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Ispep
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 Posted: Sun, 19th Oct 2008 23:06 Post subject: [PS3] Valkyria Chronicles |
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So I just tried the demo for this and I have to say I'm really genuinely impressed, not to mention giddy with excitement as to how the full version holds up. For those that haven't tried it the game is a turn-based strategy title with pseudo-real-time segments for when you control your units directly. I don't know anything about the story, or the setting but at a glance I'd say it's a super good guys vs super bad guys type of affair.
You start off deploying your chosen characters on the battlefield using an overhead map, and once everyone is in place you use up your limited, and precious command points to then take control of them individually, one at a time. It's at this point the action switches to a third person viewpoint in what I guess you could call pseudo-real-time, and where you can run around freely, get into position for a better shot, take cover, fire your weapon or use special items (like healing comrades or repairing vehicles). The only time you'll be interrupted in this mode by the enemy is when you enter their line of sight (which means you'll be shot at) or you shoot at someone and they get a courteous moment to return fire.
It's all very simple and straightforward, and the interface and controls are too, so there's no barrier to enjoying it like most games of this nature. The characters appear nicely fleshed out with appropriately cute skills and deficiencies that come into play during battles - and the opening skit is suggestive of a strong singleplayer storyline. I'm not sure about multiplayer, but it seems suited to that sort of thing so hopefully that's covered too.
I love the stylistic approach they've taken, especially in regards to the amazing graphics. Whilst it might not be a technological juggernaut like, say, the less attractive Crysis, it looks and moves fucking great nonetheless. The aesthetics are spot on, and won me over straight away - sort of like Team Fortress 2 in that respect. I just hope the full game lives up to the potential the demo hints at. If you haven't already, try the demo - I downloaded it and played it on a whim (didn't sound or look interesting from the PSN storefront) so you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
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| Posted: Sun, 19th Oct 2008 23:44 Post subject: |
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Yeah, I'm a big fan of Advance Wars so I'll probably buy this..
Might hold off though, because I can see a ton of people buying it off the back of the graphics and high scores, then sell it when they realise what it's about... So it might be cheap 'Used' quite quickly....Dunno.
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Ispep
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| Posted: Mon, 20th Oct 2008 00:39 Post subject: |
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| LanceBullet wrote: | Yeah, I'm a big fan of Advance Wars so I'll probably buy this..
Might hold off though, because I can see a ton of people buying it off the back of the graphics and high scores, then sell it when they realise what it's about... So it might be cheap 'Used' quite quickly....Dunno. |
You're not wrong there actually. Ingenious even  
I decided to play it through one more time the other night. The units are all specialised, so you actually have to put some consideration into how you organise and move them around - pairing them up provides a greater base of fire for example. You also can't just run up to the enemy, shoot them and expect to get away with it, you have to play it with a modicum of caution like any turn based title. But, in saying all that, I'd find it very surprising to hear someone fail on the single level they provide. Assuming you don't run around like a madman and actually play it properly there's simply no way you can lose. Well, not that I can see. The AI just isn't pro-active or challenging enough and although it remains entertaining to go through the motions I do hope there is some higher difficulty settings in the full version.
Still hasn't dented my anticipation thankfully. |
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Ispep
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| Posted: Sat, 1st Nov 2008 12:23 Post subject: |
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Well I picked this up the other night and it's all kinds of awesome. Anyone who remotely enjoyed the demo should love this. I feared the main game would be pretty empty - a series of loosely connected and simple battles - but from my time with the game I'd say it's the opposite.
Following on from my last post; whilst there are no difficulty settings in the main game the challenge is much greater than that of the skirmish in the demo. It can actually be a little tricky, particularly as characters die permanent deaths. The AI is admittedly pretty banal but like I mentioned earlier it's not something that diminishes the experience, and in spite of this they still pose a threat.
I've only played the introductory half of the game so far but in a nice touch it unfolds as the recounting of an old story and has been chock full of cut-scenes and talking heads dialogue. I'm willing to bet the light, fluffy and anime generic style isn't to everyone's tastes, and I'm also going to wager there's a number of people who think cut-scenes died with Half-Life - but I like them, lots. They lend gravitas to the battles, and make them appear consequential as opposed to the main portion of the game, which they really are. Mostly they're just so damn pretty.
