Valkyria Chronicles

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 311 out of 396
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 396
  3. Negative: 39 out of 396

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  1. szaboar
    Jun 26, 2015
    5
    Reading all the positive opinions everywhere, I had very high expectations. When finally I had the time to play VC, I was disappointed. I am not sure that it is the fault of the game... I think I am simply not in the targeted audiance. Whereas I see why others may adore it, its Japanese style presentation is not near to my heart. Also, I like characters being more realistic: not everythingReading all the positive opinions everywhere, I had very high expectations. When finally I had the time to play VC, I was disappointed. I am not sure that it is the fault of the game... I think I am simply not in the targeted audiance. Whereas I see why others may adore it, its Japanese style presentation is not near to my heart. Also, I like characters being more realistic: not everything black or white, good or bad, nice people always being nice, etc. The development possibilities I found very simplistic and pretty much predestined, I appreceiate more freedom in choices needing more brainwork. The fights, being rather time-consuming than challenging, also failed to impress me. On balance, it failed to entertain me.
    So I gave up hope and quit playing after some 10h. Again, it might not be a bad game, but surely it is not for my taste.    … Expand
  2. toix
    Aug 29, 2016
    6
    Many people say Valkyria Chronicles is an underrated Game. But the game couldn't electrify me. Maybe the game mechanics are nice but the childish story prevented most fun for me.
  3. muzmuz
    Jul 3, 2016
    6
    Being someone who almost never plays turn-based games, I found Valkyria Chronicles absolutely fascinating and hooking at start, but halfway through it I realized that I am not motivated to see the credits roll.
  4. darbiusmaximus
    Mar 29, 2016
    5
    I go between being very pleased with this game and incredibly frustrated with it. You can tell it was made awhile ago (2008) but since that's just part of the deal I don't necessarily judge it by today's graphics or gameplay standards. Bear in mind that I never played the original so this is the first time I'm experiencing the game.

    Pros: - I really like the blend of turn-based and    I go between being very pleased with this game and incredibly frustrated with it. You can tell it was made awhile ago (2008) but since that's just part of the deal I don't necessarily judge it by today's graphics or gameplay standards. Bear in mind that I never played the original so this is the first time I'm experiencing the game.

    Pros:
    - I really like the blend of turn-based and real-time. It's unique and it adds a bit of uncertainty.
    - Their gear and the tank get cooler as you upgrade their equipment which is fun. Honestly this was one part that actually really appealed to me. Going from wooden rifles to poly M16s is pretty cool.
    - The characters are cheesy and cliche as hell, but if you're a fan of Japanese games or anime or manga then they'll be fun for you.
    - When you take someone out it's pretty satisfying, especially with snipers.

    Cons:
    - Too often it feels like there's really only one way to do a battle correctly which means I spend more of my time restarting to try to figure out what the devs *wanted* me to do instead of me thinking creatively about how to use and position my units.
    - Units can be frustratingly inaccurate sometimes, particularly lancers. Sometimes they'll miss something that's 5 feet in front of them.
    - A lot of the strategy elements are pretty shallow, particularly the crouching mechanic. The fact that they're in a trench shouldn't give them a defense bonus when I'm in the same trench and I'm flanking them. Or someone who's crouching by a sandbag and still get's the defense bonus even though I'm behind them shooting them in the back and the sandbag should be doing nothing. This seems like a pretty big oversight because there are plenty of games before this came out originally that nailed the flanking mechanic correctly.
    - The movement of shocktroopers feels woefully limited. I understand it being inferior to scouts and engys, but it should be better than snipers and lancers. As it stands I find them hard to use effectively (although I always bring Rosie for the CP).
    - Mostly I find that I don't have the time to grind skirmishes to gain the levels to actually be able to reliably do the campaign battles (and skirmishes take awhile).
    - Having extra command points when Alicia, Roxie, and Largo gives me an incentive to have them at the battles (artificially because really it makes no difference), but all it really does is make me hang them back so I don't get pissed off when I lose CPs. Not well thought out.

    All-in-all I'd say it's a decent game at best, though I'm sure if I had nostalgia on my side I'd have a different opinion. If you never played this originally, personally I would say your time is better spent on XCOM or the Shadowrun series (Shadowrun Returns, Dragonfall, Hong Kong).    … Expand
  5. rodericrinehart
    Jul 11, 2015
    6
    I *really* thought I would love this game based upon graphics, game style, FRPG with tactics. But here is why I had to stop playing it: (1) the controls are abysmal, like truly bad, obviously a console port but with zero effort to make them even remotely acceptable, and I tries mouse and keyboard and controller. (2) Enemy turns can take forever as each guy moves. It reminds me of CodenameI *really* thought I would love this game based upon graphics, game style, FRPG with tactics. But here is why I had to stop playing it: (1) the controls are abysmal, like truly bad, obviously a console port but with zero effort to make them even remotely acceptable, and I tries mouse and keyboard and controller. (2) Enemy turns can take forever as each guy moves. It reminds me of Codename STEAM on 3DS which suffered similar super long enemy turns. (3) There are some major difficulty spikes (level 7 is horrible) and this exacerbates #2. (4) The 20 turn limit is really freaking stupid. I'm ok with all other tactical design choices, but artificially limiting the options with a hard turn cap is just ridiculous. (5) The cutscenes were not updated and look identical to PS3, which is ok, but not ideal.

