Valkyria Chronicles

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Valkyria Chronicles
Developer(s)	SEGA
Publisher(s)	SEGA
Designer(s)	Toshihiro Nagoshi (producer) Hitoshi Sakimoto (composer)
Engine	Proprietary "CANVAS" engine
Aspect ratio	NTSC, 480p, 720p
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3
Release date	JP April 24, 2008 (2008-04-24) NA Fall 2008[1] EU Fall 2008
Genre(s)	Action, Tactical Role Playing Game
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	CERO rating: B (12 years and above)
Media	Blu-ray Disc
Input methods	DualShock 3 Controller, SIXAXIS Controller

Valkyria Chronicles (戦場のヴァルキュリア:GALLIAN CHRONICLES, Senjo no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles which translates as Valkyrie of the Battlefield: Gallian Chronicles), is a Japanese Strategy RPG developed by SEGA for the PlayStation 3 and released in Japan on April 24, 2008. The North American version is scheduled for Fall 2008^[2].

The game is set in the fictional world of Europe in 1930, in the country of Gallia. Because of its abundance of ragnite ore—which can be refined into a powerful fuel—it has come under attack from the East European Imperial Alliance, which itself is engaged in war with the Atlantic Federation.^[3] Players take control of an uprising of Gallian nationals, dedicated to repelling the invasion. The game's visuals have received a lot of attention, featuring sketch-style cel-shading of such high quality that it has attracted favorable comparisons to animations by Studio Ghibli^[4].

Contents 1 Gameplay 2 Main characters 2.1 Gallian Principality 2.2 Empire 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Gameplay

Valkyria Chronicles features a unique turn-based battle system called BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones)^[5]. In-between turns players are treated to an overhead map view, Command Mode, but zoom in to control each individual unit on the battlefield during Action Mode. Movement and other actions are handled in real time during Action Mode, though limited by an AP gauge that varies for each character. This gauge can recharge even during the same turn as you operate other characters. Additionally, players are in direct control of the characters' aim during Target Mode, allowing for head-shots and other advantages. Taking command of individual units during the player's phase costs Command Points, which can be utilized dynamically to either grant movement to many different units or the same unit consecutively depending on what the player wants to accomplish.

Each character in the game fulfills a specific role—for instance, Alicia is a mid-range rifle soldier, while Welkin is a tank commander. There are also a host of other roles including assault infantry, medics, anti-tank specialists, snipers, and engineers.

These various units form a rock-paper-scissors dynamic of strength and weakness. The foot soldiers (reconnaissance, assault, and sniper) are effective against slower anti-tank units; anti-tank units can easily down tanks with a well-aimed shot; and tanks are devastating against infantry, whose weapons bounce off their thick armor. (Infantry can, however, inflict damage against a tank's ragnite cores, which lie exposed on the aft of the vehicle.) By gaining experience and completing missions, the player's army and materiel can be upgraded. Soldiers receive improved weapons and equipment; vehicles can be outfitted with better armor and armaments; and friendly forces are expanded.

The environment also factors heavily in combat. In an urban level, for example, snipers can be sent onto rooftops to eliminate unsuspecting enemies below. Tanks can outmaneuver enemy positions via the streets. Engineers can knock down walls and other obstacles to open new paths. Buildings and other structures offer hard cover around which to maneuver. Foliage offers soft cover to reduce the chance of being spotted by the enemy and to confound their aim when seen.

As the Gallian forces advance across the battlefield, control points can be captured, giving the player a tactical advantage and offering additional respawn locations. The tank commanders can support the assault by calling in artillery strikes, supervising medics, and improving morale.

[edit] Main characters

[edit] Gallian Principality

Military

Welkin Gunther

The game's male lead. Twenty-two years old. A university student before the Imperial invasion. Welkin's intelligence and determination earn him the commanding position over Gallia's 7th Assault Platoon. Has an extensive knowledge of Gallia's native flora and fauna which he often sketches in a notebook. Voiced by Susumu Chiba.