...that said, some interactivity in these interludes would have been welcome. Instead of watching a character run towards a house for example let us run towards the house and then switch to the cut-scene. It seems like a missed opportunity to add some (real-time) variety outside of the battle sequences - I mean it uses the same engine so why not?
The game could flow a little better as well. Instead of full screen animations of people yahoo'ing the death of a bad guy why not stick it on a pip overlay and let us get on with the game. The zooming and rotation in and out of the real time mode can get annoying as well, sure it's nice the first few times but not for long. I'm a little disappointed there's no multiplayer or trophies implemented as well, as there's no doubt it would have made the game a more attractive purchase.
I would recommend playing the demo and seeing for yourself. The full game is obviously a more fleshed out experience, and as I said; more challenging, but it'll give you an idea of what to expect and if you enjoy the game mechanics you'll know the full version is worth picking up or not. I'm loving it.
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| Posted: Sat, 1st Nov 2008 12:29 Post subject: |
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Cheers for the write up..
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Surray
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Location: Europe
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sTo0z
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| Posted: Tue, 4th Nov 2008 13:00 Post subject: |
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No MP = no sale. MP is such a huge deal to me these days. Can't waste my time with single player nonsense anymore. Shame. 
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| Posted: Tue, 4th Nov 2008 13:23 Post subject: |
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| sTo0z wrote: | | No SP = no sale. SP is such a huge deal to me these days. Can't waste my time with multi player nonsense anymore. Shame. |
Fixed. |
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Ispep
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| Posted: Tue, 4th Nov 2008 14:32 Post subject: |
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Lets say Valkyria Chronicles did have multiplayer; I find it hard to believe that would change your perception of the game. The singleplayer elements are an integral part of its enjoyment, it's like watching, and playing an anime. Something that would be lost in multiplayer.
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sTo0z
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| Posted: Tue, 4th Nov 2008 16:03 Post subject: |
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| Ispep wrote: | | Lets say Valkyria Chronicles did have multiplayer; I find it hard to believe that would change your perception of the game. The singleplayer elements are an integral part of its enjoyment, it's like watching, and playing an anime. Something that would be lost in multiplayer. |
Nothing could be farther from how I operate these days. I only really game with friends these days (with rare exceptions). A game like this just screams for an MP component.
Example: Final Fantasy Tactics, I used to think it was an amazing game, until you spent all these hours making your party ridiculous... and then what? Nothing. And then prayers were answered. The PSP remake introduced awesome MP into the game, something to DO with your beefed up party.
In a game like this I would have wanted to be able to use my squad for something. The draw with MP is that the challenge is dynamic everytime, and you get to actually USE the party you've built up. It would have been great for a game like this, and changed everything about it for me.
As it stands, I have no desire to play through a tactical game like this just for story. Even games that don't really have much business with MP in them are starting to understand. The excellent GBA games Golden Sun, you can use your party in an MP skirmish. It's super simple, but it was a lot of fun, and something to actually do with your party.
The new Fire Emblem game is finally getting some decent MP in it. This type of game just should have something, even a simple skirmish mode, hell even if it was local only. But not having anything at all, and hiding behind that same tired excuse of "we wanted to concentrate on an amazing single player experience." Fuck that. Lazy is what it is.
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Ispep
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| Posted: Tue, 4th Nov 2008 16:28 Post subject: |
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As I said in my original posts; multiplayer would be nice, but it's not necessary and it's certainly not 'nonsense' in its absence. I can understand someone wishing it had a multiplayer component in order to extend its longevity and perhaps therefore find the price of £35 steep, but your stance is peculiar to say the least.
Many great, classic games don't have nor need multiplayer. Whether that's ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, Fallout, X-COM, Baldurs Gate*, Mass Effect, whatever - lots of games over the years and many more to come (I can't be bothered listing them all).
Metal Gear Solid 4 has a multiplayer component and it hasn't helped the game, if anything it's poor execution and overall lameness is a sore point. GTA4 finally included official multiplayer as well. That's not exactly set the world on fire either. Are they appreciated; yeah, but are they necessary - do they in some way better their singleplayer portion. The answer is no.
