Valiant Hearts: The Great War

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 682 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 529 out of 682
  2. Mixed: 110 out of 682
  3. Negative: 43 out of 682

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. NavyBean
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Great game. The art direction is beautiful and the WWI setting is thoughtful and informative. This is not a shooter. It's a puzzle game with a little bit of action. The music is great. You'll learn more in this game about WWI then any high school history class. A beautiful experience.
  2. Druganov
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    This puzzle game, in conjunction with the background information about the great war that it supplies, has an absolutely moving, hearth-touching sad storyline. the graphical style is beautiful, as is the soundtrack. only the baron should be less cartoony and villainous imho, but besides that it's a great experience to play.
  3. Soulin
    Sep 12, 2015
    10
    First of all, I really hate most of the indie games. The fact that the game is indie doesn't mean that it has to constantly remind of my my ZX Spectrum from '85.

    That being said, Valiant Hearts is one of the best games I've played this year (2015) and I would immediately recommend it to everyone. Very nice (and distinctive) graphic, beautiful music and very emotional story. The    First of all, I really hate most of the indie games. The fact that the game is indie doesn't mean that it has to constantly remind of my my ZX Spectrum from '85.

    That being said, Valiant Hearts is one of the best games I've played this year (2015) and I would immediately recommend it to everyone. Very nice (and distinctive) graphic, beautiful music and very emotional story.

    The gameplay is easy to play, but never gets boring and constantly throws new ideas at you.    … Expand
  4. sityoazzdown
    Mar 26, 2015
    10
    If this was trying to be the saving private ryan of video games, then this game has just hit a bomb outta the park. This puzzle adventure game has very simple puzzles, but suprisingly the characters and story kept me playing. The more I played, the more I leaned closer to the T.V not only because of the engaging story, but because of the fun/unique/intense/ and sometimes even wacky puzzlesIf this was trying to be the saving private ryan of video games, then this game has just hit a bomb outta the park. This puzzle adventure game has very simple puzzles, but suprisingly the characters and story kept me playing. The more I played, the more I leaned closer to the T.V not only because of the engaging story, but because of the fun/unique/intense/ and sometimes even wacky puzzles and action during the span of this game. The variety of this game kept things interesting, and how the game followed the four characters were excellent. I also loved the art-style of the game, the narration was very interesting, and the gameplay was very responsive. Having the collectibles also kept this game from being linear, which I enjoyed. The only negatives for me was the forced history lesson that pops up during the game (which I whole-heartedly ignored), and the recurring setup for puzzles (you have to finish puzzle A to get to Puzzle B to advance to the more interesting part of the story). And that ending, I legit almost cried, but held it together, it was that emotional. To end, I had a hard time deciding whether or not to give this one a 9 or 10, but settled on the latter since it's not a full priced triple a game, that everyone needs to experience.… Expand
  5. Chiyou
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    Stunning visuals and incredible story, at no point was I left disappointed. A variety of gameplay mechanics make the game feel fresh and surprising from start to finish , If you're used to more difficult puzzles like in Machinarium then you might be disappointed, you won't have to search through a FAQ to get passed these puzzles but I don't think they are meant to stump you. The realStunning visuals and incredible story, at no point was I left disappointed. A variety of gameplay mechanics make the game feel fresh and surprising from start to finish , If you're used to more difficult puzzles like in Machinarium then you might be disappointed, you won't have to search through a FAQ to get passed these puzzles but I don't think they are meant to stump you. The real reward is in the story and visuals the gameplay and puzzles compliment it. this is war told honestly and I hope its success leads to more emotional stories from the frontline and not more superhero type one man army games (Although I don't want to see all of those go either)… Expand
  6. ndr
    Jul 5, 2014
    10
    One of the best games in it genre. Great graphics, great story. Once I started playing I couldn't stop!

