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Valkyria Chronicles 2 offers branching class system
Valkyria Chronicles 2 is big. (Well, other than the fact that it's portable.) How much bigger, you ask? Well, let's put this into perspective: whereas there were 5 character classes in the first game, the second game will have 35. Additionally, it appears characters will be able to evolve over time with a customizable branch system. In the first game, characters that leveled up automatically gained pre-determined bonuses, like character-specific "potentials." It'll be interesting to see if the second game gives more freedom to users to create a fully customized squad.%Gallery-68217%[Via Siliconera]
Valkyria Chronicles 2 will be bigger than first game, producer promises
It may be just a handheld game, but Sega's Shuntaro Tanaka promises the upcoming PSP-exclusive Valkyria Chronicles 2 will feature more content than the original PS3 game. While the first game was strictly a single-player affair, Tanaka says the PSP's Ad-Hoc mode allowed the team to explore local multiplayer. (Dear Japan, gamers like to use the internet for gaming too!) Without going into specifics, Tanaka says the content of the game will be a "few times" bigger than the first, with battles that are "even deeper" than the original.The announcement of Valkyria's change in platform surprised many, especially those who expected a PS3 (or 360) sequel. However, PSP Hyper notes that "future games won't be focused on PSP only," leaving the possibility for a third game in the franchise (if it happens) to jump ship to yet another platform. Until then, we'll be happy with the prospect of a portable Valkyria.%Gallery-68217%
Official Valkyria Chronicles 2 site launches
Famitsu may have spilled the beans with regards to the Valkyria Chronicles 2 announcement, but Sega has now officially opened the game's website for business. There's not much there right now except for the first page in the developer's blog, though it contains a few screenshots from the game, one of which you can see above. It looks like the style of the original has been maintained, despite the lower-resolution PSP graphics. The developer diary -- handily translated over at Andriasang -- notes that the game has been bought to the PSP "to expose the series to a greater variety of users," and is keen to state that "this is a true sequel." The game is set three years after the first game, with no sign of any of the characters from the original, though we'd be very surprised if one or two didn't make at least cameo appearances in the sequel.[Via Andriasang]%Gallery-68217%
Valkyria Chronicles 2 in development for PSP
Sega's critically praised Valkyria Chronicles is getting a second chance -- this time reborn as a PSP game. The innovative SRPG combined real-time third person shooting with turn-based tactical strategy, and presented everything in a gorgeous cel-shaded package. The sequel looks to do more of the same, as revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu. Scans show the return of the original's behind-the-back viewpoint and introduce characters new to the handheld iteration.At E3 2008, Sony mistakenly showcased Valkyria Chronicles in a PSP highlight reel -- but that visual might've inspired Sega's Valkyria team. Regardless of the platform, we're glad to see Sega isn't giving up on the franchise. Let's hope that this time around, you gamers will actually buy the game.[Thanks, Marius!]
Valkyria Chronicles continues DLC expansion in Japan
It might not have become the multi-million mega blockbuster it deserved to be, but Valkyria Chronicles has managed to expand through an anime series and multiple pieces of DLC. It looks like Sega's not quite done with the franchise, as even more DLC has been announced for the Japanese audience. IGN reports that "Edy's Squad Challenge" will be the next add-on for the game, and should be available in Japan on June 26th, more than a year after the game's original release. The DLC will focus on objective-based challenges for players to complete, such as taking out specific enemies or saving allies.Sega of America hasn't commented on whether or not the DLC will come to American audiences. While likely, we should remember that gamers had to wait for months for a proper localization. Hopefully, Sega won't take as long this time around.
Valkyria Chronicles' sales increased 400% in April
Sega America's official blog noted that sales of Valkyria Chronicles skyrockted 400 percent from March to April. The site states the game is now in "tens of thousands" of brand new homes. The sales spike was likely a confluence of post-holiday word-of-mouth, a temporary price drop, the addition of DLC and some evangelical moments by outlets to get at least one Sega franchise out of the rabid blue hedgehog's shadow.The Sega site fully recognizes that a quadrupling of sales for a game six months after launch is not exactly the norm. Hopefully this means Valkyria Chronicles isn't a full-blown flop anymore in North America and its possible sequel may actually make it across the Pacific.[Thanks Aaron]
Valkyria Chronicles sales increase 400% in April, reveals importance of price cut
Perhaps the old adage "better late than never" applies well here. Valkyria Chronicles, Sega's PS3 exclusive SRPG, earned heaps of critical praise, but never garnered sales worthy of its caliber. Six months after the game's release, Sega is reporting a 400% sales increase in April (versus March), with a sellthrough that nearly matches what the game had during its original release.A lot of factors play into the revival of Valkyria Chronicles. Sega sponsored a few community contests throughout the web, and introduced DLC to the masses. The final (and most effective) part of this multi-hit attack is Valkyria's temporary price drop to $30.We're pretty sure if Sega capitalized on the new buzz and introduced a new print at a lower price, Valkyria would have sold even more. Although the game is easily worth the $60, a price cut certainly makes any title more attractive in this economic climate. We're pretty sure Sega could get away with just one more re-release of the game. Imagine this: a "Greatest Hits" version that includes all the DLC and a few episodes of the anime for under $30? We're certain that'll sell even more copies.[Thanks, Aaron!]
