A very good designed game. Lots of game time and fun gameing experiance!

The last game I gave a 10 was a mistake. I reviewed it too early, in the first excitement of a new game, and it didn't hold up to my expectations. So I waited on this one, clocking around 40 hours of gameplay (with a few spent away from the TV taking care of kids), and now I can give this one a 10 in (almost) good conscience. A 9.5 or 9.6 is closer. There are minor annoyances, which the professional reviewers have documented well, but they don't bother me much and are easy to work around if you accept that this IS a strategy RPG and so is operating according to (somewhat arbitrary) rules. The story has been described as "sappy," but I admit, the story has engaged me enough that I've thought "That's sweet" on multiple occasions, and "That sucks! You can't do that!" on one in particular. Combat has kept me more engaged and excited than any SRPG I've played, and I go out of my way to get a medic to my downed soldiers--I can't stand leaving them there. One battle in particular had me thinking, "This is too easy," only to have me scrambling to avoid being wiped out the next turn. Overall, one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've had.… Expand

I' am a harsh voter when it comes to rating games. So far the only other 10 I would give out is MGS4. Many reviewers can explain this with better words then I, but don't be mistaken this is a game you have to be moronic to miss. Gamplay - 10 I had no clue about this game until i played the early release of the demo from qore. When i first saw the initial opening scenes i thought it was a really nice art style (well get more into that later) however I didn't think it would be good for playing. I couldn't be more wrong. Gameplay has the hugest step i have seen in the SPRG genre. You look up from a top down view much like a risk board, however when selecting your character it zooms in like google maps. When you control you character is the most refreshing thing. It controls like a third person shooter, however your movement it limited by action points. When your movement bar depletes or when you move your character where you want them you can choose to attack or another action like healing. If you attack you actually control where you shoot and go into a fps mode or reticules appear depending on the character class. Story - 10 While i don't want to ruin the story lets just say it's really wonderful. You play as a small country in between 2 warring nations and one of the nations wants your land for your massive amount of resources, then lets just say snowball effect. Your "grunts" are not just standard rent a cops as each one of them has an attitude. All 100 of them, which makes you want to protect them even more. Sound - 8 For JRPGS voice acting has always been a probem unless your game pertains the name final fantasy. While there still may be some issues and funky voices it is much much better then its hundreds of other JRPGS. The music is good but reused often. Graphics - 9 While the graphics are not ground breaking they are amazing in its artistic style. Everything is done as if water colored and on a canvas. The only problem i have is no characters have lips. Not a huge problem just something you notice after a while. Replay Value - 10 The main quest offers around 40 hours of gameplay if you rush through every cutscene. As said before wonderful story. Not only this there are sidequests to partake and you can redo battles to try and get a better score. Also DLC content is coming where you can play on the imperial side soon. Overall - 10 If you average it all out....it doesn't come to 10 however the gameplay is so wonderful that it sort of overpowers other factors in the game. Basicly if i could give it more then a 10 in this area I would.… Expand

Great SRPG game. Very good graphics style, and very nice soundtrack. And gameplay is very good. Must have Ps3 game.

This game is fantastic. An outstanding blend of strategic thinking, 3rd Person Action, Role Playing, and storytelling. The characters are so engaging that you can't help but fall in love with them as they struggle to defend their country. The graphics are innovative and beautiful, and the music is one of the best soundtracks I've heard since Chronotrigger!! Seriously, if you have a PS3 get this game immediately, and if you don't have a PS3, then this game is the reason to buy one.… Expand

The best game I've played all year. They've managed to blend real-time and turn-based action, a nice story, delightful characters and a fanstic imagining of World War 2 into the most engaging game I've played in ages. Only the most heartless of gamers could play through Valkyria Chronicles and not get attached to their squad. Little character traits, story details and moments of heroism will make you care when a squad member is permanently killed, assuming you have any empathy at all. Not many games can manage that feat and this one does it with a charming style that really sets it apart from the current hyperrealistic brown and grey world of one-dimensional characters that make up so many current games. Play the demo, if that doesn't convince you, nothing can.… Expand

this is not only one of my favourite games on the ps3 but one of my favourite games of all time everything from the slick presantation and beautiful art style to the deap story and charactures is fantastic the stratagy needed to compleat a mission with an a rank is solid and you really need to learn how to use each class to its full advantage this is an amazing turn based rpg and is already developing a cult status if u haven't played it already than jump in for one of the best games to come out of japan in ages… Expand

Amazing story, amazing graphics, and an innovative and challenging battle system - I had impossibly high expectations for this game, and Sega met them - i'm hoping that they get more involved in making new RPGs... maybe we can get a new Skies of Arcadia done in this graphic style?

