User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 39 out of 396

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  1. Nov 19, 2014
    10
    I'm so happy my friends without a PS3 can finally enjoy one of the best games of all time. If you like turn based games, you should have already downloaded it, this is the most beautiful, smart and unique turn based experience you've ever had. I really wonder why there never was a follow-up or at least why with all the turn based games coming out lately, no one has "borrowed" this game's gameplay.
  2. Nov 13, 2014
    10
    Excellent port of the excellent and rich tactical game.
    I missed it on PS3, now it's almost impossible to get it (because it's released only on BD) and now such a gift for all PC gamers, what can be better?
    But there's a warning for everyone: you can become emotionally attached to your squad members and cry every time you lose them, beware :)
  3. Nov 11, 2014
    10
    The combat is amazing, the squad managing and upgrading system is everything I ever asked in a such kind of game, and the soundtrack is great. This is the best tactical RPG that I have ever played. Highly recommended.

    The only problem I found is that the volume of sound effects are sometimes inconsistent (gunfire for example, is very low) but nothing that can stop me giving this game a 10/10.
  4. Nov 11, 2014
    10
    Excellent game. Excellent port. Excellent price.

    Good job, Sega.

    To those who haven't played Valkyria Chronicles because of gamepad aversion: Buy it. This game is definitely worth the money.
  5. Dec 3, 2014
    10
    I loved this game. This game is what all tactical games should strive to be. The game didn't really suck me in at the beginning because I felt some of the english voice acting was bad and the animations were cheesy. I pressed start after enduring it for a while and couldn't find the option to change the language to japanese. I put the game down and didn't pick it up again for a coupleI loved this game. This game is what all tactical games should strive to be. The game didn't really suck me in at the beginning because I felt some of the english voice acting was bad and the animations were cheesy. I pressed start after enduring it for a while and couldn't find the option to change the language to japanese. I put the game down and didn't pick it up again for a couple weeks. I then realized that you can change the language from the main menu. This changes everything!

    The combat is brilliant and it keeps you involved. The campaign is nice and long. The game has the perfect amount of depth and simplicity. It is the type of game that anyone can catch on to almost immediately but can only be mastered by few. The price is more than fair. I've gotten way more value out of this game than i have with other games that i've paid $50 - $60 for.

    The story kept me entertained. I cared about the characters. I laughed. I wanted to know what happens next like a good book or an episode of Breaking Bad. I can't imagine any intelligent person not falling in love with this game. I understand this is a port but I don't have a PS3 or a PSP so this was my introduction to the series. Go Sega! I'll keep supporting them if they keep producing quality games. PC's have infinitely more power than consoles so it hurts when ports are released on the PC unpolished. This game has to be flawlessly ported because I see no issues.

    I would honestly give it a 9.5/10 if that were possible but I feel strongly that a 9/10 would be blasphemy. Buy this game! You wont miss the $20 unless you're a dumb person. I would recommend using the Japanese voice overs instead of english. The english voice overs were extremely corny and don't always translate in a way that gets the point across strongly.
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  6. Nov 12, 2014
    10
    Amazing game, never thought it was this good even though back then it was only for PS3 which kinda sucks. always wanted this game since few years ago. Port was done pretty well, the game has pretty simple setting so there is not much issues with the port. However you should not consider buying this game if you :

    Hate Japan/Japanese people Hate Anime WW1/2 related stuff Propaganda
    Amazing game, never thought it was this good even though back then it was only for PS3 which kinda sucks. always wanted this game since few years ago. Port was done pretty well, the game has pretty simple setting so there is not much issues with the port. However you should not consider buying this game if you :

    Hate Japan/Japanese people

    Hate Anime
    WW1/2 related stuff
    Propaganda etc

    if you are fine with those, then this game is for you. its a pretty good strategy game, give me sort of feel to XCOM and alike. this game also features perma death so beware
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  7. Nov 13, 2014
    10
    A job well done.

