Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
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  1. GameBrink
    98
    At a length of about thirty hours, the game may be considered short by epic RPG standards, but it also makes the game that much more replayable. [JPN Import]
  2. Digital Entertainment News
    92
    A solid contender for a spot in the Top 3 RPGs of 2006, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a breath of fresh air in a world of play-alike RPGs.
  3. Gaming Age
    91
    The world it presents is gorgeous, with some one of the most technically and aesthetically pleasing visuals we've seen thus far. Meanwhile, the revised and expanded battle system injects additional strategy while eliminating the issues that bogged down the previous game.
  5. Worth Playing
    91
    The only thing holding back this game from being a must-own for everyone is the confusing plot, but even then, players should be able to enjoy this title for its fantastic gameplay and amazing music.
  6. Deeko
    90
    When it's all said and done, Silmeria is a fantastic RPG and a proud trophy that the Playstation 2 will display as one of the finest "farewell" games. Fans of the series will surely rekindle their love for the Norse-inspired tale of redemption, and the game more than provides on the fan-front.
  7. Play Magazine
    90
    Everything about Silmeria, except for the localization, which is good but pales to the likes of FF XII(but what doesn't?)is the stuff that RPG dreams are made of. [Oct. 2006, p.58]
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  8. GamePro
    90
    Not everyone's going to love the transplanted platform puzzler elements, and RPG purists might be turned off by the wafer-thin town exploration, but just discovering the way your different options fit together is so endlessly absorbing that even wildly divergent tastes will agree that Valkyrie Profile 2 is yummy indeed.
  9. PSM Magazine
    90
    It's not just one of this month's best releases--it's also one of the best games in the PS2 library. [Nov. 2006, p.70]
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  10. GameDaily
    90
    The inability to pause cutscenes is a bummer, but that's no reason to avoid one of the most unique role-playing titles on the PlayStation 2.
  11. Eurogamer
    90
    The potent mixture of action with the high-level statistical balancing will quickly seduce the right-minded player.
  12. Gamezilla!
    90
    If you can get past the stiff difficulty, it has all the elements of a great RPG with its intriguing storyline, compelling combat and deep game mechanics.
  13. Electric Playground
    90
    A great game with high replay value. This Square-Enix title will satisfy even the most hardcore RPG fans with its innovative gameplay and many features.
  14. PSW Magazine UK
    90
    To put it simply, it's gorgeous in every respect, even though it's only in 2D. PS2's last great game? What a way to go.
  15. Thunderbolt
    90
    If only every game’s most glaring problem could be that there are too many characters to choose from.
  16. GameZone
    89
    This is a great game on its own, and if you’ve ever enjoyed a turn-based RPG or strategy game, you would be wise to play Valkyrie Profile 2.
  17. RPG Fan
    89
    One of the best games of this year, and was entirely deserving of our "Best of E3 2006" award. With a fantastic tri-Ace battle system that's both accessible and deep, Square Enix has provided a sequel that both fans and newbies will love equally.
  18. Gaming Target
    89
    Miles ahead of its competition when it comes to gameplay, story, visuals, and sound.
  19. Game Over Online
    89
    Even with the voice work and camera problems dragging it down, this is still the most enjoyable traditional RPG I’ve played all year, and one that will be hard for even "Final Fantasy XII" to top.
  20. Gaming Nexus
    88
    Despite a few flaws (difficulty and character development), Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a ton of fun.
  21. PSX Extreme
    88
    There is a giant amount to get used to, but if you take to the style and the atmosphere, you just might lose yourself in role-playing bliss for many, many hours.
  22. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    88
    The visuals push the PS2 to its limits, the combat system is incredibly unique and enjoyable, and there are countless hours of gameplay to be had in reincarnating every Einherjar during Silmeria and Alicia’s wonderfully written adventure – even if you never really get to know them.
  23. AtomicGamer
    87
    I still can highly recommend this game to any RPG fan, though – after getting used to it, the combat system will be fun (though frustrating at times) and the game will provide an overall rewarding experience.