    XCOM is one of my favorite games ever. I love Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Divinity Original Sin, many JRPG and some anima - many games and genres that would portend that I would love this game. But it was tedious, boring, and too difficult at times (and I usually play most games on hard).    … Expand
  6. pesho_one
    Apr 3, 2015
    6
    One of the most overrated games I've played. It is not bad, but it's not very good either. There is certain appeal in it's simplistic presentation, but the game-play is far from well thought-out and can be very slow and tedious.
    The story is light and cut-scenes are watchable, though.
    The leveling up does feel rather artificial and the same can be said for the upgrade system. If you have    One of the most overrated games I've played. It is not bad, but it's not very good either. There is certain appeal in it's simplistic presentation, but the game-play is far from well thought-out and can be very slow and tedious.
    The story is light and cut-scenes are watchable, though.
    The leveling up does feel rather artificial and the same can be said for the upgrade system. If you have to absolutely check it out, based on the high score, please do, but be warned that the game lacks a big amount of polish.    … Expand
  7. Mosstromo
    Nov 27, 2014
    6
    An unoriginal story populated by the strictest array of archetypes from japanese manga and anime. To its credit Valyria sports a veritable style of gameplay refered to as a tactical-RPG 3rd person shooter, the problem is that nothing of that taxonomy works. It is not very strategic since most scenarios are straight-forward and on the simple side of things tactical, the RPG simply does notAn unoriginal story populated by the strictest array of archetypes from japanese manga and anime. To its credit Valyria sports a veritable style of gameplay refered to as a tactical-RPG 3rd person shooter, the problem is that nothing of that taxonomy works. It is not very strategic since most scenarios are straight-forward and on the simple side of things tactical, the RPG simply does not exist since you are forced on a single character shoehorned by the story to be a "hero" upon whose development you have no real control, and the 3rd person shooter aspect is reduced to a single click adorned with decorations of something more complex (E.G. cross-hairs while you select your target).
    The art is of high quality with an interesting pencil-watercolour style. The music is at times inspiring but often seemingly out of place for a particular scene.
    Valkyria is also a "menu" and "acquiescence" nightmare, where progression and information are both buried beneath layers of clicks and "are-you-sure?"s. After each "Episode" is unlocked (episodes that commonly amount to no more than a small dialogue) you are asked if you would like to see the next one (which could be just another brief dialogue), ad infinitum. To search the side tabs you must first click a menu tab to access the tabs menu. Console-itis full on. Good PC ports dismiss things inherent to consoles that are cumbersome elsewhere, they do not bring the ballast to the new medium.
    I prefer games with an intricate story, and Valyria seemed to have that aplenty, but with an unsuferable lead character and tedious dialogues the exposition parts become and excercise in patience.
    Tedium is no stranger during combat either. Each movement you make is surrounded by unnecessary and time consuming eye-candy. Icons explode, camera zooms-in and out from the battlefield. Each. And every. Time. Nothing of these makes the situation feel more interesting nor clear, all it does is take time.
    All-in-all, a game only the anime-manga neophite, or the already fan of this franchise will truly like. The rest of us will appreciate some of its uniqueness, give it a more accurate 5 or 6 out of 10, and move on to something better.    … Expand
  8. TemplarGR
    Sep 9, 2016
    5
    An anime with a tactics/fps hybrid minigame tucked on. Typical mediocre anime story that gets overrated by weeaboos because reasons. If you don't care for animes don't bother, if you care, watch a movie version on youtube with only the cutscenes. The gameplay is boring, requires no skill or brain, and is just tedious busywork.

    There is a reason its sequels went straight to PSP, to reach    An anime with a tactics/fps hybrid minigame tucked on. Typical mediocre anime story that gets overrated by weeaboos because reasons. If you don't care for animes don't bother, if you care, watch a movie version on youtube with only the cutscenes. The gameplay is boring, requires no skill or brain, and is just tedious busywork.