    This is the short answer to what is to expect of this port, of a game actually a few years old, but able to outsell some big players, like certain flops released near this date. Valkyria Chronicles is a well made strategy game, made with the intention of doing something different from usual. The intent wasn't on having awesome graphics (even in 2008 the graphics were
    A job well done.

    This is the short answer to what is to expect of this port, of a game actually a few years old, but able to outsell some big players, like certain flops released near this date.

    Valkyria Chronicles is a well made strategy game, made with the intention of doing something different from usual. The intent wasn't on having awesome graphics (even in 2008 the graphics were ok) but something beautiful, and even now, six years later, the game still looks beautiful, not at all old.

    The plot is engaging, maybe a bit reliant on cliches, but still well done and interesting. Any story about a war not glorifying it, but showing it with fairness (Cruelty, heroism, sacrifice, duty, loyalty...) is always a welcome sight. The main characters are well developed, and the side characters get their own missions to shine.

    The music is beautiful, with some tracks being fairly normal, while others are memorable. Voice acting in English is kinda OK, while the original Japanese work is polished and flawless.

    The controls are well ported, mouse control is smooth and correct, I miss having a cursor in the menus, but the important part (The combat) goes flawless. It also allows controller use, for those who prefer the original experience.

    Combat can be as challenging as you allow it to be. Certainly victory won't be an issue most of the time, but getting A rank is another, different, matter. Still, the learning curve is user friendly, as long as the player accepts B ranks for a while.

    The Strategic part varies, sometimes being smart allows the player to have really fun combats, while considering possibilities. Other times using strong scouts allows to skip the entire combat by simply rushing an objective fast. It's not cheating, but still, I'd discourage players from exploiting the mechanics for fast victories.

    The game itself is fairly long, 30 hours without doing repetitive tasks, like farming points in free missions. Still, the game doesn't have much of an after-campaign content, leaving aside the included DLC. so re-playability is low, apart from NG+.

    Long story short. This game is cheap, is good, it has aged well, the control is good and it's fun. Get it, so other games like this one get out on PC.
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  8. Dec 31, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best video game that I ever played. Storyline is Outstanding - 10/10. All Characters gave engaging back stories including side characters. Main characters are great and interact with other characters perfectly -10/10. Animation is beautiful like art work 10/10. Uniqueness of game - 10/10. Gameplay will take getting use to for beginners but once you play a couple hours you the hang of it. Non the less it will be hard getting use to but don't give up you won't be disappointed 8/10. Expand
  9. Apr 4, 2015
    10
    I don't ever write reviews, but I thought this game was SO good, that I'd just say a word or 2.

    If you're looking for a different kind of strategy war game, this is it. It's a mash up of FF Tactics, an FPS, An anime, and WWII.

    I can't remember the last time I liked a game so much.
  10. Nov 12, 2014
    10
    Let not its anime style deceive you - Valkyria Chronicles is an amazing strategy game with a deep plot which will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire experience. If this is the first time you've heard of Valkyria Chronicles, do not hesitate to purchase it, for you will be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind gem that will enchant you with its beauty, gameplay and story.
  11. Nov 12, 2014
    10
    A great port, I can't stress it enough, this port is functional and shows that SEGA are committed to delivering quality PC products.

    The game itself has been meticulously reviewed over the years, so I won't be adding any more logs to that fire, I'll just mention my only gripe with the port. - Cutscenes are in the console resolutions. Apart from that, at this price, this game is a
    A great port, I can't stress it enough, this port is functional and shows that SEGA are committed to delivering quality PC products.

    The game itself has been meticulously reviewed over the years, so I won't be adding any more logs to that fire, I'll just mention my only gripe with the port.

    - Cutscenes are in the console resolutions.

    Apart from that, at this price, this game is a steal, it's really fun, entertaining and it's success will hopefully pave the way for more PC ports of SEGA published games.

