Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

The best RPG that the PSP has received to date.

A non-traditional RPG that comes out feeling traditional. The exploration, pre-enemy encounter elements give the game an instant hook to newcomers.

It's clear that nobody has plans to create a full-fledged RPG on the scale of any of the PSone or PS2 classics for the PSP, so a port is going to have to do. This game stands nobly above anything else you can buy on the system.

A solid port of a one-of-a-kind role-playing game that is endlessly appealing to genre fans who are looking for something different, but it's a bit too dense for everyone else.

It's not an "FF" title for the PSP, but it is a port of one of the better and rarer games in the company's history. [Aug 2006, p.80]

A great RPG with an unorthodox design. There are amazing design elements here. The art and sound direction are unmistakably original, amplifying what could be the game's best asset -- an incredibly active and technical battle system. There's a lot to like, but at times the game is bolder than it is balanced or practical.

Every fan of the genre should revel in the ability to enjoy Valkyrie Profile without giving blood on eBay. RPG newbies are encouraged to indulge as well, though with a warning: don't expect to find an equivalent any time soon.

Sadly, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth has many technical issues that were not present in the original, definately hindering an otherwise stellar experience.

Easily the best domestic RPG on the PSP to date. The game itself is incredibly unique and fun to play. The portability is both a blessing and a curse, allowing one of the PSOne classics to be played on the go, but limiting you to a four inch screen.

Valkyrie Profile Lenneth is exactly that - wholly distinct from the rest of the crowd, a niche within a niche, marvellously thought out and mostly brilliantly executed. If there were other comparably innovative and inventive Japanese RPGs to set this against, then its flaws might cause it to be judged more severely. But it stands alone, a rare original expression of Japanese role-playing individuality.

For those that have played it before, it remains as engaging as ever.

If you can get past the learning curve, you'll find a rich, deep RPG - by PSP standards. [Aug 2006, p.94]

If you've been waiting for years to get your hands on this Tri-Ace classic, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth will not dissapoint. [Aug 2006, p.90]

American gamers are long overdue for a second shot at this underrated classic. [Aug 2006, p.68]

Its story, gameplay, and presentation are so good and so unique, it's easily the best RPG to hit the PSP, not to mention one of the best of the last two console generations. [Sep 2006, p.79]

If you're looking for an engaging, unique RPG with a great battle system and an enjoyable story, you can't go wrong with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.

Its steep learning curve and the overly convoluted quest system makes it fall short of what could have been a first-rate title.

At the end of the day, you’ve got a fairly good port of a PS1 title with a few new bells and whistles which are greatly appreciated, but are left with a few old nagging issues.

The freedom afforded to the player, not to mention the story, would be impressive coming from a recent RPG, but we’re talking about a game that’s over half a decade old. Sure, it may not be the most portable game on the system, and sure, it may be a port, but that doesn’t stop Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth from being one of the best role-playing games on the PSP.

Although the game is marred by a plethora of problems, including horrendous load times when you load the map and menu, it still provides an entertaining experience nonetheless.

Fans of the original that are still clutching to their original copies will find nothing new here, however, which is a huge letdown for anyone looking to revisit one of Playstation's greatest on the little screen.

For all the good in the game, there’s a fairly steep learning curve that may make some gamers recant their stubborn ‘no FAQ’ tendencies, especially in order to see the game’s multiple endings.

Evidently Square Enix didn't have the time or the inclination to do serious work under Valkyrie's hood. Instead, we get this sloppy emulated version, with all the warts of the original and more.

On its own merits Valkyrie Profile is easy to recommend, but given the relative lack of high quality RPG’s on the PSP, it’s a definite must buy.

I also was frustrated by a sea of poorly designed and explained menus, repetitive dungeon hacks and temperamental controls.

A singular RPG experience with much to offer those who are open to something very different from just about every other RPG out there.

While Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth has a few minor flaws with save points, new additions and so on, it arguably could be the best RPG for the PSP.

While not quite up there with the likes of GBA's "Final Fantasy Tactics Advance," Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is by far the best RPG ever to grace the PSP platform!

It's for the dedicated gamers amongst you only. [Issue 144, p.80]

Despite the porting issues, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is a positive and challenging experience that remains unique more than six years after its initial release.

The PSP-only CG cutscenes are gorgeous and dramatic. An ethereal soundtrack keeps the mythological mood in check, even though the voice-acting won’t win any awards.

In the end, Valkyrie Profile Lenneth is quite the unique RPG and well worth playing for anyone that calls themselves a fan of Japanese RPGs.

Questionable suitability for portable play aside, this is probably the best role-playing game yet for PSP.

Even seven years after the original it looks and plays like few other RPGs. [June 2007, p.96]

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth provides two things for the PSP that have been largely missing: a great RPG and a unique gaming experience.

One of the most individual and visually striking games available on PSP. [July 2007, p.110]

Its intricacies mean limited appeal, but the combat and plot make it rewarding. [July 2007, p.74]