Valkryia Chronicles doesn't need a multiplayer component it may or may not benefit from, it's a fantastic game in its own right.
*I'm aware it had it, but nobody played it past the opening
| Quote: | | Even games that don't really have much business with MP in them are starting to understand. |
You're projecting. As I hinted at earlier multiplayer is seen as a plus point in regards to longevity (even if it works out not to be the case in practice). Multiplayer is also an intrinsic part of certain gaming engines that are licensed - and therefore far more practical to implement. The notion that they are sat around a table thinking multiplayer is better than singleplayer isn't happening... connectivity means business, means money, means control. Has nothing to do with 'better'.
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Ispep
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| Posted: Sat, 13th Dec 2008 04:19 Post subject: |
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What a shame, despite its charming graphics this game seems to have tanked in the US; 'Valkyria Chronicles largely ignored by US gamers (EDGE)' and whilst admittedly not shocking news those numbers are still depressingly low for a game as utterly brilliant as Valkryia Chronicles.
...and *jeez* what a game it is. I'm on chapter 12 (of 18 in total) and I've clocked in somewhere around ~30 hours. The main portion of the game is completely absorbing, but it's the the plot itself which is equal parts funny, sweet, sad and just downright emotional (     ) that is the major pull for me. In fact the graphics and initial tone can actually get you off your guard, as it features and deals with issues like concentration camps and so on. The evil side isn't as one dimensional as they first appear either.
The sad thing is, nearly everyone on the internet seems to be in agreement on the brilliance of Valkyria Chronicles but there's no sales figures to back it up (even in Japan if I'm reading right). I hope that doesn't spoil the chances for a sequel or dent the chances of more games like this turning up on our shores.
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Big_Gun
Posts: 3017
Location: My mother's womb originally. . .
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| Posted: Sat, 13th Dec 2008 13:00 Post subject: |
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| Ispep wrote: | What a shame, despite its charming graphics this game seems to have tanked in the US; 'Valkyria Chronicles largely ignored by US gamers (EDGE)' and whilst admittedly not shocking news those numbers are still depressingly low for a game as utterly brilliant as Valkryia Chronicles.
...and *jeez* what a game it is. I'm on chapter 12 (of 18 in total) and I've clocked in somewhere around ~30 hours. The main portion of the game is completely absorbing, but it's the the plot itself which is equal parts funny, sweet, sad and just downright emotional ( ) that is the major pull for me. In fact the graphics and initial tone can actually get you off your guard, as it features and deals with issues like concentration camps and so on. The evil side isn't as one dimensional as they first appear either.
The sad thing is, nearly everyone on the internet seems to be in agreement on the brilliance of Valkyria Chronicles but there's no sales figures to back it up (even in Japan if I'm reading right). I hope that doesn't spoil the chances for a sequel or dent the chances of more games like this turning up on our shores. |
"Which leads us to what I think are the core problems why Valkyria Chronicles has sold like crap in the first place:
1. It was an RPG hosted exclusively on the wrong console - I got no problem with console exclusivity, but if you are going to host a game exclusively on a console and expect it to do well, then you need to host it exclusively on the one console most associated with a particular genre of game - either that, or drop exclusivity altogether and go multi-console.
This gen, the RPG console is beyond the shadow of any doubt, the Xbox 360. To host any form of RPG, be it Western RPG or Japanese RPG, exclusively on any other console, is tantamount to suicide. It's no different than hosting a shooter on the wrong console.
And as if to prove my point, Haze, Unreal Tournament 3 and now Resistance 2, all shooters, all initially exclusive to PS3 (a console largely unassociated with shooters), and consequently, all failed miserably in sells. Had they all been exclusive on the right system, they all would have likely enjoyed million-seller status. Lesson for 3rd parties - best to chose a lot more carefully where you put your exclusive titles, or go multi-console and call it a day."
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Ispep
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| Posted: Sat, 13th Dec 2008 13:09 Post subject: |
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And that comments first response, from a fellow called Nugent;
| Quote: | Three exclusive 360 RPGs were released around the same time as Valkyria (Infinite Undiscovery, Tales of Vesperia, Last Remnant). They all sold around 40k in the first month in the US. Valkyria Chronicles has come close to that, even though the X360's market share is about double that of the PS3 in the US. The lack of sales of Valkyria Chronicles has nothing to do with the console, it is because the strategy/RPG market is a niche market.