    Vanquish and Bayonetta, please SEGA, you know we want them.
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  12. Nov 12, 2014
    10
    Finally!! Never got to playing this game before today (not a PS3 owner :'( ), but loved every moment of the second game in the series on my PSP. While Valkyria Chronicles apparently brings nothing new content-wise (so I've been told) with the PC port, all the DLC's, brilliant anime visuals and controller support, not to mention the inclusion of the choice of authentic Japanese audio, makesFinally!! Never got to playing this game before today (not a PS3 owner :'( ), but loved every moment of the second game in the series on my PSP. While Valkyria Chronicles apparently brings nothing new content-wise (so I've been told) with the PC port, all the DLC's, brilliant anime visuals and controller support, not to mention the inclusion of the choice of authentic Japanese audio, makes for an excellent PC port. Coupled with the interesting turn-based-shooter style of play (which by the way is more complex than I'm making it sound), believable characters fleshed out through cut scenes between missions and a bug-free interface potentially makes this one of those games which everyone would regret not at least trying out.

    While all of my friends are languishing how their computers are not good enough to generate playable FPS for AC - Unity at acceptable graphic settings, I'm sure glad I gambled on this gem. And with a quickfire double of Football Manager 2015 followed by this masterpiece, Sega has regained a large chunk of their respect in my books.
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  13. Nov 19, 2014
    10
    10/10. Originally played it years ago for PS3, and since it's just being rehashed to the PC it's pretty much the same. Excellent story and characters, great graphics, unique battle system and ranking, unique theme, awesome soundtrack, and it's a good game from start to finish. I cried at one part just because the story was so well done and I was THAT attached to the characters in the scene10/10. Originally played it years ago for PS3, and since it's just being rehashed to the PC it's pretty much the same. Excellent story and characters, great graphics, unique battle system and ranking, unique theme, awesome soundtrack, and it's a good game from start to finish. I cried at one part just because the story was so well done and I was THAT attached to the characters in the scene (you'll know which scene when ya get to it). It's at a very good price ($19.99) so it isn't like it is killing your pocket.

    If you love strategy, warfare, a good story, history, or just video games in general, this is a must have! 2008 Strategy game of the year for a reason! I literally have nothing bad to say about this game! if you like this, there is a sequel (and a third one released only in Japan) for PSP! Share your feelings about the game and let your opinions be known so that Sega might just release another VC, or at least put the trilogy on the newer consoles (hopefully PS4, PLEASE SEGA!) One of my favorite video games of all time. I'm still looking for a PSP to be able to play Valkyria Chronicles 2 :/
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  14. Nov 15, 2014
    10
    I am a huge fan of Turn based strategy and Japanese RPGs, this game hits all the bases. The combat is great. It is deep and interesting. The story is also very good. it has some anime themes because lets be honest its Japanese, but it also hits some really deep world war 2 alt history themes which I respect a lot. The campaign if very long even if you do not grind (30+ hours) and that'sI am a huge fan of Turn based strategy and Japanese RPGs, this game hits all the bases. The combat is great. It is deep and interesting. The story is also very good. it has some anime themes because lets be honest its Japanese, but it also hits some really deep world war 2 alt history themes which I respect a lot. The campaign if very long even if you do not grind (30+ hours) and that's before the new game plus mode. This game is so good I will buy the other 2 if they ever come out.

    Also bonus points, it includes full Japanese audio, more games need to do this!
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  15. Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Excellent game. Good port.

    Pros -great story, presentation and flow -every mission feels just difficult enough to be fun and challenging without being torture -the tactical battles are insanely fun, it is hard to explain but it just feels right -graphics scale well and runs at high fps on my Thinkpad Yoga laptop The only couple of issues I noticed: -cut-scenes are low res, looks
    Excellent game. Good port.

