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Valkyria Chronicles deploys on Steam today
Sega's alt-universe strategy-RPG Valkyria Chronicles is out today on Steam, marking its first-ever appearance on PC platforms. Originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, Valkyria Chronicles arrives on Steam with dual-language support, Steam Trading Cards and Achievements, and extensive resolution and control configuration options. The new port also bundles all previously released DLC, including Hard EX Mode and the six-mission Challenge of the Edy Detachment expansion. The PC version of Valkyria Chronicles is priced at $19.99. [Image: Sega]
Valkyria Chronicles PC port confirmed
A PC version of the PlayStation 3 strategy-RPG Valkyria Chronicles is in the works, Sega announced this week. Released early in the PlayStation 3's lifespan (it doesn't even have trophy support, for crying out loud), Valkyria Chronicles features third-person shooter gameplay in the context of a turn-based military strategy game. Its unique art style and alternate-universe take on World War II-era combat won it a committed fanbase, and a pair of sequels (one officially localized, the other fan-translated) followed on the PSP. Sega has issued no further details regarding the port, but notes that more information is coming soon. [Image: Sega]
Valkyria Chronicles 3 translated to English by fan localization team
A fan-led localization group has released a translation patch for Sega's PSP tactical RPG Valkyria Chronicles 3, making the game playable in English for the first time. The patch requires a custom firmware-equipped PSP or PS Vita to play, along with a ripped UMD or digital PSN version of Valkyria Chronicles 3: Extra Edition. While the patch also works with the original version of Valkyria Chronicles 3, translators note that players will experience glitches during gameplay. After localizing the first two entries in the series on the PlayStation 3 and PSP, Sega declined to release a translated version of Valkyria Chronicles 3 in North America and Europe, citing low sales. The digital version of Valkyria Chronicles 3 is currently on sale for 980 yen (approximately $9.50 USD) from the Japanese PlayStation Network, making it an ideal time for series die-hards to test out the new fan-produced localization.
Play the latest Humble Bundle with headphones
The latest Humble Bundle, available through August 9, is composed of six musical albums and zero video games. Think of this bundle as a break from all the games you've been buying thanks to a certain recent sale, while still perfectly aligned with your latest paycheck.This bundle includes music from the Valkyria Chronicles series and Jonathan Coulton's Greatest Hit (Plus 13 Other Songs), which includes a live version of the iconic song "Still Alive" from Portal. Albums by Christopher Tin, They Might Be Giants, and MC Frontalot are also featured in the music package. The sixth album, OK Go's Twelve Remixes of Four Songs, is available to buyers that pay more than the average price.For those wary of picking up some new tunes, each piece of this Humble Bundle is compatible with any pair of headphones or speakers you want to use.
Valkyria Chronicles returns as freemium card game in Japan
Sega and NHN Corp have launched a free-to-play, browser-based card game in Japan entitled Valkyria Duel, based on the Valkyria Chronicles action strategy franchise. The game's user test runs until June 25."Why, Sega? Do you drink our tears for everlasting life?" Joystiq News Editor Alexander Sliwinski fell to his knees and screamed to the heavens this morning. "Just divert a tenth of that Sonic sequel money to a multi-platform console continuation of Valkyria Chronicles."Valkyria Chronicles 2 did make an international lap on PSP back in 2010, but Sega announced late last year that the franchise's third installment – also on PSP – was not planned for North America or Europe. No word yet if the Valkyria card game will go international.
Sega teases 'top secret' Valkyria Chronicles project
A Sega-registered website is teasing an unveiling related to strategy RPG series Valkyria Chronicles -- possibly of a new sequel. Andriasang stumbled upon Code1935.jp, which features several Valkyria-esque soldiers' silhouettes, a tank and a missive that the "top secret" site is not to be opened until September 16. The date coincides with this year's Tokyo Game Show. What we can surmise from the site is that we are looking at a new Valkyria Chronicles, likely with a different squad -- perhaps not even Gallian. If "1935" in the website's name represents the setting, then it might take place during the events of Valkyria Chronicles 1. However, the large sword in the middle is unfamiliar, and "Altaha Abilia 422" doesn't ring any bells -- according to Wikipedia the slogan means "Always Ready." We'll be at the ready to share more, like if the series will continue on PSP or in some other unexpected form, when we gain more intel.
Sega registers Valkyria Chronicles 3 domain
Sega has registered a Valkyria Chronicles 3 domain name in Japan. As unearthed by Siliconera, the publisher parked valkyria3.jp near the end of May, which is similar to how the company named similar domains for previous entries in the series. Joystiq contacted Sega, but the company didn't have any statement to share on the subject. For fans of the fantastic Japanese strategy RPG series, the obvious question beyond the legitimacy of a third installment incoming is: Will the game be for PSP or PS3? We hope for the latter, but if Sega can make better returns on the cheaper to develop for handheld ... well, let's just keep hope alive. Perhaps the upcoming Tokyo Game Show will provide answers. Valkyria Chronicles 2 releases in North America on August 31.
