Valkyria Chronicles 4

Not expecting to like Valkyria Chronicles 4, I came away loving it. The turned-based tactical gameplay is constantly engaging, and the water colour visuals look a real treat.

Due to its likable characters, engaging plot, and fun and unique as ever gameplay, Valkyria Chronicles 4 has definitely cemented itself as one of my favorite strategy games in recent memory.

Sega has managed to craft an incredible entry in the long-suffering franchise that is fun, fully-featured, and gorgeous. In a time for the industry where a game like Valkyria Chronicles should struggle to find footing, Sega has proved that this dark horse has many bright years ahead of it.

It's quite impressive that SEGA has been able to take something so revered as Valkyria Chronicles, and do it justice with the fourth title in the series. It's even more impressive that it was willing to admit that Revolution's experimental structure wasn't what fans wanted, and to go back to that original formula. It's hard to do justice to something so beloved, but given that the only flaw that Valkyria Chronicles 4 has is that it's not quite Valkyria Chronicles, that's exactly what has been achieved here.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 represents the resurgence of the saga, returning to the origins and debuting on Nintendo Switch. Its graphic aspect and its war plot, brings a breath of fresh air. Despite this, and although it is a very complete game, it does not bring great novelties to the original formula.

It adds a handful of new and interesting mechanics to its tactical battles, nearly all of which improve the formula in tangible ways, but otherwise plays it fairly safe.

If you can get past some disappointing character actions and minor technical issues, there's a dynamite and dynamic strategy game here. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 83]

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is arguably the high point of the series with great and varied tactical action and customization. However, its attempt at being a serious drama about the high cost of war on both sides is undercut by a ridiculous amount of gratuitous objectification.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a pretty conservative entry in the series, but the great story and strategic gameplay will hook you up like the rest of the Valkyrya Chronicles titles.

But with Valkyria Chronicles 4, the series is back and everyone needs to enlist.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 shows that SEGA does listen to the fans and that the series has plenty of life left in it.

Exactly the sequel we were hoping for when we finished the original Valkyria Chronicles back in 2008. Deeper, denser and harder, VC4 hits all the right spots for a triumphant return to the home consoles. Only blemish, it plays, feels and looks like 2008, having copied a large amount of assets (and problems) from the original title.

Valkyria Chronicles 4's cel-shaded graphics look sharp as ever on the Nintendo Switch, and the tactics provide a sturdy challenge over the course of more than 60 hours of gameplay. Alas, the cast and the story don't quite measure up to the original. If this is indeed a true revival for Valkyria Chronicles, I hope the next entry finds a new and interesting spin on the somewhat tired Second Europan War.

An enjoyable but extraordinarily safe follow-up that carries the torch for this beloved strategy RPG series into the next generation.

Valkyria Chronicles is considered one of the greatest RPGs of the last generation, so this true sequel coming ten years later always had some lofty expectations to look up to. The combat significantly improves upon the original and RPGamers that value interesting, strategic battles will be extremely pleased with Valkyria Chronicles 4. However, it doesn’t quite manage to emulate the same interesting, thought-provoking plot that dealt with delicate themes in a mature manner. Nevertheless, while the narrative of VC4 doesn’t reach those lofty heights, sixty hours quickly disappeared in the course of playing it. Perhaps that’s more indicative of its quality than comparing it to something it’s not.

Where it lacks in the storytelling department and capturing the emotion of the narrative, it makes up for in the depth of gameplay that it offers.

Whether you’ve been waiting for a great follow up to the original for a decade like me, totally new to the tactical RPG genre or looking for something new after whetting your appetite with Mario + Rabbids, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is totally worth a look.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 stumbles in its narrative, but great characters, a unique aesthetic, and an engaging combat system make for the best game in the franchise since the original.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 doesn't necessarily tell a new tale, but it doesn't have to; for all of its clichés and expected twists, there's a charm to the game's unwillingness to let up as it drives you and your friends forward at a rapid clip towards its bittersweet end.

Despite some technical blemishes on the Switch version, including notable frame drops in busier sections, it’s another great addition to a growing roster of quality JRPGs for Nintendo’s system. And of course, this will also serve as a great way to fill the gaping hole in our hearts left by a lack of Switdh Fire Emblem, which isn’t due until 2019. In short, if you’re looking for a new portable strategy game on Switch — look no further.

Though it suffers from some relatively minor pacing issues, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a sublime strategy experience that fans of the genre won’t want to miss out on. The engaging, character-driven plot, third-person action, deep customization options, and high replayability make this one an easy recommendation, although pacing issues and cumbersome menu management may make it a little more intimidating to newcomers to the genre. We're also undecided about where it fits in the franchise hall of fame; the original game perhaps just shades it. All the same, we’d recommend you give Valkyria Chronicles 4 a go; this is a strong return to form for the series, and it’s a great entry point for Nintendo fans.

Thoroughly entertaining turn-based tactics with visual novel appeal and some weaknesses in terms of storytelling as well as minor mechanical flaws.

It is more of the same for Valkyria Chronicles 4 - and that's no bad thing. Going back to what SEGA did best with this series following the awful Revolution was really all that was necessary, even if it might feel too familiar if coming off of playing the first game recently. Comic book visuals, a story based on World War II, appealing anime-like characters, a mix of overhead and third-person strategic and real-time gameplay - there are so many crazy ideas melded together, and yet it all comes off so well. There still isn't a series much like it.