    Pros
    -great story, presentation and flow
    -every mission feels just difficult enough to be fun and challenging without being torture
    -the tactical battles are insanely fun, it is hard to explain but it just feels right
    -graphics scale well and runs at high fps on my Thinkpad Yoga laptop

    The only couple of issues I noticed:
    -cut-scenes are low res, looks like original ones from console
    -Mouse and keyboard is a little finicky, but decent. I play with controller and just use the mouse
    when I am having problems with aiming
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  16. Dec 30, 2014
    10
    just AWESOME, looks a lot like XCOM and the plot is awesome with those japanese animations! this is must play guys, so glad they bring up to the PC, also top sells so the game is fantastic!
  17. Nov 19, 2014
    10
    An absolute smell of a fresh air, I really appreciate that Saga decided to port this game to PC, otherwise I'd have no opportunity to play this fantastic game! Everything about it is perfect, the plot, gameplay, characters ... I can only assume that it's only con is that it's time consuming, one battle may last a lot of time. It requires strategic mind to succeed but after victory, ohAn absolute smell of a fresh air, I really appreciate that Saga decided to port this game to PC, otherwise I'd have no opportunity to play this fantastic game! Everything about it is perfect, the plot, gameplay, characters ... I can only assume that it's only con is that it's time consuming, one battle may last a lot of time. It requires strategic mind to succeed but after victory, oh sweet lord was it worth it. Only thing I'm missing so far is romance between two main characters, but I'm in chapter 8 and it seems there is a long way to go yet ... Expand
  18. Dec 2, 2014
    10
    Fantastic. I haven't had this much fun with a game for a long time. The story skillfully balances charming light-hearted fun with poignant drama, creating an atmosphere that's a pleasure to enjoy while being serious enough to pull at the 'ol heart strings.

    The game play is great. It was like returning to the past, when games were actually fun and tactical strategy games still existed.
    Fantastic. I haven't had this much fun with a game for a long time. The story skillfully balances charming light-hearted fun with poignant drama, creating an atmosphere that's a pleasure to enjoy while being serious enough to pull at the 'ol heart strings.

    The game play is great. It was like returning to the past, when games were actually fun and tactical strategy games still existed. There are a few bugs and quirks but never enough to really hurt the enjoyment of game. The pros far outweigh the cons.

    The music is excellent. It really inspires you during combat.

    I would've liked to have seen more of the squad during cut scenes, but I was surprised they were individually voiced and had unique characteristics. It really helps immerse you in the game when you're not commanding a bunch of clones or bad ass super-soldiers.

    I had no idea this game would be this good, but believe me - it is. It's actually quite lengthy as well. I would love to see similar games in the future.

    Oh, and use the num-pad on your keyboard and "w" and "s" to control the tanks instead of the mouse unless you enjoy driving your tank in circles. It's actually easy to control once you figure it out.
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  19. Dec 28, 2014
    10
    I was hesitant to play as I appalled turn based games, after putting some time in it boy was I wrong this is the **** Its like watching an anime and playing out the battle scenes which are also addictive because of the huge amount of customisation options available.
  20. Jul 5, 2016
    10
    "This game is bad because it is very difficult" Come on, go play some Barbie game.

    This game is simply amazing, has the most beautiful anime graphics a game has ever had, the gameplay may seem complex , but it is very quick to learn to play and then create your own strategies. The story is well told, with half slow at first, but then gets very dynamic, the main characters of Squad 7
    "This game is bad because it is very difficult" Come on, go play some Barbie game.