    There is a reason its sequels went straight to PSP, to reach a younger audience. Only the young can find such a game worthwhile.    … Expand
  9. spageopriya12
    Jan 11, 2015
    7
    The game is set in Europa, loosely based on Europe during the early years of World War II. Because of its abundance of Ragnite ore, which takes the place of petroleum in the game setting, the neutral nation of Gallia comes under attack from the East Europan Imperial Alliance, which is itself engaged in a war with the Atlantic Federation.[6] Players take control of a unit of the GallianThe game is set in Europa, loosely based on Europe during the early years of World War II. Because of its abundance of Ragnite ore, which takes the place of petroleum in the game setting, the neutral nation of Gallia comes under attack from the East Europan Imperial Alliance, which is itself engaged in a war with the Atlantic Federation.[6] Players take control of a unit of the Gallian Militia, dedicated to repelling the invasion. The game's visuals, which use Sega's CANVAS graphics engine, resemble a watercolor painting in motion.… Expand
  10. Skulb
    May 23, 2015
    5
    This game seems extremely overrated to me. I got to the second chapter before I couldn`t take any more of the ridiculous dialogue, terrible characters and nonexistent gameplay. You literally have to sit for about an hour watching a cringeworthy cartoon, which is badly drawn, telling you an endless and tedious story before you get to actually play the game. And when you do it`s bad both asThis game seems extremely overrated to me. I got to the second chapter before I couldn`t take any more of the ridiculous dialogue, terrible characters and nonexistent gameplay. You literally have to sit for about an hour watching a cringeworthy cartoon, which is badly drawn, telling you an endless and tedious story before you get to actually play the game. And when you do it`s bad both as an RPG and as a strategy game. As usual with JRPGs you have little kids defeating armies while making cutesy and/or sentimental remarks. The soldiers make squeaky noises when you shoot them, as if they`re a dog`s rubber toy or something. Of course the characters also make hip remarks when they shoot someone. It is all unbearable rubbish. And there are as always endless amounts of these pointless dialogue lines, and you have to click to get rid of each one. It`s as if the game is trying to talk you to death and it makes it almost completely unplayable. And of course it has ported the interface from the PS which you just don`t need on the PC. This leads to endless menus, "are you sures" and just constant interruptions of the gameplay. The characters are also dull, in addition to talking all the damn time, and I found nothing to hold my interest at any point. I just do not understand how this pile of manure is a 10 from so many people posting here. Are you all working for Sega or something?

    Uninstalled after about two hours. Only consider if you love poor story telling, trashy gameplay, rotten dialogue and bad graphics. In short, if you for some reason like JRPGs you might possibly like this. Everyone else should steer clear.    … Expand
  11. PrincessRose
    Mar 20, 2022
    5
    This game is pretty much a anime movie with turn based strategy combat being the only time you can control characters. It looks lovely and I like the characters. How ever I don't like the way the game encourages you to rush and complete the battles in as few a turns as possible.

    The actual game play is nothing amazing and the mechanics, especially how cover works is annoying. The story    This game is pretty much a anime movie with turn based strategy combat being the only time you can control characters. It looks lovely and I like the characters. How ever I don't like the way the game encourages you to rush and complete the battles in as few a turns as possible.

    The actual game play is nothing amazing and the mechanics, especially how cover works is annoying.
    The story is good but you can't change or shape it in anyway. Though without that anime movie/story it would be a very boring game.

    I find the game play tedious, just can't stand it anymore. And it only kept me playing as I like the story. This is a game probably for only those who like anime as the game play is lacking and boring. I am just going to watch the rest of it on You Tube as I don't like the game play.
    I feel like I don't care if I never played this game, so I can't recommend it.    … Expand
  12. MoofiaBossVal
    Dec 26, 2021
    7
    Combat is decent enough and doesn't overstay its welcome. Music is okay with only a couple standouts but the rest of the OST being forgettable. Game looks aesthetically great. Plot is nothing to write home about.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PC Game of 2014
72
#72 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
74
#74 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Ragequit.gr
    Dec 6, 2015
    81
    Valkyria Chronicles is a good strategy/RPG that blends different gameplay elements together with an enjoyable outcome. Its story wraps up themes about war, friendship and racism, while its comic-style graphics age well, and its music is memorable. SEGA also delivers a decent port with all previously DLC included.
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  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 18, 2015
    90
    A long-awaited port of the PS3 classic. The game has aged incredibly well, thanks to its beautiful cell-shaded graphic style and well thought mechanics. It takes some time to get used to cheerful anime cast of characters in what is essentially tale of World War 2 horrors, but once one is over that hurdle Valkyria Chronicles is a thoroughly enjoyable light strategy game. [Feb 2015]
  3. CD-Action
    Feb 7, 2015
    85
    We waited for the PC version so long, but it was worth the wait. It’s a game that just doesn’t get old. It still looks great, sounds great and above all plays great. [01/2015, p.64]
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