Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

Sega

Developer

Sega

Series

Valkyria Chronicles

Genre

RPG, Strategy/Tactics

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

10.7 GB

Release Date (NA)

Sep 25, 2018

Purchase From

Amazon

Best Buy

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Official Store

Twelve years ago, Sega brought the story of “alternate” World War II to the PlayStation with Valkyria Chronicles. Gamers enlisted the help of Lt. Welkin Gunther and his squad to fight against the Empire. Media.Vision continues the story of the “Second Europan War” in Valkyria Chronicles 4 (VC4) on an alternative front with Lt. Claude Wallace, Col. Raz, and Col. Kai. Playing the first VC is highly recommended, as VC4 has a concurrent storyline. While Welkin and his Militia Squad 7 have their own unique battles on the Western Front, Claude and his Army Squad E head eastward into the Empire’s territory.

El Niño

Claude is a capable commander from a small town hit hard by the Empire. He enlists and challenges his squad to become part of the elite Army Rangers. Claude, as with Welkin, has a tie to nature. While Welkin uses his knowledge of plants to assess terrain, Claude’s tie is weather related, which comes in handy when assessing the best strategy for his team.

Graphics So Pretty, Makes Ya Wanna Slap Yo Momma

The graphics of VC4 remain gorgeous. The coloring is reminiscent of a watercolor painting with a splash of animated comic book. Certain sounds pop up on the screen a la the ‘60s Batman TV series. Tank on the move? The tank goes “VRRR VRR”. Shocktrooper all up in your grill? They go “RATTA TATTA” and so on. Each region feels visually unique and sets the tone for the battles to come. For battles that seem especially grim, the coloring changes to oranges, reds, and grays. The music guides you as it did in its first inception. When things look bleak, the soundtrack moves to a heavier tone. A major, positive swing in a boss battle initiates a more uplifting score. Even upgrading equipment in R & D has its own tone. Most of the original soundtrack remains with a few new themes thrown in.

In the original VC, the crew is part of the militia. In VC4, they are part of the official military. The costume design changes a little for certain units but remains practical and cosplay-worthy.  More mobile units don lighter-weighted gear, while the “tanks” of the group are armored appropriately. The one hiccup– some female characters are in skirts. Although one character’s clothing choice of a skirt is explained, it still does not make sense for members of an official military unit to wear one. It also leads to (un)intentional “upskirt” shots depending on the camera angle and/or upon the downing of a unit.

It’s Like a Favorite Sweater, But Darker…with a Ketchup Stain

For those who are familiar with the gameplay and plot of the original VC, settle in, grab a hot cocoa, and get comfortable. But…maybe grab an adult? Although VC4 faithfully follows the overarching plot of the VC world, this installment is much darker. Losses are larger, and the crew faces major struggles, morally and physically.

Most of the same game mechanics remain for VC4. Toggling between active targets and weapons during command mode remains fluid and easy to pick up. New to the series is the ability to command a few other squad members on your turn. This can help to get the less mobile units to better vantage points. Another added item is the Grenadier class. This unit does heavy duty personnel damage with motors. Of course, the Empire will ALSO have this class, so it becomes a nasty surprise for lightly armored units on either side.

Commands remain an integral part of the game system and can help turn the tide of the round. Commands can be gained either through speaking with other squad members in the Mess Hall, or by leveling up a squad class.

The grading system is still in play for game bonuses and gaining EXP and money for the crew. The better the grade, the better the spoils. Not doing so hot? The game allows for easy mode, so newer or more casual gamers can get their bearings.

The plot and character development remain strong. Incorporating Squad Stories into the mix encourages gamers to switch up and deploy different members to trigger the event, and gives more personality to each character. It even helps with improving certain negative traits that can leave your squad in a bind during gameplay. The weaker part of the plot comes from the Darcsen storyline. Unless you are familiar with the original VC, personality potentials (traits) like “Darcsen Hater” seem a little strange.

Jive Talkin’

The voice acting is very well done and fully implemented throughout the game. Each casting of the squad members fits their personality. Several actors return to voice minor and major characters from the series. As a bonus, the characters on the coms tend to react to the gameplay versus spewing out one of several set dialogues.

There are many scenes peppered throughout the story chapters to assist with expanding the plot. Some are automatic, while others need the player’s prompting to activate the dialogue. It may be a download glitch, but some of the prompting either took a few extra seconds to pop or took a few extra button presses to move the scene forward. It’s not horrible, but it’s not great when trying to advance the plot of such a complex story.

Don’t Fall into the Plot Hole

The only hitch plot wise is that, unless you delve deep into the character profiles and do some online sleuthing, gamers will be a little lost without playing the original VC first. That said, as a bonus, there is DLC available that helps further link the original game with VC4. While many of the same voice actors return to give their talents to their respective characters, there seems to be a bit of a continuity issue with one character. She has her proper voice actor from the original VC, but during battles, a different voice with a completely different tone will take over. It’s slightly distracting, but it does not take away from the overall gameplay.

 Rewarding Gameplay

Once the game is completed, the fighting doesn’t stop. More options become available to further challenge your crew. New skirmishes, along with improvements to your base, activate to strengthen Squad E, adding to the replay value. Prepare to spend at least 55 hours to fully experience Valkyria Chronicles 4.

A Call to Arms

For those looking to continue the story of Valkyria Chronicles with greater challenges, definitely pick up Valkyria Chronicles 4. It has the gorgeous watercolor graphics you love, along with improved gameplay mechanics. That said, the story is quite heavy, and you may find yourself a little confused if you’re new to the series. Still, Europa’s future depends on you. Squad E, move out!