Valkyria Chronicles

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Valkyria Chronicles
Developer(s)	Sega WOW
Publisher(s)	Sega
Designer(s)	Ryutaro Nonaka (producer)
Composer(s)	Hitoshi Sakimoto
Engine	Proprietary "CANVAS" engine
Native resolution	720p (HDTV) 480p (EDTV) 480i (SDTV)
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3
Release date(s)	JP April 24, 2008 (2008-04-24)[1][2] NA November 4, 2008[1][2] EU October 31, 2008[1][2][3]
Genre(s)	Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	CERO: B ESRB: T PEGI: 16+ USK: 12
Media	Blu-ray Disc
Input methods	DualShock 3, Sixaxis

Valkyria Chronicles, known in Japan as Battlefield Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles (戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-, Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-^?), is a Japanese tactical role-playing game developed by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and was developed by Sega WOW's Overworks division.^[4] It was released in Japan on April 24, 2008. A European version was then released on October 31, 2008 before a North American version was then released on November 4, 2008.

Players would take control of a team of Gallian soldiers led by Welkin Gunther, son of Gallian war hero General Belgen Gunther, in a bid to reclaim their war-torn neutral nation from Imperial Alliance forces and drive them off from Gallian soil after they had launched an invasion into the country.

Contents 1 Plot 2 Gameplay 3 Characters 3.1 Gallian Principality 3.1.1 Military 3.1.2 Civilians 3.1.3 Royalty 3.1.4 Other 3.2 Empire 4 Pre-launch event 5 Adaptations 6 Reception 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Plot

The game is set in a fictional version 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 Europan Imperial Alliance, which itself is engaged in war with the Atlantic Federation.^[5] Players take control of an uprising of Gallian nationals, dedicated to repelling the invasion. The game's visuals, which feature SEGA's CANVAS graphics engine, have received a lot of attention - with CANVAS, the game's entire graphical style is built to resemble a watercolor painting in motion.

[edit] Gameplay

Valkyria Chronicles features a unique turn-based battle system called BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones).^[6] In-between turns the player is treated to an overhead map view, Command Mode, but zooms 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, the player is in direct control of 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-toting scout, while Welkin is a tank commander. There are also a host of other roles including assault infantry, medics, anti-tank specialists, scouts, 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 generally devastating against infantry, whose anti-personnel weapons are unable to inflict any significant frontal damage. 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, improving morale, and issuing orders which can give temporary boosts to units to increase their combat power.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Gallian Principality

Gallia is a land very much like Switzerland in its policy of mandatory military service despite a stated position of neutrality in armed conflicts.

[edit] Military

Welkin Gunther

Voiced by: Susumu Chiba (Japanese), Dave Wittenberg (English)

The game's male lead. A twenty-two year old university student before the Imperial invasion, Welkin's intelligence and determination earned him the commanding position over Gallia's Squad 7 after he was drafted. His university major, Animal Sociology, gives him an extensive knowledge of Gallia's native flora and fauna and serves as a basis for his military strategies. After the war he pursues his dream of being a teacher, and later marries Alicia.

Alicia Melchiott

Voiced by: Marina Inoue (Japanese), Colleen O'Shaughnessey (English)

Plays opposite Welkin as the game's heroine. A young nineteen year old who wishes to be a successful baker, Alicia became a soldier after being swept up in the chaos of the Imperial invasion of Gallia. Righteous and reliable, Alicia loves helping others. It is revealed that she is a descendant of the mighty Valkrur, and possesses their great power which is used to help turn the tide of the war to Gallia's favor. After the war she trades her rifle for a rolling pin and passes her national exam to be a baker, while marrying her sweetheart Welkin on the same day.

Isara Gunther

Voiced by: Hōko Kuwashima (Japanese), Laura Bailey (English)

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; however, Isara is extremely devoted to her brother. She drives and maintains the unique tank Edelweiss that her father designed in the First Europan War but was too expensive to mass-produce. The shawl she wears signifies that she is a member of the Darcsens ("Daruks" in the Japanese version,) a race of people persecuted for their ancestors' role in the near destruction of the continent in the distant past. SPOILER: She is shot and killed in battle, much to the shock of Squad 7. In her memory, Welkin and Alicia name their daughter after her.