Valkyria Chronicles producer interested in a sequel
We've got exciting news for the three of you that bought Sega's surprisingly wonderful strategy-RPG Valkyria Chronicles -- in the latest issue of Famitsu, Nonaka Ryutaro, the game's producer, said he was pleased with Japan's reception of the war-torn title, and expressed interest in creating another installment in the franchise. However, considering the game was a commercial flop in North America and Europe, but absolutely beloved in Japan, where the title has spawned an anime series and reached Sony's Japanese Greatest Hits status, it's not certain that any prospective Valkyria sequels would find their way beyond Japan's borders. Still, while this isn't exactly a cold, hard confirmation of Valkyria Chronicles 2, but it should be enough to pique your interest, provided you bought the game, which Vegas odds would dictate you did not.
Valkyria Chronicles DLC available on April 16th
The best PS3 RPG to date is getting three new expansions next week. Sega has announced three DLC packs for Valkyria Chronicles: Hard EX Mode adds a new difficulty to the campaign. The Edelweiss will be unavailable and enemies will be more lethal than before. Clearly, this is a mode for the hardcore VC players out there. Edy's Mission "Enter the Edy Detachment" – Edy and five squad members have been separated from Squad 7. In this new mission, players will have to use this small team to defend a small village from an Imperial Army attack. Selvaria's Mission "Behind Her Blue Flame" – No more Mr. Nice Guy. This DLC lets you play as the enemy. Play as Johann, an engineer assigned to Selvaria, in a mission that takes place right after the outbreak of Gallian battle lines. The DLC will be available on the PlayStation Store in America and Europe. Each pack will be available for $4.99, £3.19 or €3.99. %Gallery-49622%
Deal of the Day: Valkyria Chronicles for $30
Do you have any excuse now? Sega's critically acclaimed Valkyria Chronicles walked away with a number of PS Fanboy "Best of 2008" awards, but didn't garner the sales it deserved. GameStop has finally marked down the innovative SRPG down to $30. That's actually cheaper than the used price! Any self-respecting PS3 fan has no choice but to pick this one up now.You can buy online or in stores.[Thanks, G Ettinger! Via Slickdeals.net]
Valkyria Chronicles girls show some skin
Imagine if the girls of Valkyria Chronicles looked like this. Sure, it would be completely inappropriate for a story about a country torn apart by war -- but it sure would sell a lot more copies. With a new anime series launching in Japan, Sega is releasing new capsule figures that focus on the girls' non-military assets. Siliconera has pictures of all the ladies, which can be bought for 400 yen each.
Three Valkyria Chronicles DLC packs coming this spring
If you're one of the three people who actually picked up Sega's alternate World War II strategy shooter, Valkyria Chronicles, it may interest you to know that you'll have a reason to revisit the game this spring. Sega has announced that three DLC packs will be made available for the game, including two new missions and an extra hard mode. The hard mode challenges you to play through the game again without the Edelweiss -- your tank and most powerful unit.The other two packs add new missions to play through, with one allowing you to take control of the enemy as you see the war from their side. Hopefully you'll be spurred on by the news of this DLC and will go out and buy this excellent PS3 exclusive for yourselves. Though that does mean we'll have to move our monthly Valkyria Chronicles owners meeting to somewhere larger than the local Starbucks.