A stratagy RPG with a new updated combat system that works amazingly well... SIGHN ME UP!!! wow SEGA is back to making good games again House of the dead 4 , MadWorld and now this . if you are stratagy RPG fan this is a must buy . this is the closest thing it seems we are gona get to a new shining force game that doesnt suck from sega (shining force 1-3 amazing shinign force ex and neo HORRID!) this is what id want a updated SRPG to look like .im not a huge fan of cell shaded graphice but if you are gona make a anime style SRPG then the graphics fit perfectly . the EXP and LVL up system wroks perfectly so you never have to worry about charicters getting to far ahead of others with its new exp distrabution set up . you decide who gets what exp . the story takes about 20-30 hours to complete depending on if you do every thing or just try to fly through the game which meets my standers for gameplay time to beat. i only wish they added trophys to this because this is the kinda game id want to 100% . the story is very entertaining the voice acting is pretty good if you like anime style voice acting which i do. about the only bad thing isn the enimy AI now it has a few moments where it just does really stupid things almost like its trying to give you the win . i dont know if this was a attempt at sega to try to make the game more accesable to newer gamers or they just screwed up. a diffuculty system woulda been nice for more VET gamers of this style of game . other then that i love every thing els about this game . Stratagy RPG's are a rare game to get released and to see this game hit the ps3 from sega makes me smile. i can only hope this pushed sega to make a new shining force game.… Expand

My favorite game since Persona 3, this game is unbelievable. An extraordinary and revolutionary battle system combined with an absolutely beautiful story, this game is not to be missed by any JRPG fan at all.

Excellent game to merge together the JRPG style with strategic combat. It took me hours and hours to beat some of the maps, and I LOVE when any game is difficult enough to make me exercise my brain, but still achievable. The art style is favored by myself (and I LOVE the anime that just recently began airing in Japan). This game will be a crown jewel on my shelf for years to come.

Good strategy game with RPG elemts, an elaborate story and fine visual content. It misses a ten because of technical problems like wrong collision detection and perspective and an inconsistent menu system which for instance lets you save in chapter mode but not load.

Very fast paced SRPG, and has a brilliant storyline. A definite must have for any RPG fan on the PS3. Would have given this game a 10 but I did notice some inconsistent game mechanics, other than that, this game is flawless.

Valkyria Chronicles is the game I've been waiting since Final Fantasy Tactics. It manages to change the usual sRPG gameplay in an innovative and clever way, creating an unique and definitely satisfying game experience. Add to this an incredible graphic quality, an intriguing story and a few good characters and you get a masterpiece. The only thing that prevented this game from getting a 10 is the not-so-perfect AI. But still, I would highly recommend this game to any RPG fan out there.… Expand

An excellently presented strategy game that has a genuinely interesting and touching story that is enhanced buy the cell shaded / watercolour look of the graphics. The game is very well paced, opening up it's options and advanced techniques gradually over the course of the game. Also worth mentioning is the overall length of the experience. I finished the game clocking up 55 hours of gameplay, which was unexpected. I would say that the only downside is that the enemy AI can feel a little scripted, but it doesn't take away from the overall experience. It's definitely worth a purchase.… Expand

This is old school SEGA goodness wrapped up in Next gen technology. The SRPG mechanics underlying the game are brilliant, this is one of the most satisfying SRPGs I've ever played (up there with the Disgaea series). The interplay between the classes, giving real value to just spotting your enemies vs. sending in your biggest gun and shooting, the importance of using the terrain, its all a very thorough wargame. And on top of that, the cast of characters is truly charming. Your team just bleeds likeable personality all over the place! You will come to care for your favorites very much, and stress over sending them into harms way. The added tension of being able to permanently lose characters if they get incapacitated and are not rescued by a medic makes every turn feel meaningful. The story is somewhat over the top, but engrossing. Its hard not to feel for the plight of these Gallerian soldiers torn from their peaceful life and thrown into war. The only real thorn I found in this wonderful game was the mascot which I felt was totally unnecessary and merely got in the way of the otherwise moving interactions between the main characters (why must all these games stick a stupidly cutesy mascot in there? The only ones that ever worked were prinnies, because you can blow them up :) ). This game will be a classic, remembered in fond tones by the RPG veterans of tomorrow, as they tell the newbie masses how great gaming used to be 'back in the day'. The only reasons not to buy this would be: i) not into RPGs/SRPGs, ii) hate the anime aesthetic, iii) can't overlook one stupidly cutesy mascot. This is really brilliant stuff!… Expand

This is one of the most original, well-thought out games this generation. The combination of the brilliant game mechanics and the excellent storyline tell a lot about how much work Sega has put into this. They even used throwbacks to Skies of Arcadia, which is another one of my favourite games. Baseline is, buy this game.