    This game is simply amazing, has the most beautiful anime graphics a game has ever had, the gameplay may seem complex , but it is very quick to learn to play and then create your own strategies.
    The story is well told, with half slow at first, but then gets very dynamic, the main characters of Squad 7 are well developed, they can get you their angry, sad or how they are feeling at the moment.
    But it has flaws, sometimes can leave you frustrated for not passing a mission, in fact, can be quite difficult, but instead of crying, you should motivate even more to pass that mission by improving your tank , your soldiers and your strategies.
    This game is indispensable for the tactical game lovers and who like to enjoy a good story.
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  21. Aug 23, 2015
    10
    Grabbed on the steam summer sale, now I would pay the entire price(even if my crappy video card can run it only in 800x600 at 20fps), Valkyria Chronicles is the first strategy game where I feel my units are important and unique and not only a bunch of expendable and generic marines/warriors/sheep etc. seriously I restarted a 2 hours almost beated mission because Coby was shooted down andGrabbed on the steam summer sale, now I would pay the entire price(even if my crappy video card can run it only in 800x600 at 20fps), Valkyria Chronicles is the first strategy game where I feel my units are important and unique and not only a bunch of expendable and generic marines/warriors/sheep etc. seriously I restarted a 2 hours almost beated mission because Coby was shooted down and captured, difficult if you like to keep alive your units, too slow capturing bases or by some reasons your units gets all scattered in the battlefield, (or maybe just the sniper or the lancer taught that aiming well is for cowards three times in a row) my only problem was the incompatibility with my graphics drive (Intel HD Graphics) so some objects in the models (like glasses, bags, Maximilian crown, etc) were floating over the character's head or simply stayed fixed in the air, and a ocasionally spaghetti arm.
    10/10 Would CobyStart again
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  22. Sep 17, 2015
    10
    First of all, SEGA made a PERFECT port. Every game company should learn from them.
    This game is extremely unique mixing shooter,strategy and turns. And it feel's awesome!
    The characters are really deep and the story is touching.
    It's a masterpiece!
  23. Nov 1, 2015
    10
    I'm a PC gamer who hasn't touched anything JRPG-ish for a decade, but I was completely blown away by VC, both by the technical aspects and the plot. A few thoughts (no plot spoilers, but some discussion of mechanics) -

    Combat mechanics - This is probably the best turn-based combat game I've ever played. I love the XCOM games, and the mechanics here while similar were, if anything, even
    I'm a PC gamer who hasn't touched anything JRPG-ish for a decade, but I was completely blown away by VC, both by the technical aspects and the plot. A few thoughts (no plot spoilers, but some discussion of mechanics) -

    Combat mechanics - This is probably the best turn-based combat game I've ever played. I love the XCOM games, and the mechanics here while similar were, if anything, even better. As some reviewers pointed out, the integration of real-time and turn-based elements took a tiny bit of getting used to (hovering over the escape button after firing to avoid return fire, for example), but I found it led to more gripping and immersive gameplay than pure TBS games. (Incidentally, the actual combat mechanics reminded me strongly of Sega's own Shining Force games)

    Presentation - I was extremely impressed by how well designed the whole game was. The use of a history book as a framing device, the numerous fun things to do at HQ, the many additional challenges available in Hard/Expert skirmishes - all of this made it very easy to lose myself in the world (and the nitty gritty of choosing weapons upgrades to buy and which classes of troops to train next). Another incredible stand-out feature of the game, and one I wasn't expecting from a seven year old console game.

    Setting and story - I know some people have questioned whether it's tasteful to combine anime tropes with allusions to the bleakest events of WW2, but I thought that things were mostly done very tastefully. The continent of Europa felt very real to me, while also managing to remain distinctive and original despite its being a clear interpretation of Europe in the first half of the twentieth century. Incidentally, although you're in theory fighting Europa War 2, the game as a whole reminded me more of (the real life) World War 1 - the trenches of Naggiar, the green fields of Bruhl, the pastoral idyll shattered by horror of industrial war; not to mention the vast lumbering tanks and cloth-bound aeroplanes.

    Characters - I confess, I grinned a bit when I started playing because the characters seemed fairly archetypal. But they quickly grew on me, and one scene in particular took me by total surprise and had a real emotional impact on me. It's true that there's a simplicity and predictability to most of the characters - Alicia's never going to turn out to be an alcoholic former prostitute, let's be honest - but this worked well given the broader fable-like tone of the game, and the fact that the game's morality is fairly black and white (not in a crude way, of course - there are plenty of humanizing moments with the Imperials, and plenty of terrible people among the Gallians). I was also astonished at how effectively the characterization of your squadmates work - who'd have thought you could slam together a pollen allergy, a sexual preference for men, a crush on Largo, a love of muscles, and a passion for blowing up tanks and end up with as a rich a character as Jann? I thought the depiction of squadmates was a textbook example of "show don't tell", and it worked wonderfully - I quickly was sucked in their 'personalities', even though the game didn't show us much of them explicitly!