  24. eToychest
    86
    This is one of the best RPGs that PlayStation 2 owners could hope for.
  25. IGN
    85
    An extremely deep title, one that will easily last you more than 50 hours when you play through the game for the first time, and will give you lots of replay when you consider the return of the Seraphic Gate from the first game, as well as the ability to replay the game on a harder difficulty level.
  26. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    85
    The combats are great but it’s not an easy experience because it requires a huge dedication from the player to level up his party and to manage inventory and skills. [Nov 2007]
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  27. Pelit (Finland)
    84
    A beautiful RPG with absolutely superb battle mechanics. Unfortunately, the game takes place in a bland fantasy realm and has a virtually nonexistent plot. [Sept 2007]
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  28. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    Finally, a Japanese role-playing game for everyone who hates how talky and slow-moving the genre has become--Silmeria thrusts you into an action-packed quest laden with complex dungeons, tricky puzzles, and plenty of intense, strategic combat. [Sept. 2006, p.104]
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  29. Game Almighty
    82
    We do have our own contemporary saga, and it’s called Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria.
  30. Game Informer
    80
    Fortunately, the main characters and the central plot are interesting enough to carry the action along, and the way it bridges the story to the original VP will leave fans very pleased. [oct. 2006, p.98]
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  31. GamesRadar+
    80
    This is a real gamer's game, but the excellent graphics and the action-packed battles should draw anyone in. And once you're hooked, you'll find yourself forced to dig deeper. That's how they get you.
  32. GameSpy
    80
    When you finally master the photon system and can set just the right sealstones and break out the 100 hit combo to make what seemed like a near-impossible battle a relative piece of cake, you will feel good about it. If you enjoy console role-playing games for the gameplay, not the story, you and Silmeria may get along just fine.
  33. GameSpot
    80
    A storyline based on Norse mythology isn't the only thing that's unusual and original about this tough, complex, and action-packed Japanese role-playing game.
  34. 1UP
    80
    The stellar soundtrack that accompanies this epic war of the gods is merely the ribbon on top of an all-around-wonderful role-playing package. Don't miss this one.
  35. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Minor gripes aside, this game really is quite good and should make fans of the original very happy. That being said, Silmeria is definitely not a game for anyone who is either an impatient player or a newcomer to RPGs.
  36. GameCritics
    80
    The frenetic battles in Valkyrie Profile 2 belie the flowerlike way its characters unfold, one petal at a time. The story it tells may not look like the stories a film critic like Roger Ebert is used to, but it's still a story—a good one—nonetheless.
  37. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    Gorgeous cutscenes, interesting dungeons. [Sept 2007, p.92]
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  38. Total Video Games
    80
    Valkyrie Profile 2 is a hardcore gamer's game. With 2D gameplay reminiscent of numerous classics from days gone by and a general sense of sophistication and creativity, Square-Enix's latest provides plenty for fans of the original provided you can look past some of the questionable cuts.
  39. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    80
    A clever mix of real-time and turn-based battling keps combat fresh and there's real tactical depth. [Nov 2007, p.112]
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  40. PALGN
    80
    Too often RPG's, both Japanese and Western, fall into a rut, offering almost the same experience as those that came before them. Valkyrie Profile 2 instead features some fresh feeling gameplay wrapped up in a beautiful looking and sounding package.
  41. GameTrailers
    78
    A difficult and lengthy game built for loyal and determined role-playing adventurers. However it’s weak character development and persistent leveling demands may tire out even the most hardcore experience collectors.
  42. GameShark
    75
    Sure the game can be difficult at times, and some players might not like the way you have to navigate the world, but if you can look past that you'll find a unique storyline and some pretty engaging gameplay mechanics that are worth the price of admission.
  43. netjak
    73
    Valkyrie Profile: Silmeria was tweaked where it shouldn't have been, and was left alone where it needed tweaks. It's still a fun time, but it's unquestionably a step down from its classic predecessor.