Great game for anyone that loves strategy, anime, turnbased gameplay and a fantastic story! The only downside is that skirmish mode levels dont have random enemy placement and the AI seems kind of scripted. This would definatly have given this game even more replayabiliy.

This is without a doubt the best spin on the tactical RPG genre i've played in the last 10 years, since Dragon Force back on the SEGA Saturn. Recommended highly to fans of the Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre series'.

This game has nothing to do with Ring of Red or Spectrum Warriors... If there is any game out there that this one draws influence from, it's Jagged Alliance, which just shipped it's new itteration called Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge (Shipped yesterday). This game kept me glued to the TV for 5 days, and even after finishing it, haunts me to go play it some more (After you finish the game, it makes a Clear! save game and you keep going with your stats and gear aquired). I am over 40 years old, and for any game to woo me with game play in this day and age, is saying a hell of a lot. If you can get over the obligitory cutsey flying pig, this game is pure win. Strategy turn based on the console done right. The only improvement I would make would be to randomize troop placements on the skirmish maps so they get a new face every go through. Vyse from Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast) is playable character as well. If you are looking for rich, deep, replayable turn based strategy with some rpg elements and unique soldier back story/personalities, this game is a must buy.… Expand

Real immersive gameplay, involving at once strategy on the field, gripping action, characters and weapons management, and long and epic battles. Story is a bit cliched, but battles are numerous and optional skirmishes a great way to develop the story and characters. Lot of replay value, with a new game + option, different difficulty modes, and rankings to improve. Unfortunately, no trophy support, no multiplayer either (online skirmishes would have been fun), and the story prevent it to be an absolute blast. Anyway, gameplay wise it is a masterpiece, engaging and rich, supported by great and unique visuals. A really worthy exclusive to the PS3 catalogue.… Expand

This game is awesome. I'm so sad i didn't get it when it came out. Impressive Presentation & Truly quite Addictive. Upgrading and replaying skirmishes to upgrade my soldiers and tank is a really neat and great way for those who are new to S/Rpgs, by letting you keep the EXP and Credits when you replay and practice skirmishes. Definitely My favourite S/Rpg to date & one of my top 5 ps3 games.… Expand

Simply the best game I played in 2008. It's unique, and definitely not your average shooter/gore action game. It doesn't rely on violence to deliver the meaning of fun to the players. As a lot of people say, if you have PS3, have a slight tendency to either strategy or RPG games, and don't have Valkyria, you have done yourself a disservice.

The game presents itself well. It has unique game play, an interesting storyline, and beautiful graphics. However, it fails to maintain the tension in the story by breaking up each scene into tiny fragments which make it hard to follow the story. Also, unlike most Action games, this relies on its rare game play and story to keep the user interested. With all things considered, Sega did an excellent job.… Expand

Innovative and deep. One of the best reasons to own a PS3.

Best game released this year, maybe with exception of MGS4, though Id still prefer this one. Graphics and music are gorgeous, story is well written, characters are just lovely, gameplay feels great and also very fresh and th whole thing is very well polished. With about 40 hrs of gameplay, you just cant go wrong with this one.

I Played this game it is really awesome. Its kind of an RPG, action and FPS game all in one. It really puts you in the command position and you take responsibility of every soldier in the battle field. The different classes of soldiers and the weapons each can carry add more depth to the game and makes each soul valuable for your success.

Hands down fantastic title. Not once did I feel bored or not challenged enough. Once you get the handle on the mechanics the game is a rewarding experience as you try to solve problems and maneuver to make sure you always have the highest possibility for success. From beginning to end this has really been one of the best games I have played in this generation,

Simply outstanding in every way top 5 game all time for me.. Epic

This is one of the most innovative sRPG since Final Fantasy Tactics. Final Fantasy Tactics set the mile stone for sRPG for the fact that it brought this niche genre to the general public in a very good way. Now 10 years later, Valkyria Chronicles revolutionized this genre in its visuals (best of sRPG, and made the big leap forward from 2D/3D into HD graphics), and brought a long due update to sRPG monotonous and draconian battle mechanics.… Expand

The most innovative SRPG I've played...Let's just say that if you are a fan of the genre, this is the PS3's killer app that you can't get anywhere else.