    This and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is one of the best games I've played in a long time!
  7. Snadiwchhhh
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    I've been reading history a lot, one of my favorite parts of human history is of course ww1 and it's most emotional one for me, even more emotional and important than ww2(my opinion). Reasons are different, but about the game i can say that my whole year anticipation was worth it. You know, not only the story itself is done perfect and deep, Ubisoft showed how horrible war is, what reallyI've been reading history a lot, one of my favorite parts of human history is of course ww1 and it's most emotional one for me, even more emotional and important than ww2(my opinion). Reasons are different, but about the game i can say that my whole year anticipation was worth it. You know, not only the story itself is done perfect and deep, Ubisoft showed how horrible war is, what really happened on those fields of blood and pain. The great Pro of this game is that it doesn't quite chooses sides, it tells a story of people who lived at those dark times. I think that all understand that some survived , some not and not only this aspect made me cry a bath of tears, but I even had to stop playing the game on middle of playthrough, because i couldn't just keep up with fact that this happened. Gameplay is done great and with charm, sound sometimes just touches my heart and just whole game is beautiful experience.The characters are done excellent and you sympathize to their story, (sad part is that there is almost no George ark) In my opinion, the game is perfect and it's perfectly showing what the war did with people, what is doing write now and what sadly will do. Valiant Hearts has now a special place in my heart.… Expand
  8. saulodourado
    Mar 23, 2015
    10
    Superb game, it keeps growing and growing on you, until the end, that is beautiful. The piano songs, art, camera movements, clever puzzles and a cast of very nice characters, that by the end of the game feels like they're your friends.
  9. Wawacoffee89
    Jul 7, 2014
    10
    Unbelieveable game! Took my breath away. This Ubisoft took history and video games, a told an amazing story about the hardships during World War 1 in Europe. The characters, the soundtrack, gameplay, etc., were all amazing. This game will really hit home for some people, so expect sadness at some points. Beautiful, beautiful game; that must be played for people with a heart. These indieUnbelieveable game! Took my breath away. This Ubisoft took history and video games, a told an amazing story about the hardships during World War 1 in Europe. The characters, the soundtrack, gameplay, etc., were all amazing. This game will really hit home for some people, so expect sadness at some points. Beautiful, beautiful game; that must be played for people with a heart. These indie games are really starting to make an impact in the industry of video games. A must play for only 15 bucks!… Expand
  10. JohnConnor333
    Mar 8, 2015
    10
    Not for everyone, yet I felt this game was made just for me. A story that gave so much emotion, which is rare. Shadow of Colossus and The last of us are the only games I feel can compete with that. Art is beautiful. I despised history class, yet this game gives interesting facts that make you realize WW1 had more than death and treaties signed. Great stuff. Free on PS Plus, but if INot for everyone, yet I felt this game was made just for me. A story that gave so much emotion, which is rare. Shadow of Colossus and The last of us are the only games I feel can compete with that. Art is beautiful. I despised history class, yet this game gives interesting facts that make you realize WW1 had more than death and treaties signed. Great stuff. Free on PS Plus, but if I knew it was this good I woudl have paid full price.… Expand
  11. DUoXsKiLLz
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Valiant Hearts: The Great War se suma al top de grandes aventuras gráficas de los videojuegos, en mi caso, en el primer juego. Una gran historia mezclada con puzzles y desafios que combinan a la perfección. Sin duda es uno de los juegos que hay que jugar al completo. Pocos juegos han conseguido emocionarme y Valiant Hearts lo ha hecho.
  12. adamkynaston
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    Unbelievable. Emotional, moving, intimate. Beautiful. This is what is taking gaming from a child's activity to the most powerful medium available for storytelling. Simple story based on a truly horrific event. Easy to identify with, lovable characters, and an interface so friendly this is accessible to gamers of all skill level.

    This is a MUST play for all of those passionate gamers    Unbelievable. Emotional, moving, intimate. Beautiful. This is what is taking gaming from a child's activity to the most powerful medium available for storytelling. Simple story based on a truly horrific event. Easy to identify with, lovable characters, and an interface so friendly this is accessible to gamers of all skill level.