Brigitte "Rosie" Stark

Voiced by: Megumi Toyoguchi (Japanese), Hedy Burress (English)

Twenty-seven years old, Brigitte was 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 Squad 7, she acts as its signature assault soldier. Though she may seem overbearing at times, she is a capable front-line commander whose tough talk motivates others during battle. Her prejudice against the Darcsen people puts her at odds with Isara and Zaka, though she eventually grows to overcome this prejudice. After the war her song "Love Moves On" becomes the national anthem of Gallia, but although popularity causes her to be on tours constantly, she still visits Isara's grave every year.

Largo Potter

Voiced by: Hisao Egawa (Japanese), Fred Tatasciore (English)

A gruff, thirty-six year old veteran of the First Europan War and Squad 7's main anti-tank soldier. His experience is invaluable and his spirit is indomitable. He served in the same unit with Eleanor Varrot and has stayed in the army ever since the First War. At the end of the war, he marries Eleanor and restarts his family's old vegetable farm.

Zaka

Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai (Japanese), Steve Blum (English)

A leader of the group of people known as the Darcsens, Zaka was held in an Imperial work camp where he and his people were forced to work in the dangerous ragnite mines and factories under brutal conditions. The thirty-three year old proves instrumental in helping Squad 7 in one of their battles, joining the unit shortly after. He commands the Shamrock, a customized version of Gallia's main battle tank, for Squad 7. His casual demeanor hides the oppression he has experienced in his life.

Eleanor Varrot

Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka (Japanese), Julia Fletcher (English)

A cool and collected woman, Eleanor is the captain of Gallia's Volunteer Corps and Welkin's direct superior. She is a veteran of the First War and served alongside Largo. Eleanor has a deep understanding of Squad 7's workings, and makes sure to keep the unit together and in working order. After the war, she retires from the army and marries Largo.

Faldio Landzaat

Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese), Robin Atkin Downes (English)

One of Welkin's former classmates who studied archaeology who now acts as tank commander of Gallia's Squad 1. He is the first person to discover Alicia's true identity as a Valkyrur. Determined to turn the tide of the war to Gallia's favor, Faldio critically wounds Alicia with a sniper rifle in order to force an "Awakening" of her Valkyrur powers. Though his plan helps lead to Gallian victory, Faldio feels massive guilt over what he was forced to do and sacrifices his life in order to defeat Prince Maximillian.

[edit] Civilians

Irene Ellet

Voiced by: Naomi Shindō (Japanese), Kari Wahlgren (English)

Irene is a twenty-five year old reporter and correspondent for the GBS radio station who is always out for the latest scoop. At the onset of the Second Europan War, Ellet collected information for both the Federation and Empire, though after Gallia is invaded she attaches herself to Squad 7 as a war correspondent for the Volunteer Corps, wanting to bring the uncensored truth to the people. After the war, she marries her boyfriend and changes her name to Irene Koller, when it is revealed that she is the game's narrator.

[edit] Royalty

Cordelia gi Randgriz

Voiced by: Mamiko Noto (Japanese), Kate Higgins (English)

Cordelia is the sixteen year old princess of the Gallian ruling family, the Randgriz, which has traces of the mysterious Valkyria in its lineage. After her parents fell ill, she ascended to the throne, though she was not coronated due to her young age. Very reserved in nature, she entrusts much of the affairs of state to her prime minister. However, after a kidnapping attempt, Cordelia's demeanor begins to change and she becomes more confident in herself, leading her to finally admit a royal secret: the Randgriz family is not descended from the Valkyria, but from a clan of Darcsens who defected to the Valkyria. While this initially shocks Gallia's populace, they eventually come to embrace their princess.