I just started playing this game few weeks ago and right now i'm in chapter 17.Almost the end i guess,damn i must say this is 1 of the best RPG i have ever played.If you like Strategy and RPG element.Go for this without a doubt.The graphics is unique,the game is hard (not so hard if you know how to play properly and use your brain).Although they are not trophies and online play.The game itself can drag you for more then 25-30hours !!!!!!!… Expand

While it's not perfect Valkyria Chronicles is certainly nothing less then a fantastic game. The excellent story is very character focused which draws you into the world and creates attachment to and empathy for the main cast. The visuals are absolutely gorgeous (especially if your fond of anime/manga) and the score is enjoyable as well. The combat looks complicated at first but is easy to learn and leads to great battle sequences. There are some minor camera issues when your in tight quarters, and an element of chance comes into play during combat that can be frustrating at times but these minor faults are nothing considering the quality of every aspect of this game.… Expand

What a wonderful game! How I wish more games came out that were so smart and innovative... A little turn based RPG using these ideas would make me really happy!

Without question, my favorite PS3 title ever. All turn-based tactical RPGs should look to this game as the next-gen model. In fact, as I'm writing this review two years after the game's release, I wonder why I have yet to see a single copycat. The only way I could love this game more would be if they were to take the same combat system and use it in a fantasy setting. But it's not just the combat I love -- the characters are realistic and lovable (or hate-able), and the story is absolutely brilliant. There's a song in the middle that makes me bawl my eyes out every time. Everyone should play this game!… Expand

Sega has, historically, made some of the best lighthearted JRPGs. While growing up I was a huge fan of the Phantasy Star series of games, and have always lamented the fact that that specific portion of the genre seems to have disappeared after the creation of PS IV. This game is, by my estimation, the closest thing to a true SMS/Genesis Phantasy Star game that we're going to get in this console generation, in the best way possible. This game tells the tale of a group of normal folks, thrust into a world conflict, and their struggle to overcome an invasion of their peaceful country. It is well written, the combat is well paced, and overall it is one of the best games I've played on PS3. After completing it the first time I started it over again, with the new game + option, and went through the effort of obtaining all of the hidden weapons, and companions possible. When you add in the DLC and all of the optional missions and challenges this game can easily occupy you for a few months. All in all it is an amazing effort from the Sega team, and is personally one of my favorite PS3 games. It's just a shame that the sequels were all PSP games, aimed at a less mature audience.… Expand

Graphics are awesome, gameplay is awesome, but the storybook-style menu is just terrible. It totally break-up the tension and story. We see 2min movie, then book, load, another 1min movie, book, load, book, load....at least rest of the game is superb, otherwise it would be a total disaster.

Attractive anime-style graphics. Combat system is an interesting combination of turn-based and twitch. But in terms of "tactical" combat (pure rock-paper-scissors classes, heavily scripted battles, minimal RPG elements, suicidal AI), plot (totally passive/linear--no branching campaign, no influence whatsoever on how the story unfolds), and UI (game is broken up into dozens of 1-2 minute 'episodes' that must be chosen individually from a clunky menu system), this game hasn't advanced the genre an inch from Final Fantasy Tactics two generations ago.… Expand

I try so hard to like this game, so hard....but I just can't I love RPGs, I love anime, I love guns! but I find it all too complicated, and It all looks so pale, worth a try it's marmite, except it's a video game

After getting a brand new PS3, this game was on my hunting list for must own PS3 games since I have played it before. Damn, it is still good as I remember it. Though I do have a problem with its anime like storytelling, the story itself is engaging enough and the characters, though completely anime cliche ridden, are very likable. Finishing up with the story of the game, the gameplay itself is the main reason why this game is great. The easy to learn but hard to master strategy based RPG gameplay is just so intense and so enjoyable to play. There are many variables and so many options on how to use your squad to win a battle. This is one of the best games I have played on the PS3 by a mile and if you love strategy and RPG, get it.… Expand

Definitely one of the best games I have played in a long time. The graphics are superb and the story, captivating. Sega have done a great job of refreshing the turn-based strategy genre but the package should be considered as a whole as the actual engine does not add so much new really to other turn-based strategy games such as Warhammer 40k Squad Command. I have rated the game so highly as the atmosphere is compelling and I didn't want the game to finish!… Expand

I grabbed this game not knowing what to expect. The story and presentation were good so that is a plus. A good game if you enjoy strategy RPGs. I myself don't see myself as much a fan of the genre but I can say this is one of the best within it.