First images of Valkyria Chronicles anime
Famitsu has some of the first images of the Valkyria Chronicles anime, releasing sometime this year in Japan. Sega's official Valkyria Twitter states that it currently has no word about a western version at this time.For those who completely missed out on playing Valkyria Chronicles during the epic retail battle of the last holiday season -- and judging by the sales numbers, it was a lot of you -- we found it to be a tragically overlooked SRPG gem. Hopefully, significant DLC, or the announcement of a sequel, will gain the title some of the attention it missed out when Sega dropped it in the middle of the holiday wallet melee.[Via Sega America Blog]%Gallery-16979%
Cosplay in Valkyria Chronicles gear, get free stuff at NYCC
Are you a Valkyria Chronicles fanboy or fangirl? You have a chance of getting a free limited edition art book if you go to New York Comic Con ... dressed up as a character from the game. Sega has a huge presence at the show this year, with playable demos of MADWORLD and The Conduit on display.A recent blog post on Sega's website also notes that DLC for the game will be available soon. Stay tuned for more info.
Unsurprisingly low Valkyria Chronicles sales
What happens when you release a cel-shaded Japanese SRPG into the crowded November holiday lineup? Your game gets largely ignored. Sega's PS3-exclusive innovative tactics game didn't exactly light the sales charts on fire, with only 33k units sold in November, according to the NPD Group. November marked the release of heavy-hitting games like Call of Duty: World at War, Resistance 2 and Mortal Kombat vs. DC. It's thoroughly unsurprising that a game like Valkyria Chronicles didn't perform better in such a competitive market. That's a shame, considering how much we loved the game.Of course, you could make it right. Right now. But chances are, you'll be waiting for the inevitable price drop on this retail flop. C'mon PS3 fanboys! Tell your friends about Valkyria. And while you're at it, tell them about LittleBigPlanet as well -- both of these games could use some better sales.
Valkyria Chronicles composer gives insight into the soundtrack
Hitoshi Sakimoto, best known for his score for Final Fantasy XII, is also the composer of the soundtrack to the PS3 exclusive SRPG Valkyria Chronicles. Original Sound Version scored a rather unique soundtrack review/interview with the composer -- in addition to providing commentary on the tracks, Sakimoto himself picks out his favorites and adds liner notes for each song. Those of you who enjoyed the game and its music should check out the interview here.[Thanks, Kai!]
PS3 Fanboy review: Valkyria Chronicles
Amid a sea of Resistance 2s, LittleBigPlanets, Dead Spaces and Mirror's Edges it's easy to miss out on some real gaming gems. Titles that don't immediately spring to mind when you think of 2008's must-have games, but which are nonetheless worthy of your attention. Valkyria Chronicles is one of those games and I'm putting my cards on the table in this, the review's intro paragraph, so that there's no ambiguity; Valkyria Chronicles is an amazing game. Here's why. Valkyria Chronicles is a Japanese Strategy RPG set in a fictional Second World War. You take control of Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia in order to prevent the evil Empire from invading your home country. The game places a lot of stock in its story, with many cutscenes throughout. The first thing you'll notice about the game is how beautiful it is. The overall anime style may be familiar to you, but you've never seen it done like this before. A textured overlay makes the game look like a watercolor painting on stretched canvas. An effect heightened by the very edges of the screen, which have been left blank and uneven. As if the artist has not painted all the way to the edge. %Gallery-16979%
Valkyria Chronicles anime starts in Japan next Spring
If you've been playing Valkyria Chronicles you've probably noticed that the story is excellent and the characters are superbly lovable. We've actually thought a couple of times whilst playing that we'd love an anime based on the game. It seems our wishes have come true as it has been announced today that a series has been greenlit and will be shown in Japan in the Spring. There's no indication on whether we'll ever see a localized version in the west. If you want to show Sega you're interested in an English voiced version, feel free to go ahead and buy the game. Anime fans and SRPG fans alike won't be disappointed. We'll have our full review up before the end of the week.[Thanks, Tim!]
Deals: $15 gift card with CoD: World at War, Valkyria Chronicles $45
We've uncovered some money-saving deals for our readers this fine Sunday. Call of Duty: World at War is $59.99 but comes with a $15 gift card over at Toys "R" Us. Valkyria Chronicles is $44.99 at Circuit City. Both offers are in-store only and valid till November 15th. Furthermore, both games were selected in our November Buyer's Guide -- you won't regret picking them up.Source -- Toys "R" UsSource -- Circuit City
Valkyria Chronicles' Japanese DLC goes west early next year
The PlayStation Blog reveals that Valkyria Chronicles, the well-received strategy RPG which releases today in North America, will have its Japanese DLC translated for western audiences early next year.The DLC includes an extra mission and an "Extra Hard" skirmish mode. There is currently no price announcement for the content. Definitely check out the demo, currently available on the PSN, if you have even the slightest interest in SRPGs.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