Valkyria Chronicles DLC lacks English voice track
Folks who are currently working their way through Valkyria Chronicles' recently released DLC pack, Challenge of the Edy Detachment, have noticed something strange about the content's English-language voice overs: They don't exist. The add-on pack only includes two audio settings: Japanese and silent. Of course, you can still follow the DLC's plot through English subtitles, but hey -- we came here to blow up tanks with other tanks, not to read. Siliconera suggests that the absence of words we can understand could be attributed to the fact that this DLC is going live six months after the game was released in the U.S., so it's possible the English voice cast couldn't be brought back together for an encore recording. We've contacted Sega for an official explanation and to find out why the English-language omission in the DLC wasn't announced before people, you know, bought it.
PSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading
Demos for God of War III and Darksiders are up this week. Grandia's on PS One Classics. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is half-price. There's Valkyria Chronicles and Uncharted 2 DLC. Echoshift is up on PSP. Basically, if you don't find something for you this week on the PlayStation Network, you probably don't own a PlayStation console. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
More Valkyria Chronicles DLC rolls out next week
Valkyria Chronicles is the gift that keeps on giving*. Good thing, because it has a small, but loyal fanbase that's always hungry for more cel-shaded SRPG action. Next Thursday, the PlayStation Store will update with another pack of Valkyria Chronicles DLC: "Edy's Detachment" will include six missions, each focused on mastering a certain class, including Scout, Shocktrooper, Lancer, Engineer, Sniper, and Tank. It's a small sampling of content (price: TBD) before Valkyria Chronicles 2 hits PSP later this year. *Additional purchases required.
Valkyria for $20 with MAG or ME2 purchase at Toys R Us, other games on clearance
Be honest -- regardless of which of the Great Console War's factions you side with, you're either going to purchase MAG or Mass Effect 2 at some point next week. While you're doing so, Toys R Us will be running a pretty sweet promotion: purchases one of those games and also grab Valkyria Chronicles on PS3 for just $20. Now, we realize the 360 diehards out there will have little use for this game. However, we suggest sending it to your favorite PS3-loving comment-sparring partner. Think of the hours of entertainment they've brought to your life! If tactical RPGs aren't your area of expertise, we also suggest checking out the rest of Toys R Us' site for a killer clearance sale on a number of games and accessories. You'll have to dig through a disheartening pile of Imagine titles to find the valuable chunks of ore -- don't let it break your spirits! It's worth it, we promise.
Valkyria Chronicles 2 DLC announced, some requires Phantasy Star Portable 2
Phantasy Star Portable 2 is already filled with questionable marketing partnerships. So it comes as no surprise that Sega's going to take it another step further, by making Valkyria Chronicles 2 content specially for Phantasy Star Portable 2 owners. Eight DLC packs have been announced for the Japanese release of VC2, and some will require save data from Sega's other PSP game. The listing, as translated by Andriasang: 1/21: Melfair's Crisis - Free 1/21: Request From the Guardians - Free* 1/21: Challenge from Little Wing - Free* 2/4: Strategy Battle Drills VS F Group - ¥100 2/11: Tough Battle Melfair City EX - ¥100 2/18: Kokugen no Tani - ¥100 2/18: Teisatsuhei Urakatei Shuryou Shiken - ¥100 2/25: Ultimate Challenge - ¥100 *requires Phantasy Star Portable 2 save data
Valkyria Chronicles' Isara playable in sequel
Valkyria Chronicles 2 will apparently have a playable version of Isara, the original game's protagonist's little sister, for those who have a save file of the first game. AndriaSang reports, VC2 owners without the save file can pick up Isara through a password that will be posted on the game's website at a later date. The odd alternate universe of playable characters doesn't end there, as passwords to access Faldio Landzaat and Maximilian will be posted on February 4 and 18, respectively. Fans of the first game should understand how inconceivable this crossover feature is in the context of the gameworld, but don't take the additions of these characters as canon. We're not exactly sure how the bonus characters will fit in, but we're assuming their appearances are just fan service. Valkyria Chronicles 2 will be released later this month in Japan, and then this summer in America and Europe.
Best of the Rest: Alexander's Picks of 2009
Valkyria Chronicles "BUT THAT GAME WAS 2008!!11one!1!" Well, yes, in the strictest sense. Sega's strategy role-playing game, an epic tale chronicling the hardships and victories of Gallian militia Squad 7, was sent out to die by the publisher when it released in November 2008. However, word-of-mouth, critical praise and some discounted pricing helped the saga find a place in many people's lives (and hearts) by mid-2009. One of the most endearing mechanics implemented in the game was giving all the playable members of Squad 7 bonuses (or flaws) based on their neuroses, relationships and desires. Also, every character had a different personality that shined during their turn through little quips and order recognition comments. It gave the entire cast more depth of character, even as the player only saw a handful of the troops during cutscenes. Despite the requisite Japanese RPG flair and melodrama, there was a simple beauty and charm in the storytelling, while the gameplay introduced a great basis for iteration. Valkyria Chronicles is a series that, with love and attention, could become so much more. I look forward to returning to Gallia and hope future installments recognize that the delightful characters are as important to the series as the strategic gameplay.