The main cast of characters are a memorable group with unique personalities and a decent amount of development. The supporting cast is large and varied and each one has a reasonable amount of backstory to them too. Moreover the group as a whole becomes really memorable, as you pick and choose characters that you like and that work well together thanks to the great potential system, they bond together and will stick in your mind as Squad 7. The story itself is very enjoyable, a mix of romance, fantasy, war and racial tensions which draws many parralells with the real conflict of world war 2, overall it's a wonderful breath of fresh air and a much needed break from the myriad flavours of power fantasy. The gameplay system is great and really brought the SRPG genre along leaps and bounds. It becomes really enjoyable 1/4 of the way into the game when it starts throwing immense set pieces into the mix. The anime artsyle really looks great while at the same time it remains down to earth and not too garish. The bottom line is this is a must have game… Expand

One can only pray they make a sequel for the PS3. An absolute joy to play. If only they took advantage of the board game-ish feel and made a multiplayer aspect...

I really want to give this game a rating of 10 because the technicality level that this game possesses is really something that the developers should be proud of. The most notable mechanics about this game would have to be the mass array of special abilities each character has, how well they work with other characters, troop placement, weapon selection and understanding how your map works. I think I may have done maybe one or two maps where I've nailed it on the first go, so it's no surprise when I'm sitting there for an hour or so trying to finish the same map over and over again. If you're into that turn based "position is everything" type of game, then definitely get this one. I do have one main gripe however - the storyline. Too long and long winded. I mean, it's nice how it's fully voiced, but they just go on and on with the talking and the relationship building....it doesn't even make sense in parts of the story line and then by the time you manage to reach an actual battle, you have to turn off the game because you're so tired. If I was the type of person that skips the scenes I would probably give this game a higher rating.… Expand

This is by far the best SRPG I have ever played. The unique realtime combat system is excellent and the wonderfull art, interesting storyline, well written dialogue and supurb soundtrack create a truely charming atmosphere.

The only reason I gave it a 9 is because it shouldn't be PS3 exclusive as it's a great game! The graphics are original thanks to the CANVAS engine, the gameplay is original (as far as I know) and the story reflects some parts of our European history. The only reason why I think this is a 16+ game is because of the one curse word and the death animation of a character but I'd say even teenagers could accept the facts of what happened in the war and enjoy a somewhat light hearted take on the subject. Anyway, the experience is unique and even has the option to replay on Hard Mode for the serious games as well as DLC if you think it ends there. As for controls, they are really good, no input lag, easy to get into (not if you payed the sequel of course) and feels natural. Overall, if you want a war game that doesn't look too serious yet take some of the things from what happened in our own history, this game tells a great alternate take and feels like it puts on a cutesy manga touch to it without being too similar to the others you may have watched. At a low price you have no excuse to experience this if you have a PS3!… Expand

I can honestly say i didn't like this game at all when I first bought it, but as time went it grew on me. The game looks interesting, and streams beautifully on the PS3. The battle system is interesting,but most of all I loved the fact that you could chose your units fo battle, and as a plus they each feature bio to show there own story. Take it from me, you need to get this game, and at its reduced price its worth it.… Expand

This is a fantastic game. I picked it up about a year after it came out and wish I got it way back. If you love anime, strategy RPGs, or even just JRPGs you will most likely enjoy this game. Tons of content and a full story that never drags or seems dull. The combat system is the most fun Ive had in a turn based system. Its as close to a video game version of warhammer tabletop. Do yourself a favor and check it out.… Expand

Quite possible one of the best games on the Playstation 3, great story, art, music and gameplay. You'll keep trying to do every mission without losing any of the militia. 9/10

Missed this game when it came out originally but sure am glad I found it. Very fun and very well made. Wish more games could surprise me like this one.

This is by far my favorite original game (meaning: no sequel) for the Playstation 3. Everything about this game is adorable, the characters are interesting and loveable, the setting is gorgeous and unique, storyline highly immersing and beautifully written. This game is considered an RPG by many, I would consider it a tactical Action Adventure with some RPG elements such as character classes and development of which. I have not seen another PS3 game (except MGS4) with such a high density in its atmosphere. You control a group of soldiers with different classes, such as scouts, snipers and shocktroopers that you can place freely in the battles that take place throughout the game. What starts out as a mission to defend their hometown, ends as a journey to save a whole continent. I have yet to play another PS3 game whose characters I loved more or whose gameplay and atmosphere had me more immersed.… Expand

Beautifully innovative game gives players something to keep coming back to. The battle system is something reminiscent of tabletop roleplaying games like Warhammer 40k, but not over-complicated. Challenging and engaging, this game has it all! Even if anime-style graphics are a turn-off, I'd encourage anyone to at least rent this game, or play the demo. This game is, if nothing else, ONE OF A KIND!