    All this publication's reviews
  44. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    It's just too bad that such an intricate--albeit slightly flawed--game is covered in a beautiful wrapper that you can't explore beyond a 2D plane. [Oct. 2006, p.84]
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  45. Game Revolution
    67
    Taking a cult hit and squeezing it into a more conventional mold was a bad choice, but still, Valkyrie Profile 2: SIlmeria is worthy of a third entry, which will hopefully be something along the lines of Valkyie Profile 3: Lenneth 2, call me crazy.
  46. G4 TV
    60
    At its core the game is fiendishly clever. Like the game's baroque visuals, the mechanics are equally ornate – nearly diabolically so. It's a shame to discover such a meticulously crafted game cobbled together with duct-tape.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS2 Game of 2006
36
#36 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
40
#40 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 113
  3. Negative: 5 out of 113
  1. pandaman3608
    Aug 18, 2012
    10
    This game is probably one of the most clever RPG's I've ever played. It makes you think it's a prequel, but then there's all these twists inThis game is probably one of the most clever RPG's I've ever played. It makes you think it's a prequel, but then there's all these twists in the plot that make you question the validity of that. These twists are what basically make the story so great in the first place. The music, again composed by Motoi Sakuraba, is fantastic, the graphics are gorgeous, and the combat is addicting. My only concern is that the character design, though meticulously detailed, is very wooden because the lip-synching is just terrible. Other than that, if you loved the first Valkyrie Profile, you're definitely gonna love this game.… Full Review »
  2. Caestus
    Aug 23, 2013
    9
    Valkyrie Profile Silmeria has an awesome and deep battle system with lot of possibilities. Graphics are fabulous and the OST has many goodValkyrie Profile Silmeria has an awesome and deep battle system with lot of possibilities. Graphics are fabulous and the OST has many good tracks in it. Great game with a great battle system.… Full Review »
  3. frankfartmouth
    Feb 15, 2011
    7
    Along with Okami, Odin Sphere, and Final Fantasy X, this is one of the most visually stunning games to come out for the PS2, or for anyAlong with Okami, Odin Sphere, and Final Fantasy X, this is one of the most visually stunning games to come out for the PS2, or for any system, last or current gen. It's also really refreshing to see side scrolling brought back to the front burner like this. A wonderful throwback to the old school days, but still feels fresh and precise by modern standards. The music is also terrific, impressively ranging from stirring, Celtic village themes to the haunting, minimalistic sounds of a possessed woods or serpentine cavern.

    Getting to everything else, however, the praise begins to thin out. The battle system (the backbone of any RPG), while not without merit, is too easily gamed through repetitive, cookie-cutter tactics. I got to a point eventually where I could win just about any battle by simply breaking off a member of my group, placing him or her behind my enemy, and leading it around in circles to keep my attack gauge full and avoid hits. Some people argue that if a game has an easily exploitable flaw like this, you should just not use it and enjoy the game in a you-know-what-they-were-trying-to-get-at kind of way, but that doesn't make sense to me. That's like saying you should ignore bad acting in a film because you know they were actually trying to give a good performance. Games are judged by the depth and completeness of their design. That's their commodity. If the flaw is there, I'm going to exploit it.

    The story, too, is a bit lacking. Not terrible, but it takes too long to get to the major turns. And the dialogue is a bit Final Fantasy 4-ish, with hot-headed, 1D characters who form inextricable bonds over one firelit night at camp, but still retain a petty, soap opera bend to their interactions. That would have been fine in 1991, but at the tail end of the PS2 era, it feels stale and trite. The voice acting, too, while overall pretty acceptable, is at times laughably bad, almost in a good way. Especially some of the battle chatter from Lezard. Sometimes it was hard to tell whether they were being facetious or not. I say not, but I still got a laugh out of some of it, so I guess it's kind of a wash. Overall, a game that's just kind of all over the place. Terrific, Good, OK, and sometimes Pretty Bad. But mostly, it's just Pretty Good. I finished it at a fairly good clip, never really felt bored even when I knew the battles were a foregone win, and always enjoyed what I was seeing and hearing. I just wish they'd done something about that running around in circles thing.    … Full Review »
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