that of the first part and revolves around cadets from the royal military academy who have to put down a rebellion in southern Gaul. The combat system and basic principle of the predecessor was largely adopted.

Valkyria Chronicles 3

On January 27, 2011, the third Valkyria Chronicles part for the PlayStation Portable was published in Japan. Like the first part, the story takes place in 1935 and also in Gallia, but offers a completely new background story. The hero of the story is Kurt Irving, a member of Gallian Army Squad 422.

An extra edition of Valkyria Chronicles 3 announced for November 23, 2011 (Japan) will include three new episodes and implemented download packages.

Since the sales of PSP games did not meet expectations, no translation from Japanese into other languages ​​was performed. However, in January 2014, a fan translation into English became available in the form of a fan patch for Valkyria Chronicles 3 .

Valkyria Revolution

Valkyria Revolution
Studio	Media.Vision
Publisher	Sega Deep Silver
Erstveröffent- lichung	January 19, 2017 June 30, 2017 June 27, 2017
platform	PlayStation 4 , PlayStation Vita , Xbox One
genre	Action RPG
Game mode	Single player
control	Gamepad
language	English
Age rating	USK PEGI

Valkyria Revolution is not a direct successor to Valkyria Chronicles , but an offshoot of the series and was released for the PlayStation 4 in Japan in January 2017 . In June 2017, the game was also released in North America and Europe for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Valkyria Revolution replaces Valkyria Chronicles' turn-based combat system with real-time combat. The action role-playing game received mediocre ratings and was heavily criticized for simplifying the game principle. However, the successful story and the graphics were praised. The metascore of the offshoot developed by Media.Vision is 59 out of 100 possible points. In Europe, Valkyria Revolution is only available in the English version with English and Japanese voice output.

Adaptations

Anime

Anime television series
title	Senjō no Valkyria
Original title	戦 場 の ヴ ァ ル キ ュ リ ア
transcription	Senjō no Varukyuria
Country of production	Japan
original language	Japanese
year	2009
Studio	A-1 Pictures
length	23 minutes
Episodes	26th
genre	Action
Director	Yasutaka Yamamoto
music	Hitoshi Sakimoto
First broadcast	April 5 - September 27, 2009 on Chiba TV
synchronization

The series Senjō no Valkyria , produced by Aniplex and animated by A-1 Pictures, is a loose adaptation of the game. Yasutaka Yamamoto will direct and Michiko Yokote wrote the script . The 26 episodes were broadcast for the first time from April 5 to September 27, 2009 after midnight (and thus on the previous television day ) on Chiba TV , as well as on TV Kanagawa , MBS , Tokyo MX , TV Saitama , TVQ Kyūshū with an offset of up to a week , CBC , TV Hokkaidō , BS11 and Animax .

role	Japanese speaker ( seiyū )
Alicia Melchiott	Marina Inoue
Welkin Gunther	Susumu Chiba
Isara Gunther	Hoko Kuwashima
Faldio Landzaat	Takahiro Sakurai
Rosie	Junko Minagawa
Largo Potter	Kenji Nomura
Maximilian	Jun Fukuyama
Selvaria	Sayaka Ōhara

In the anime u. a. also heard Hikaru Midorikawa , Akio Ōtsuka and Chikao Ōtsuka in supporting roles.

Manga

Two manga series, Senjō no Valkyria and Senjō no Valkyria -wish your smile- , which have been published since 2008, are based on the game . Senjō no Valkyria -wish your smile- is about the adventures of two completely new characters in the Valkyria universe: Mintz is an orphan and a mechanic and Julius Klose is a sniper. Both are members of the Gallic militia.

Web links

• Official website for the game (Japanese)
• Anime Official Website (Japanese)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Valkyria Chronicles - Sega is happy with the start of sales
2. ↑ www.onpsx.net : News from October 8, 2008 (accessed October 8, 2008)
3. ↑ Interview with Valkyria producer Ryutaro Nonaka : News from September 26, 2008 (accessed on April 2, 2010)
4. ↑ Valkyrie: Gallian Chronicles Interview Part 3 : News from October 8, 2007 (Retrieved April 2, 2010)
5. ↑ Interview with Ryutaro Nonaka : News from July 10, 2009 (accessed April 2, 2010)
6. ↑ Interview Vol.3 Chapter 2: Character Design - Gallian Army Part (Japanese) : News from July 10, 2009 (accessed April 2, 2010)
7. ↑ Interview Vol.3 Chapter 3: Character Design - Gallian Army & Imperial Army Part (Japanese) : News from July 10, 2009 (accessed on April 2, 2010)
8. ↑ Sakimoto Talks Valkyria Chronicles Music ( Memento from January 26, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) News from November 6, 2008 (accessed on April 2, 2010, English)
9. ↑ First details on Valkyria Chronicles 3 Extra Edition news from August 31, 2011 (accessed on September 6, 2011)
10. ↑ Valkyria Chronicles 3 denied EU launch - Sega blames PSP unpopularity, VC2 sales. on eurogamer.net (English)
11. ↑ Jeffrey Matulef: Valkyria Chronicles 3 gets English translation via fan-made patch ( English ) eurogamer.net. January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014: " A group of dedicated fans have created an English language patch for the Japan-only PSP tactical RPG Valkyria Chronicles 3. "
12. ↑ Rating on Valkyria Revolution on gamepro.de, accessed on June 29, 2017
13. ↑ Test Valkyria Revolution: Contrary to expectations on spieletipps.de, accessed on June 29, 2017
14. ↑ Metascore: Valkyria Revolution (PS4) on metacritic.com, accessed June 29, 2017
15. ↑ Official Valkyria Chronicles Cast / Staff Page ( Japanese ) Retrieved April 19, 2009.
16. ↑ Valkyria Chronicles Anime Series Begins in April . February 18, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
17. ↑ Chronicles of Valkyria Anime Starts Broadcast Run in April! . March 29, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.