    This is a MUST play for all of those passionate gamers who need more to a game than a reticle with some explosions. The best advice I can give is to stop reading about this game and go buy it now. A beautifully rendered, inspiring journey is only $15 away. Show Ubiart that we NEED more of this in our lives!    … Expand
  13. Demirro
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Straight up one of the best game I ever played. It looks amazing but more importantly the story is really good. It's emotional and gets you right in to the story and WW 1. I had goosebumps and also tears in my eyes several times. The gameplay/puzzles are very nice even though some might get bored of it, as it gets a bit repetetive (I did have no problem with it). The music is exceptionalStraight up one of the best game I ever played. It looks amazing but more importantly the story is really good. It's emotional and gets you right in to the story and WW 1. I had goosebumps and also tears in my eyes several times. The gameplay/puzzles are very nice even though some might get bored of it, as it gets a bit repetetive (I did have no problem with it). The music is exceptional and fits perfectly to the game and it's moments.
    Play it until the end. It's worth your time and you will love it.
    I would love to see other developers make so beautiful and emotional games instead of concentrating on realistic graphics. But that's just my opinion.    … Expand
  14. Gugabvs
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This is one of the games that got me more sentimnetaly attached to it you should play it.I think this game is worth every penny spent on it and also i cried several tims trough the story.
  15. retrogeek45
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    Amazing game which compelled me to write my first review, ubisoft are fast becoming my developers of choice. Love the art style it's beautiful and shows that current gen photo realism is not always best. pick this up you won't be disappointed. By the way ignore the 0 scores they are a joke, they must have been playing an atari 2600 game or something.
  16. thepedrovital
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    The game is beautiful. Not only in appearence, but in story as well. The music, the actions, the art, create an amazing storytelling experience with so much emotion that will make your heart race and your eyes tear. Also, the game is fun, envolving and have lots of smart puzzles. The gameplay never gets repetitive. The ending could be little longer, but still make it all worth it. Great game.
  17. HunterC
    Jul 6, 2014
    10
    Valiant Hearts:The Great War is a game that both inspires and encourages hope in a bleak and desolate WW1 era Europe. The puzzles were fleshed together in a way that made sense both in game and in context, you aren't superman, you are a soldier. You need to use your mind to get through situations. Decisions need to be made in seconds if you wish too keep those you love alive. The gameValiant Hearts:The Great War is a game that both inspires and encourages hope in a bleak and desolate WW1 era Europe. The puzzles were fleshed together in a way that made sense both in game and in context, you aren't superman, you are a soldier. You need to use your mind to get through situations. Decisions need to be made in seconds if you wish too keep those you love alive. The game brings a incredible amount of emotion into a time that is tragically overlooked. It puts you in the position of normal, regular day people, made to fight in one of histories most atrocious wars. Death and sorrow become commonplace in the trenches of Valiant Hearts, and the fantastic sound and art design create a atmosphere which makes you feel so vulnerable, so out in the open, that it made me shiver any time I would see a fellow soldier fall to just one of thousands of hazards that plagued the battlefield. While experiencing the levels, you will find a dynamic backdrop that shows the plight of your brothers, those who are simply following orders. The "boss battles" if you will are excellent and well paced as they make you lose that sense of security of abiding by your own rules and throw you into situations filled with panic and paranoia. The fight with the Baron in the bunker stands out as incredibly tense and filled with emotions that compel you to prevail in order to save those you hold so dearly . The story complements the game play in a way that few games, excluding Journey and Brothers: A tale of Two Sons, have managed to accomplish. It creates a bond not between you and the characters, but the characters themselves. Never once while playing did I feel that I was playing a game, I felt like I was there with the assortment of character that we encounter in this journey. The ending itself suits the game perfectly and not to spoil anything, it did leave a hole in my heart. All in all, this game is another fantastic example of the rebirth in story-driven games that has come to fruition in these past 2 years. If you have 15 dollars on hand, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of Valiant Hearts: The Great War.… Expand
  18. WhiteJedi87
    Aug 24, 2014
    10
    Moving and intimate. These are just two words to describe this game. Ubisoft have shown the true horrors of war with grace and truthfulness, yet with respect. All should play this game just to get an idea of what it would been like for all those brave men and woman.
  19. Muzzle131