FYI Resistance 2 is outpacing sales of the first Resistance game, which has sold something like 3 million units, about half of which were in the US. Its not Halo or Gears, but that's hardly "failing miserably." |
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| Posted: Mon, 15th Dec 2008 23:23 Post subject: |
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Why is this always called an RPG?
I watched my brother play several missions, and there are some RPG elements, but this is definately a strategy game. Calling this an RPG is wrong IMO. I think they only do this for advertising, as most people will be put off if they only hear the word "strategy". So they marketed this as an RPG.
Don't get me wrong, this game is really good, but then you could call GTA4 an RPG as well, because you can improve your character there as well...
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
- Albert Camus
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Ispep
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| Posted: Mon, 15th Dec 2008 23:40 Post subject: |
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Well, I don't think genres really mean a whole lot to begin with but Valkryia Chronicles is an sRPG so not strictly an RPG, but it still falls under that blanket term. I'm not sure where you've heard it referred to exclusively as an RPG though? The thematic elements are pretty much set in stone - so you need to make that distinction.
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| Posted: Tue, 16th Dec 2008 01:56 Post subject: |
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| bringiton wrote: | | because you can improve your character there as well... |
How exactly do you improve your character? Your equipment yes, but there are no attributes in GTA4.
"Techniclly speaking, Beta-Manboi didnt inject Burberry_Massi with Benz, he injected him with liquid that had air bubbles in it, which caused benz." - House M.D
"Faith without logic is the same as knowledge without understanding; meaningless"
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| Posted: Fri, 26th Dec 2008 04:16 Post subject: |
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| AnimalMother wrote: | | bringiton wrote: | | because you can improve your character there as well... |
How exactly do you improve your character? Your equipment yes, but there are no attributes in GTA4. |
They have character traits which you can unlock as you progress levels. For example 'Alicia' a scout has the abilitiy to get an extra free turn in which to move/shoot etc.. whereas another scout like 'Ramona' has the 'ultimate evade' ability which gives her a permanant always on boost to her chance of dodging bullets. Every character has different abilities, AND shortcomings... hayfever?
Overall, some traits are shared amongst other characters but no two are ever totally the same either.
I don't know if each character has individual stats, even if they did theres no way to view or change them at least in the sense of a traditional rpg like assigning points to individual stats. Customizability isn't this games strong point.
The game does tell a good story though and engine is pretty sound, but I have to agree it does suffer by it's lack of any (online)MP element which would probably give this game much more replay value then it has. Not many secrets or extras to unlock either... which was slightly dissapointing seeing as with a JRPG (if you can class this as such) they usually come full of hidden stuff for the player to find. Good game if you like this turn based 'tactics' sort thing.
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mace999
Posts: 426
Location: Bangkok
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| Posted: Sun, 28th Dec 2008 17:15 Post subject: |
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I really can't get into this game, I was blinded by the reviews and ignored the fact I haven't liked these kind of strategy games since Final Fantasy Tactics on the Ps1.
I'm also not getting much out of Little Big Planet too .... 360 is still fucked, back to PS2 and Persona 4
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mace999
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Location: Bangkok
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| Posted: Sun, 28th Dec 2008 17:16 Post subject: |
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| LanceBullet wrote: | Yeah, I'm a big fan of Advance Wars so I'll probably buy this..
Might hold off though, because I can see a ton of people buying it off the back of the graphics and high scores, then sell it when they realise what it's about... So it might be cheap 'Used' quite quickly....Dunno. |
This sums my feelings up perfectly, trade for Resistance 2
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Ispep
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| Posted: Sun, 28th Dec 2008 19:48 Post subject: |
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You should know the first few chapters of Valkyria Chronicles serve as tutorials. The game doesn't really open up until about a quart of the way through at which point you start progressively unlocking extra stuff to do. The ability to change your squad, train classes, research and equip new weapons for both tanks and footsoldiers plus a couple of other extras such as learning new 'special orders', receiving medals & awards, and getting access to additional chapters which enrich the story with even more exposition and the occasional battle.
