Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. On its own merits Valkyrie Profile is easy to recommend, but given the relative lack of high quality RPG's on the PSP, it's a definite must buy.
  2. Its story, gameplay, and presentation are so good and so unique, it's easily the best RPG to hit the PSP, not to mention one of the best of the last two console generations. [Sep 2006, p.79]
  3. For those that have played it before, it remains as engaging as ever.
  4. In the end, Valkyrie Profile Lenneth is quite the unique RPG and well worth playing for anyone that calls themselves a fan of Japanese RPGs.
  5. While not quite up there with the likes of GBA's "Final Fantasy Tactics Advance," Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is by far the best RPG ever to grace the PSP platform!
  6. While Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth has a few minor flaws with save points, new additions and so on, it arguably could be the best RPG for the PSP.
  7. At the end of the day, you've got a fairly good port of a PS1 title with a few new bells and whistles which are greatly appreciated, but are left with a few old nagging issues.
  8. 86
    Easily the best domestic RPG on the PSP to date. The game itself is incredibly unique and fun to play. The portability is both a blessing and a curse, allowing one of the PSOne classics to be played on the go, but limiting you to a four inch screen.
  9. 85
    The best RPG that the PSP has received to date.
  10. A non-traditional RPG that comes out feeling traditional. The exploration, pre-enemy encounter elements give the game an instant hook to newcomers.
  11. American gamers are long overdue for a second shot at this underrated classic. [Aug 2006, p.68]
  12. For all the good in the game, there's a fairly steep learning curve that may make some gamers recant their stubborn 'no FAQ' tendencies, especially in order to see the game's multiple endings.
  13. Fans of the original that are still clutching to their original copies will find nothing new here, however, which is a huge letdown for anyone looking to revisit one of Playstation's greatest on the little screen.
  14. Its intricacies mean limited appeal, but the combat and plot make it rewarding. [July 2007, p.74]
  15. Valkyrie Profile Lenneth is exactly that - wholly distinct from the rest of the crowd, a niche within a niche, marvellously thought out and mostly brilliantly executed. If there were other comparably innovative and inventive Japanese RPGs to set this against, then its flaws might cause it to be judged more severely. But it stands alone, a rare original expression of Japanese role-playing individuality.
  16. Despite the porting issues, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is a positive and challenging experience that remains unique more than six years after its initial release.
  17. It's clear that nobody has plans to create a full-fledged RPG on the scale of any of the PSone or PS2 classics for the PSP, so a port is going to have to do. This game stands nobly above anything else you can buy on the system.
  18. Even seven years after the original it looks and plays like few other RPGs. [June 2007, p.96]
  19. One of the most individual and visually striking games available on PSP. [July 2007, p.110]
  20. If you've been waiting for years to get your hands on this Tri-Ace classic, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth will not dissapoint. [Aug 2006, p.90]
  21. A singular RPG experience with much to offer those who are open to something very different from just about every other RPG out there.
  22. 80
    As an originator, Valkyrie Profile is an inspired maverick in a field of me-too RPGs, beautiful to look at and exciting to play.
  23. 80
    Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth provides two things for the PSP that have been largely missing: a great RPG and a unique gaming experience.
  24. Although the game is marred by a plethora of problems, including horrendous load times when you load the map and menu, it still provides an entertaining experience nonetheless.
  25. An interesting RPG with some reasonably original ideas. The 2D locations and the semi-real time combat system are nice. The Norse mythology is interesting, but the story does not use it very well. [Aug 2007]
  26. Every fan of the genre should revel in the ability to enjoy Valkyrie Profile without giving blood on eBay. RPG newbies are encouraged to indulge as well, though with a warning: don't expect to find an equivalent any time soon.
  27. It's not an "FF" title for the PSP, but it is a port of one of the better and rarer games in the company's history. [Aug 2006, p.80]
  28. 80
    A great RPG with an unorthodox design. There are amazing design elements here. The art and sound direction are unmistakably original, amplifying what could be the game's best asset -- an incredibly active and technical battle system. There's a lot to like, but at times the game is bolder than it is balanced or practical.
  29. 78
    It's for the dedicated gamers amongst you only. [Issue 144, p.80]
  30. If you're looking for an engaging, unique RPG with a great battle system and an enjoyable story, you can't go wrong with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.
  31. A solid port of a one-of-a-kind role-playing game that is endlessly appealing to genre fans who are looking for something different, but it's a bit too dense for everyone else.
  32. If you can get past the learning curve, you'll find a rich, deep RPG - by PSP standards. [Aug 2006, p.94]
  33. 75
    Sadly, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth has many technical issues that were not present in the original, definately hindering an otherwise stellar experience.
  34. The freedom afforded to the player, not to mention the story, would be impressive coming from a recent RPG, but we're talking about a game that's over half a decade old. Sure, it may not be the most portable game on the system, and sure, it may be a port, but that doesn't stop Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth from being one of the best role-playing games on the PSP.
  35. 75
    Its steep learning curve and the overly convoluted quest system makes it fall short of what could have been a first-rate title.
  36. Questionable suitability for portable play aside, this is probably the best role-playing game yet for PSP.
  37. The PSP-only CG cutscenes are gorgeous and dramatic. An ethereal soundtrack keeps the mythological mood in check, even though the voice-acting won't win any awards.
  38. 60
    Evidently Square Enix didn't have the time or the inclination to do serious work under Valkyrie's hood. Instead, we get this sloppy emulated version, with all the warts of the original and more.
  39. I also was frustrated by a sea of poorly designed and explained menus, repetitive dungeon hacks and temperamental controls.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. The game on my stand-point, the story was very emotional, very good. Half of the time it would bring a tear to my eye (why you ask?). In this game you play as a Valkyrie who is sent down to collect warriors to fight for the gods but before finding the warrior, it shows the that person is like and what his/her life is, upon reaching their deaths, the Valkyrie approaches the person and leaves what I call symbolic and metaphoric (add to the music thats being played upon their deaths). But the one thing that affect it for me to leave it at a 8 was because of the side-scrolling maps, they're way to annoying but it was a good play. Full Review »
  2. 10
    Valkyrie is an excellent game. The story is very creative and impressive. The graphics are fair, for PSP anyway and the overall gameplay is magnificent. You will be blown-away by the features that this game offers. It's a must-buy! Full Review »
  3. ZemZega
    4
    I enjoy this game, somewhat. What’s good is great what's not is... boring. First off let me say that the combat is great fun, now let me say you'll see very little for most of the first part of the game. You play as a Valkyrie sent down to collect the souls of good people who will become warriors ragnorok (the final dooms day battle). This leads to the games big down fall, you spend almost all of your time watching 16 bit cut scenes & getting each characters freaking life story before something happens & you take their soul. It wouldn't be so bad if it was every now and again, but instead combat is the every once in a while though combat rocks. then after you leave the town/dungeon you press start & the Valkyrie will find somewhere else for you to go to, but she will never repeat her self meaning should you not read it correctly, or turn it off & forget where you were meant to go, or already have a place to go & you forget, your screwed & have to wait until the next period ends (don't ask me to explain that I’m not even sure how it works, it's something like for every hour you play a period passes) which leads to another big flaw I feel way to rushed to explore the dungeons properly cause your always on a very short timer. Don’t get me wrong I like this game but it jut don't have enough patients for it & I like to think that I’m patient. however it's almost fun & worth a buy if you find it cheap & want to know all about some character who's just like everyone else & has a dramatic story to tell, taking up about 15 minutes of your precious time, oh & this game doesn’t really suit the hand held what with overly long cut scenes & poorly placed save points. Full Review »