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    This is something hands down amazing. Valiant Hearts goes deep in that of WW1 a very touchy subject as neither side could be described as good or evil like many can with WW2, so instead the game goes into the lives of soldiers and show/tells us the ways how war is Hell. We got 4 characters here Emile a French Soldiers, Freddie a US citizen joining French forces, Anna a medic who only aimsThis is something hands down amazing. Valiant Hearts goes deep in that of WW1 a very touchy subject as neither side could be described as good or evil like many can with WW2, so instead the game goes into the lives of soldiers and show/tells us the ways how war is Hell. We got 4 characters here Emile a French Soldiers, Freddie a US citizen joining French forces, Anna a medic who only aims to make sure people survive this Hell, and Karl Emile's step son who was forced out of France and made into a German Soldier. However Emile in this is the main main character, the game mostly centers around each one of these character's personal goals and endeavors making the war something of an obstacle for each of them to get around. Gameplay wise is it is a simple 2D platforming/puzzle solving adventure usually you have to progress past something by finding an item to use to progress past something, simply put if you don't like being paced and stopping to think stay away from this game. Even with that said it's something to see with the ending being pure beauty (not going to spoil anything) as we drag our character witnessing horrifying (yet stylish) cartoonish locations that make it so when the heavy emotional stuff has a greater impact than any serious war game that has come up in the past. With all this considered there is a certain demographic that is specifically targeted here and that is people interested in story, if you don't have a lot of time on your hands, or are looking for game to have actual fun in then I have to tell you to stay far away from this game as possible, it has a heavy atmosphere that doesn't let up putting the weight war on your character who you can't help but want to come out of this, this game is also very educational too somethings are simple and in fact you could learn some new things which is pretty neat. But anyway this is a very emotional pain train of a game and will play with your emotions like nothing. I would give this game a score between 8-9 but I decide to give this a 10 to somewhat raise the score a bit.… Expand
  20. Zoidy3942
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    Buy this game immediately if you have not played it yet!!! Ok with that out of the table, I want to say that the game is amazing. The story is emotional, gripping and makes you care about the characters. The gameplay is pretty simple with puzzles here and there. It shows that war is not just like the war in Call of Duty but a violent bloodbath. There is not a lot of games that made me cryBuy this game immediately if you have not played it yet!!! Ok with that out of the table, I want to say that the game is amazing. The story is emotional, gripping and makes you care about the characters. The gameplay is pretty simple with puzzles here and there. It shows that war is not just like the war in Call of Duty but a violent bloodbath. There is not a lot of games that made me cry but this is one of them. Good job Ubisoft Montpellier! Recommend it to everyone.… Expand
  21. prefontaine
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Valiant Heats is simply wonderful. It's mature and whimsical, beautifully directed and cleverly written. This is one of the rare gems in video games that at the conclusion will leave you staring at the screen and contemplating the entirety of what you just witnessed. It's sad and beautiful, and it's worth every penny.
  22. Tirah
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    In case you ever get into an argument about video games being art, Valiant Hearts is a definitive proof that, yes, games can be art indeed. VH can be best described as a puzzle platformer. You control five characters with different abilities and solve puzzles in a 2D environment. The controls are simple and intuitive and the game is fun to play. The graphics are beautiful and it'sIn case you ever get into an argument about video games being art, Valiant Hearts is a definitive proof that, yes, games can be art indeed. VH can be best described as a puzzle platformer. You control five characters with different abilities and solve puzzles in a 2D environment. The controls are simple and intuitive and the game is fun to play. The graphics are beautiful and it's impressive to see what Ubisoft managed to do. Screenshots don't do this game a justice, you must see it in action.
    What makes VH more than just a pretty puzzle game is the writing, narration and music. Without giving away any of the plot details, the story follows five characters (well, four and a dog) of different nationalities and the way World War 1 changed their lives forever. The game provides many WW1 facts and historical photos to give context to the game's events. VH is a short game but it's a powerful experience that you'll be thinking about long after the ending credits are over.    … Expand
  23. sonodade
    May 15, 2015
    10
    A clear, inspiring and moving insight of the dynamics of the World War I. I usually like these kind of games, adventures/actions and platforms, but this one tops most of the ones I played, I don't understand the poor reviews and the 77/100.
  24. arcturus32
    Sep 13, 2015
    10
    I cried...... I cried at the end of this game, I cried hard as I watched everything in the game unfold. Despite the art style of the entire game which some may thinks takes away from the realism of the game, it's perfectly fitting.