In all the game is a pretty straightforward, streamlined affair in which the beauty is in the unfolding story and development of its characters - but even so you should find the combat satisfying. I can re-play the story'less skirmishes time and time again and still find them entertaining but if you don't have even an inkling of that, then yeah this maybe isn't for you.
| Quote: | | I'm also not getting much out of Little Big Planet too |
There is no god.
| Quote: | | This sums my feelings up perfectly, trade for Resistance 2 |
A bombastic and completely average shooter designed by an epileptic who couldn't sit still? Say it isn't so!
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Surray
Posts: 5409
Location: Europe
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| Posted: Mon, 19th Jan 2009 22:00 Post subject: |
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I bought this game a week ago and it's even better than I had hoped.
Absolutely awesome game! Great story, gameplay and graphics.
I just hope Sega will make more games like this.
Likot Mosuskekim, Woodcutter cancels Sleep: Interrupted by Elephant.
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| Posted: Mon, 16th Mar 2009 20:40 Post subject: |
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Was looking forward to this news :
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Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of 1930s Europe - divided in two and ruled by the Empire and the Federation. The game follows a hero named Welkin and his fellow soldiers of the Federation’s 7th Platoon as they engage in a series of epic battles. SEGA plans to released 3 DLC packages adding a new Hard EX Mode, and two missions.
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http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=60776
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| Posted: Mon, 16th Mar 2009 22:45 Post subject: |
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Sweet. I loved this game. The imperial side story sounds pretty cool. I hope they make an entire sequel/prequel though.
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| Posted: Mon, 16th Mar 2009 23:46 Post subject: |
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| Illumina wrote: | | Sweet. I loved this game. The imperial side story sounds pretty cool. I hope they make an entire sequel/prequel though. |
This game is amazing. I must say that i had my doubt about this game at the start. But the campaign sucked me in. It's one of the best PS 3 games out there. To bad that such amazing game didn't get the attention it deserved. |
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| Posted: Wed, 8th Apr 2009 18:44 Post subject: |
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'Valkyria Chronicles' (PS3) DLCs Priced And Dated
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Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of 1930s Europe - divided in two and ruled by the Empire and the Federation. The Empire has set its sights on invading a small neutral country called Gallia, which is situated in the middle of the two great empires. The game follows a hero named Welkin and his fellow soldiers of the Federation's 7th Platoon as they engage in a series of epic battles.
The three new packs include Hard EX Mode, Edy’s Mission “Enter the Edy Detachment”, and Selvaria’s Mission “Behind Her Blue Flame”. Each new offering provides players with a brand new experience that will keep gamers wanting more.
Details on the new downloadable content:
* Hard EX Mode – fight your way once again through the entire Imperial army, where the enemies are more lethal and your main tank Edelweiss is unavailable. You’ll have to be more strategic in order to overcome your opponents.
* Edy’s Mission “Enter the Edy Detachment” – six members have been separated from Squad 7 and on their journey to reunite with their squad, they stumble upon a tiny village under attack by the Imperial Army. Play as Edy and command your outnumbered team to defend the small village from annihilation.
* Selvaria’s Mission “Behind Her Blue Flame”– Taking place right after the outbreak of Gallian battle lines, you play as Johann, a young and meek engineer assigned to Selvaria’s troop. See the action as it unfolds behind enemy lines and see the war play out through the eyes of the enemy.
The downloadable content for Valkyria Chronicles will be available on PSN for download for £3.19/€3.99 each on April 16, 2009.
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http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=61524
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| Posted: Sat, 11th Apr 2009 02:10 Post subject: |
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The Selvaria's Mission Mode was suppossedly gimped on the Nippon release.. Selvaria was as tough as nuts and had that sexy rifle so gameplay was seriously unbalanced.. apparantly.
Hope that (still?) isn't the case next week when it finally arrives. Have been wanting to play this game again recently. Always thought there was so much potential for DLC in this game (more characters/weapons/missions etc).. Japan store hasn't seen any update for this game since those DLC packs were released last year though. Pity if that is all there ever will be for this game.
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twobells
Banned
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Location: England
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| Posted: Sat, 11th Apr 2009 18:17 Post subject: |
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moink?
Hark! Its the porcavian porker.
tb
ps: moink!
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