Alicia Melchiott

Plays opposite Welkin as the game's heroine. A young woman of nineteen years who wishes to be a successful baker, Alicia became a soldier after being swept up in the chaos of the Imperial invasion of Gallia. Loves helping others. Voiced by Marina Inoue.

Isara Gunther

Welkin's sixteen-year-old sister who cares greatly for her comrades. The two are not siblings by birth, as she was taken in by the Gunthers at a young age, but Isara is just as, if not more, devoted to her big brother as any kin by blood. She drives and maintains the unique tank Edelweiss that her adoptive father designed in the First Great European War but was too expensive to mass-produce. The shawl she wears signifies that she is a member of the Daruks. Voiced by Hōko Kuwashima.

Brigitte "Rosie" Stark

Formerly a bar singer who used the stage name "Rosie," and now prefers to be called as such. As a part of the core members of the 7th Assault Troop, she acts as its signature assault soldier. She may seem overbearing at times, but is important as a front-line commander whose tough talk motivates others during battle. Twenty-seven years old. Voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi.

Largo Potter

A gruff, thirty-six year old veteran of the First Great European War and the 7th Assault Troop's main anti-tank soldier. His experience is invaluable and his spirit is indomitable. Voiced by Hisao Egawa.

Zaka

A leader of the group of people known as the Daruks, displayed by the pattern on the bandanna he wears. Commands the Shamrock, a customized version of Gallia's mass-produced tank, for the 7th Assault Troop. Known for his casual demeanor and the fact that he keeps his right eye closed at most times. Thirty-three years old. Voiced by Kazuya Nakai.

Eleanor Varott

Thirty-five year old captain of Gallia's Volunteer Corps and Welkin's direct superior. A cool and collected woman. Voiced by Atsuko Tanaka.

Faldio Landzaat

A former classmate of Welkin's who studied archaeology but now is the tank commander of Gallia's 1st Assault Troop. Twenty-three years old. Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai.

Civilians

Ellet

A twenty-five year old reporter who is always out for the latest scoop. At the onset of the Second Great European War, Ellet collected information for both the Federation and Empire. After Gallia is invaded she attaches herself to the 7th Assault Platoon as a war correspondent for the Volunteer Corps. Wants to bring the whole truth to the people rather than let her stories be altered or censored by those in charge. Voiced by Naomi Shindō.

Royalty

Cordelia gi Randgriz

Sixteen year old descendant of the noble Randgriz family that rules Gallia and has traces of the mysterious Valkyria in its heritage. After her parents fell ill she ascended to the throne but has yet to be coronated because of her young age. Very reserved and showing little emotion, she entrusts much of the affairs of state to her prime minister, Borug. Voiced by Mamiko Noto.

[edit] Empire

Maximilian

Imperial prince and absolute commander of the invasion into Gallia. A handsome and charismatic leader with a tactical mind and much ambition. Directly under him are his three generals, the Drei Stern. Twenty-nine years old. Voiced by Jun Fukuyama.

Selvaria Bles

A proud, taciturn woman of twenty-two years who serves Maximilian with utter loyalty in the Drei Stern. The blood of the legendary Valkyria flows in her veins and grants her superhuman abilities in battle. Voiced by Sayaka Ohara.

Berthold Gregor

The oldest of the Drei Stern at fifty-one, Berthold is level-headed yet cruel. Feared even amongst the Imperial troops because he prefers to wipe out his enemies and see them suffer rather than work towards the most expedient victory. Voiced by Chikao Ōtsuka.

Radi Yaeger

One of Maximilian's Drei Stern generals, Radi is a bit of a joker who puts an emphasis on chivalry in battle and respects those who do the same. Thirty-six years old. Voiced by Akio Ohtsuka.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Valkyria Chronicles official website (Japanese)
• Valkyria Chronicles (US trailer)