    The only thing that makes me really sad at this point is that I probably shouldn't hold out much hope for a proper sequel. My heart tells me that here's a fantastic original Sega IP, with sales that vastly surpassed expectations when it was released on Steam last Fall and that has met with considerable critical acclaim, and that in Sega's new push for quality it's not impossible that we'll see a true sequel. But... my head tells me that it's unlikely after this much time has passed. Still, given the amazing older franchises we've seen resurrected on Kickstarter lately, perhaps it's not impossible! In the meantime, I have a bunch of A ratings still to get...
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  24. Mar 21, 2016
    10
    Excellent game. The combat is turn based and very tactical, hard enough to force you to think, but not hard enough to be frustrating. The plot, despite having a lot of cliches, hold its grip on you from the beginning to the end. The characters are very likable, and before you know it Squad 7 will be your family too. It took me 30h to beat the main campaign, without rushing it and ignoringExcellent game. The combat is turn based and very tactical, hard enough to force you to think, but not hard enough to be frustrating. The plot, despite having a lot of cliches, hold its grip on you from the beginning to the end. The characters are very likable, and before you know it Squad 7 will be your family too. It took me 30h to beat the main campaign, without rushing it and ignoring the skirmishes. Highly recommended if you're looking for a turn based tactical combat and a good story. Expand
  25. Feb 27, 2019
    10
    Excellent video game, very good work in the soundtrack, these have become one of my favorite soundtracks.
    graphically it looks really good that cel shading with the stages.
    Also very good price and very well optimized.
  26. Jun 22, 2021
    10
    Ah yes, WW1 Girl's Frontline with male characters. ALL HAIL SELVARIA AND ALICIA
  27. Jan 3, 2022
    10
    Замечательная стратегическая игра, в которой совмещаются элементы пошаговой стратегии и шутера в альтернативном военном сеттинге 1935-1940-ых годов. Прошел уже 3 части данной франшизы (первую сейчас, вторую в 2010, а третью в 2015) и каждая из них по-своему запомнилась. Осталось пройти 4)Замечательная стратегическая игра, в которой совмещаются элементы пошаговой стратегии и шутера в альтернативном военном сеттинге 1935-1940-ых годов. Прошел уже 3 части данной франшизы (первую сейчас, вторую в 2010, а третью в 2015) и каждая из них по-своему запомнилась. Осталось пройти 4)
  28. Nov 28, 2014
    9
    Kudos to Sega on a job well done.

    A stupendous game all round in all of its aspects. Amazing storyline, Interesting characters, Squad management and upgrading is all done very neatly.

    Definitely worth checking out!
  29. Nov 13, 2014
    9
    Best TRPG of last console generation! Pretty graphic, good story and excellent missions design.

    Good pc port, though. And only for 19 USD. Buy it now!
  30. Aug 30, 2015
    9
    What are you doing!? Buy this game now! It's really, really good! This is a title that gives me hope for the future of ported PC games. It's just that good. It's got everything to it; a solid story, meaningful, memorable characters you wanna save and keep alive... and even date, exquisite gameplay, and an art style that's filled with much love and soul. It's got the problem of AnimeWhat are you doing!? Buy this game now! It's really, really good! This is a title that gives me hope for the future of ported PC games. It's just that good. It's got everything to it; a solid story, meaningful, memorable characters you wanna save and keep alive... and even date, exquisite gameplay, and an art style that's filled with much love and soul. It's got the problem of Anime characters being young but seemingly having experienced the world over and much more, but it's got way less of that, and angst, compared to the dull characters you'll find in most later Final Fantasy games. The soldiers in your team have wonderful stories behind them. The only gripe I have is that the turn-based RPG gunfights have poor ballistics and unexplainable misses. But these faults are minor as this game, by some miracle, got so many things right, it's a classic. What happened to Valkyria Chronicles 2 and 3 is a travesty that needs to be corrected. Great games like these should not be bound to their platforms. PORT THESE GAMES TO PC SEGA! Expand
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. 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.
  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]