[edit] Other

Three characters from Skies of Arcadia make cameo appearances in the game: Vyse and Aika can be recruited as playable characters in the player's army, and Fina also makes appearances as the team's medic.^[7]

[edit] Empire

Maximilian

Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (Japanese), Matthew Yang King (English)

An ambitious twenty-nine year old with a tactical mind, Maximillian is an Imperial prince and absolute commander of the Empire's occupation forces in Gallia. Directly under him are the Drei Stern, his hand-picked generals. It is revealed that Maximilian's mother was a commoner, and that other royal heirs, wanting to secure their ascension to the throne, attempted to assassinate him. Maximilian survived, but during the attempt on his life, his mother was killed. Driven to ascend to the Imperial throne, Maximilian invades Gallia in order to claim the Valkyria's ultimate weapon. He is finally killed in a climactic showdown with Squad 7, and his death prompts the Empire to sign a cease-fire with Gallia.

Selvaria Bles

Voiced by: Sayaka Ohara (Japanese), April Stewart (English)

A proud, taciturn woman of twenty-two years who serves loyally Maximilian in the Drei Stern who is descended from the legendary Valkyria, which grants her superhuman abilities. However, Selvaria is quickly defeated after Alicia's Valkyria powers awaken. Maximilian then orders Selvaria to use the Valkyria's Flame, a destructive suicide attack, to eliminate the main Gallian army. She complies, though not before letting Squad 7 escape the blast zone.

Berthold Gregor

Voiced by: Chikao Ōtsuka (Japanese), Roger L. Jackson (English)

The oldest of the Drei Stern at fifty-one, Berthold is level-headed yet cruel. Feared even amongst the Imperials due to his enjoyment of causing undue amounts of suffering, he runs a Darcsen work camp and forces the Darcsen imprisoned there to work under horrible conditions, with Zaka being the only person keeping his actions in check. Gregor is killed when Zaka and Squad 7 destroy the armored train he is riding in.

Radi Yaeger

Voiced by: Akio Ohtsuka (Japanese), Patrick Seitz (English)

One of Maximilian's Drei Stern generals, the thirty-six year old Radi is a bit of a joker who puts an emphasis on chivalry in battle and respects those who do the same. Yaeger does not fight for the Empire out of loyalty but to help his own country gain independence. However, after being defeated by Squad 7, Yaeger sees the hypocrisy of his actions and decides to desert his post. His final message to Maximilian is that he is confident that the Gallians will win the war, despite Maximilian's possession and use of various superweapons.

[edit] Pre-launch event

On September 29th, 2008, SEGA of America held an exclusive Valkyria Chronicles Pre-Launch event at the Sony Metreon in San Francisco. Press and public were both invited, and SEGA used a raffle to give away Valkyria Soundtracks, Japanese figurines of the characters, matted art posters signed by the Japanese Producer Ryutaro Nonaka, and an 80 GB PS3. SEGA let the community send in questions before the event, then posed these to the Japanese Producer in an interview during the event. Pictures and a follow-up of the event were posted on the SEGA of America Blog.^[8]

[edit] Adaptations

Valkyria Chronicles
戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles- (Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-)
Genre	Action, Drama
TV anime
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Anime and Manga Portal

An anime adaptation had recently been announced, scheduled for 2009 under production by Aniplex's A-1 Pictures.^[9][4]

[edit] Reception

Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (November 2008)

Reception
Review scores Publication Score Electronic Gaming Monthly A-[10]

Valkyria Chronicles has been well-received by many critics and has been recognized as one of the top Japanese Role Playing Games to be released for this current generation of gaming consoles. It has been given a score of 9.0 out of 10 by IGN,^[2] RPGland ranked the game as Legendary,^[11] RPGFan gave the game an 88 out of 100,^[12] G4TV's X-Play gave it 4 stars out of five, Gametrailers.com gave it a 9.1 out of 10,^[13] and Gamespot gave the game 8.5/10.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Valkyria Chronicles Official Website (Japanese)
• Valkyria Chronicles Official Blog (Japanese)
• Official Anime Website (Japanese)
• Valkyria Chronicles Official US Website (English)