    The story, the characters, the settings, the gameplay, sounds, visuals, it's all AMAZING! Everything fits together like a glove and the pieces of historical    I cried...... I cried at the end of this game, I cried hard as I watched everything in the game unfold. Despite the art style of the entire game which some may thinks takes away from the realism of the game, it's perfectly fitting.

    The story, the characters, the settings, the gameplay, sounds, visuals, it's all AMAZING! Everything fits together like a glove and the pieces of historical information the game gives to you while playing help portray this war in a very real light, where it was not a war of victory, it was a war for survival.

    I cannot express how much I felt touched by this game, how I felt so attached to the characters I played and how everything I saw in this game shocked me to the core and I was in tears when it ended, and I didn't care if anybody saw me.

    A perfect 10/10, a thrilling, tension fuelled story, simple gameplay and characters that make you invested, you WILL cry at the end. Just buy it!    … Expand
  25. xvvolf4
    May 1, 2016
    10
    This is one of the few games that I got emotional at in parts. For a short, 2-D side scrolling puzzle game I actually cared and liked the characters. But not just the characters, the short (real) letters you discover throughout were quite powerful to read, even if they were just simple letters that didn't say much. Knowing they were letters written during WWI I found powerful.

    Since on    This is one of the few games that I got emotional at in parts. For a short, 2-D side scrolling puzzle game I actually cared and liked the characters. But not just the characters, the short (real) letters you discover throughout were quite powerful to read, even if they were just simple letters that didn't say much. Knowing they were letters written during WWI I found powerful.

    Since on my first play through I didn't find all the collectables, it has replay value (personally), as I look forward to collecting everything.
    If you're like me and enjoy learning about WWI and hearing stories of what happened, you should enjoy this game.    … Expand
  26. juankvillegas
    Jun 18, 2016
    10
    Valiant Hearts is a beautiful and really enjoyable game. I can't believe I had it available for like a year since it was given for free on PlayStation Plus and I hadn't played it yet. The historical references to The Great War (WW1) give the game a big plus while you learn a lot of history and details about each army involved. It is one of the greatest games I've played on PS4.
  27. RAMISYR
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    One of the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had in my gaming history, fantastic story, simple and interesting gameplay mechanics. Must play.
  28. Johnsperson
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    It good and made me cry a little. Now time for some filler characters qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
  29. ralloapsey
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Short but compelling story and awesome art style. I'm usually not into puzzle games, but I really enjoyed this one.
  30. Alexander_ru
    Dec 27, 2022
    10
    игра прекрасно повествует о событиях первой мировой, да и в общем войн. я ее очень прочувствовал и под конец даже пустил скупую мужскую слезу.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PS4 Game of 2014
31
#31 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
82
#82 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. GameCritics
    Aug 28, 2014
    85
    While it can be completed in less than six hours, it perfectly explores themes and concepts that triple-A titles still have difficulty grasping: gray morality, a poignant, thought-provoking storyline, and appealing gameplay that isn't based on killing everything in sight.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Aug 25, 2014
    65
    Very pretty, but pretty shallow. Unchallenging – both emotionally and as a puzzle-platformer. [September 2014, p71]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Aug 25, 2014
    60
    A short and simple adventure game with strong atmosphere delivered via an unique visual style. If you're looking for something different, this is it. [Issue#244]
See all critic reviews »