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Valkyria Chronicles, when it first graced our screens, left an indelible mark. Back then, my experience with strategy RPGs was limited to grids and isometric views, so Valkyria Chronicles felt like a breath of fresh air. Revisiting it through the remastered edition, I'm reminded of the enchantment it still exudes.
Set against the backdrop of Gallia, a small independent nation, ensnared in the crossfire of two superpowers vying for the precious resource, Ragnite, the game weaves a narrative of resistance. The Empire and Federation's ruthless war leaves Gallia in turmoil, setting the stage for the valiant efforts of Welkin and Squad 7 as they stand against the invading forces.
While JRPGs often tread well-worn paths of clichéd characters and narratives, Valkyria Chronicles manages to evolve beyond its roots. It crafts a story that's both compelling and poignant, tackling weighty themes like discrimination and the horrors of war with a maturity that never sacrifices entertainment value.
One of the game's standout features is its eclectic cast of characters, each with their own motives for fighting. From the songstress-turned-soldier, Rosie, to the formidable yet compassionate General Selvaria of the Empire, every character adds depth to the narrative. They're not mere placeholders but individuals who enrich the overarching story. This character diversity breeds attachment, making unit losses all the more heart-wrenching and intensifying the gameplay experience.
Valkyria Chronicles fuses real-time and turn-based combat in a unique way that was a departure from the norm when it first released. It all begins with a battlefield overview, where your units and enemy positions are displayed. You're allotted Command Points (CP) to direct your units, and taking control of a character shifts the perspective to a 3rd-person view. Action Points (AP) govern movement, and you must carefully manage them to avoid exposing your units to enemy fire. When ready to attack, time freezes, allowing precise aiming and firing. The option to use the same unit again, with reduced AP, plays into the game's class system.
The five distinct classes—Scout, Shock Trooper, Lancer, Engineer, and Sniper—each bring a unique role and AP capacity. Balancing CP and the strengths and weaknesses of each unit becomes pivotal. Some units excel in specific terrains, while others suffer penalties. The intricate strategic layers require you to think about every move, transforming you into a true commander. Unpredictable environmental changes and enemy adaptations keep the battles fresh and challenging, though the game can occasionally feel a tad unfair, relying on trial and error.
Beyond battles, you can invest experience and money into class upgrades and weapon enhancements. Unlike traditional RPGs, you don't level up individual characters, but the entire class benefits from experience boosts. Money is allocated to weapon and tank upgrades. Side missions and skirmishes offer extra experience and cash, adding to the game's depth and customization options.
Valkyria Chronicles remains visually stunning despite its age. The watercolor-like aesthetic, now in 1080p at 60fps, keeps the game visually relevant. Hitoshi Sakimoto's iconic soundtrack perfectly complements the world of Valkyria Chronicles, adding to its allure.
In conclusion, Valkyria Chronicles Remastered stands as one of Sega's finest creations. Its timeless art style and strategic gameplay endure, making it a must-play for newcomers and a worthy revisit for veterans. This remastered edition doesn't bring much new content, but the charm of the original still shines brightly. It is a captivating game that has stood the test of time, offering one of the finest strategy RPG experiences you can find. It's the same beloved game we remember, now even more beautiful.
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