Valiant Hearts: The Great War

 Xbox One
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. MondoXbox
    Jun 25, 2014
    94
    A great story. Touching, brilliantly developed end elegantly depicted. Ubisoft shows once again that video games are indeed art and a great storytelling medium.
  2. ActionTrip
    Jun 29, 2014
    93
    Valiant Hearts: The Great War is short, but anything longer would most definitely be padding.
  3. Pure Xbox
    Oct 21, 2014
    90
    The five hours or so of gameplay that you’ll get from a single playthrough are rewarding and memorable, with that fantastic storyline backing up some great puzzling action.
  5. Hyper Magazine
    Aug 12, 2014
    90
    Artfully drawn, confronting and informative this is a different look at war, its consequences and it isn't afraid to put you though the wringer. Play it. [Issue#251, p.77]
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  6. Machinima
    Jun 26, 2014
    90
    Valiant Hearts accomplishes what only a small number of games can: it educates you on the highs and lows of a significant event in history, while creating a tragically beautiful game experience.
  7. Post Arcade (National Post)
    Jun 25, 2014
    90
    We couldn’t ask for a better tribute from the world of games on the Great War’s centennial.
  8. Xbox Achievements
    Jun 24, 2014
    90
    Brilliant. Ubisoft Montpellier has created one of this year’s most memorable games. A story of adventure and tragedy played out against the backdrop of World War I, Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a game everyone should play.
  9. Destructoid
    Jun 24, 2014
    90
    It not only gives us a rewarding and engaging way to see the horrors of war as it pertains to this particular likable cast of characters, but it also educates us on one of the most significant events in history. Ubisoft Montpellier could have just delivered a good game and called it a day, but they went above and beyond the call of duty to add context to the proceedings, and that is quite the commendable effort.
  10. Gamers' Temple
    Jul 8, 2014
    84
    A story-driven journey through a war that's been overlooked by video games.
  11. The Digital Fix
    Jul 25, 2014
    80
    Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a graphically superb puzzler, tackling historical events that are not perhaps known to everyone and doing it in a lighthearted, yet respectful manner.
  12. Polygon
    Jul 9, 2014
    80
    Valiant Hearts strikes a difficult balance in depicting the horrors of war and the hope that peeks through its cracks, but it does so with grace.
  13. SpazioGames
    Jun 24, 2014
    75
    Valiant Hearts isn't capable of putting your neurons in constant motion, and it doesn't offer the most amazing narrative level. However, its charming setting, the intelligent management of the plot and its unique style make it a great exponent of the genre.
  14. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jul 10, 2014
    70
    Often more engaging than its simple puzzles should allow it to be, the presentation and variety of gameplay ideas go a long way to making this an impressive, if small, adventure.
  15. Shacknews
    Jun 30, 2014
    70
    Valiant Hearts may get repetitive at times, and struggles to find its tone, but I'd be hard-pressed to name a game that better explores the complexities of war.
  16. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Jun 24, 2014
    60
    As valiant an attempt as its name suggests, but ultimately this is a story simultaneously too big and too personal for the tappy trappings it's been couched within.
  17. Gaming Age
    Jul 17, 2014
    50
    Visually, the game is crisp, but looks to me like a glorified flash game.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
32
#32 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
43
#43 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 217 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 175 out of 217
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 217
  3. Negative: 23 out of 217
  1. TheHandheldGamr
    Jun 26, 2014
    9
    This game is a breath of fresh air. Whether it's the art style or the music or the even the characters, this game is beyond amazing. TheThis game is a breath of fresh air. Whether it's the art style or the music or the even the characters, this game is beyond amazing. The gameplay is solid and enjoyable to play through and you would leave the game wanting more of this fantastic game. My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen just a tad bit more variety, but that is just a minor complaint and overall I have enjoyed the ever living crap of this game. Whatever platform you have, download this game and you too will love this game. Best game I have played all year so far.… Full Review »
  2. wesker2012
    Jun 26, 2014
    7
    Its refreshing to see a game that focuses on a a personal and emotional war story versus a focus strictly on the fighting. Valiant Hearts isIts refreshing to see a game that focuses on a a personal and emotional war story versus a focus strictly on the fighting. Valiant Hearts is one of the best games I've played in awhile. It was a breath of fresh air to play a game that involves simple, yet challenging puzzles. The game's mechanics and controls are all solid. What stands out the most in Valiant Hearts is its beautiful comic book artsyle. The game utilizes this look amazingly and it really immerses you in the game. The minimal hud enhances this greatly. The game has a lot of content for its 15 dollar price tag and even has collectibles to find and lots of history logs to read about the war. The cartoony art style sets a good contrast against the dreary backdrop of WWI and helps add comical relief. The puzzles throughout the game constantly had me smiling while solving them. I'd highly recommend this game if you are looking for something different than the usual shooting/fighting games nowadays.… Full Review »
  3. MisterMittens
    Jul 1, 2014
    5
    Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a very interesting concept for a game. A puzzle Adventure set in the midst of World War One. While there areValiant Hearts: The Great War is a very interesting concept for a game. A puzzle Adventure set in the midst of World War One. While there are parts of this game that do a good job and reminding us of the price the conflict had on everyone, it's too often sandwiched between an overly cartoonish representation of war, obtuse puzzle design, and action segments that would make even Call of Duty players scratch their heads at the lack of realism. I can only recommend this if you're a history buff or a fan of old adventure games.… Full Review »
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