Interview: Valkyria Chronicles 2's Takeshi Ozawa and Shinji Motoyama
The announcement of Valkyria Chronicles 2 came as a surprise for most. In spite of the modest sales of the first game, Sega greenlit a second title in th franchise, this time for the PSP. We spoke with Sega director Takeshi Ozawa and producer Shinji Motoyama about the difficulties in translating the experience to PSP, and the cameos we can expect from the upcoming sequel. [Note: While two people were interviewed, only the responses from our single Sega-provided translator are transcribed. We apologize for the lack of proper attribution.]Joystiq: Obviously, many people were surprised to see a sequel not on PS3, but on PSP. Does this open up the chance that the franchise will move to even more platforms, like the 360, for example?Translator: It's difficult for us to comment on because, actually, we weren't thinking about specific platforms when designing the game. And it just turns out, we developed for the PS3 and this time we chose PSP as the platform. We do take into consideration, in terms of game design, and delivering the game world and experience to the users. This time, we thought PSP was the ideal platform to do that. It's as simple as that. But, it's because of this that discussions became kind of widespread, and people started asking questions "why there's no 360 version?" We don't want to say anything that would enrage the fire of that discussion.
TGS 2009: Hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles 2
Most fans of the original Valkyria Chronicles will want to know one thing: is the PSP-exclusive sequel a worthy follow-up successor to its predecessor? The answer, from our short time with the game at TGS, seems to be undeniably "yes."A costumed girl attempted to explain the game's controls to me, but I was immediately able to jump in. Veterans of the first game will find themselves at home here: the interface has remained largely unchanged from its transition from PS3 to PSP. Once again, VC2 employs the "BLITZ" battle system of the first game: a unique combination of both real-time movement and turn-based strategy. Players are given a number of Command Points (CP) which can be used to select various units: scouts, snipers, tanks, etc. Once selected, these units are manually controlled as in a third-person shooter, with players stopping to aim at enemies. Enemies can respond by firing back, but they cannot change position. Each unit is allowed only one barrage of gunfire before they must end their turn. Once players run out of CP, or manually end combat, the "enemy phase" begins, where the AI is allowed to do the same thing.The mixture of real-time and turn-based combat proves to be an ideal handheld gaming experience, mixing the casual pace of a turn-based game with the excitement of a shooter. Valkyria Chronicles is more about tactics, less about precision aiming -- a good thing to consider when adapting a title to Sony's handheld.
Sega deploying Valkyria Chronicles 2 in America, Europe
This is going to be awesome news for a heartbreakingly small portion of the gaming population -- Sega has announced that it is localizing the tactical RPG Valkyria Chronicles 2 for a summer 2010 release in North America and Europe. Sega even backhandedly acknowledged the disappointing sales of the first game in its press release for the second, with VP of Marketing Sean Ratcliffe classifying the PS3 original as "a hidden gem on PS3." We're sure the company hopes the sequel will be upgraded to gem status.
Valkyria Chronicles 2 gameplay footage looks as good as we want it to be
Don't be a hater. Valkyria Chronicles 2 may not be on the PS3 (or 360) as many had wished, but it certainly looks fine as-is on the PSP. Sega has done a remarkable job of recreating the look and, more importantly, gameplay of the original game. Considering the limited power of the PSP, we're positively surprised by the results.With a brand new branching class system, and the promise of multiplayer, VC2 is shaping up to be the sequel we've all clamored for. Sure, it may not be in HD, but when was the last time you were able to play Valkyria Chronicles while on the toilet seat ... of an airplane? Check out another clip after the break.%Gallery-68217%[Via PSPHyper]
More Valkyria Chronicles DLC coming 'winter 2010'
Sega's Valkyria Chronicles is moving out with another blitz of DLC to keep the members of Squad 7 occupied. CVG reports that "Challenges from Team Edy" will add new missions to the overlooked strategy title in "Winter 2010." The developers seem to have a soft spot for Edy, who was already the star in one of the DLC packs released last April, in addition to this latest expansion which released in Japan last month. [Via Strategy Informer]
Fifteen short (but sweet) seconds of Valkyria Chronicles 2
It's not much, but this 15 second Japanese TV commercial offers some of the first video footage of the upcoming PSP Valkyria Chronicles 2. Unfortunately, this ad doesn't show off any gameplay, instead focusing on the anime cutscenes that drive the game's story. You'll notice that the animation is in the style of the TV series, instead of the sketchy "canvas" look offered by the first PS3 game. While some may complain this is an obvious downgrade, we're more than happy to get more VC -- in any way we can.
