Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles | |
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![]() The logo for the first game in the series. | |
Genre(s) | Tactical role-playing |
Developer(s) | Sega Media.Vision |
Publisher(s) | Sega |
Creator(s) | Ryutaro Nonaka Shuntaro Tanaka |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
First release | Valkyria Chronicles April 24, 2008 |
Latest release | Valkyria Chronicles 4 March 21, 2018 |
Valkyria Chronicles[a] is a series of military-themed tactical role-playing video games created by Ryutaro Nonaka and Shuntaro Tanaka, and developed by Sega. The series began with Valkyria Chronicles, which was released for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, and later for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch. Two sequels have been released on the PlayStation Portable, with the latest installment, Valkyria Chronicles 4, released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows. The series has also been expanded into anime and manga media.
Settings, gameplay, and characters
[edit]The main line of games uses a turn based system known as the BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones), set in Europa, a fictional continent based on Europe where a massive conflict known as the "Second Europan War" took place between the superpowers of the Atlantic Federation, a loose alliance of democracies from the western part of the continent and the East Europan Imperial Alliance, an imperialistic monarchy. It was in fact a continuation of the First Europan War, which ended in a stalemate a few decades ago. Both sides covet the natural resources of the neutral nation of Galia, which leads to an invasion from the Empire. The first, third and fourth game of the series follow the exploits of distinct groups of Galian soldiers on different fronts of the Second Europan War, fighting the imperial forces, while the second game is set two years after the war, with the Galian government facing an insurrection that escalates into a civil war after it was revealed that the Galia's royal family descends from the Darcsen race, which has suffered prejudice and persecution across the continent for centuries.
The four main games were designed using Sega's CANVAS graphics engine, making the visuals resemble pencil drawn paintings in motion.
Despite considered part of the franchise, Valkyria Revolution is set in an alternate version of Europa with different lore and characters, as well as a totally different artstyle and gameplay.
Games
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles debuted on PlayStation 3, with the original game later made available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Sega opted to continue the series on PlayStation Portable instead of on PlayStation 3. However, Valkyria Chronicles 4 was released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch, it was the first Valkyria Chronicles game to debut on a Nintendo platform and Microsoft Windows in the West.
Main series
[edit]2008 | Valkyria Chronicles |
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2009 | |
2010 | Valkyria Chronicles II |
2011 | Valkyria Chronicles III |
2012 | Valkyria Chronicles D |
2013 | |
2014 | |
2015 | |
2016 | |
2017 | Valkyria Revolution |
2018 | Valkyria Chronicles 4 |
Valkyria Chronicles
[edit]The first main entry in the series was originally released for the PlayStation 3 and later ported to Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The Windows port was developed by Little Stone Software. It takes place in Europa, a fictional continent based on Europe, during the beginning of World War II. Because of its abundance of Ragnite ore, which takes the place of petroleum in the game setting, the neutral nation of Gallia comes under attack from the East Europan Imperial Alliance, which is itself engaged in a war with the Atlantic Federation.[1] Players take control of a unit of the Gallian Militia, dedicated to repelling the invasion.
Valkyria Chronicles II
[edit]The second main entry was moved to the PlayStation Portable platform. Story-wise, it takes place two years after the events of the first game, with a fight that breaks loose against the Gallian Revolutionary Army and the Regular Army in a bid to remove Cordelia from the throne. The game's story focuses on a military academy as its cadets seek to prevent an ethnic cleansing campaign by a ruthless rebel group.
Valkyria Chronicles III
[edit]The third main entry was also released on the PlayStation Portable. However, it takes place during the events of the first game. The story follows the "Nameless", a penal military unit serving the nation of Gallia during the Second Europan War who perform secret black operations and are pitted against the Imperial unit "Calamity Raven". Unlike the previous installments, it did not have an official release outside of Japan.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
[edit]The fourth main entry was released on the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2018.[2] While taking place during the events of the first and third game, Valkyria Chronicles 4 focuses on a group of Gallian soldiers enlisted in the Atlantic Federation, the other major superpower during the events of the war, that enacts a bold plan to strike at the imperial capital in order to end the conflict.
Spinoffs
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles D
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles D is a mobile game released only in Japan. It was a free browser-based/iOS game, with radically different gameplay, focusing more on character management of war troops similar to sports team management simulations.[3] It was released on July 26, 2012 and shut down on April 22, 2015.[4]
Valkyria Revolution
[edit]Valkyria Revolution (known in Japan as Valkyria of the Blue Revolution) was released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita on January 19, 2017 in Japan. It is considered a spin-off, with a storyline separate from the main series, taking place in the fictional country of Jutland. It was released in North America and Europe on June 27, 2017 and June 30, 2017 respectively for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Xbox One, making it the first series game to be on a Microsoft console, alongside the PlayStation versions.[5]
Other media
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() Valkyria Chronicles volume 1 manga cover | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Genre | Action, drama, comedy, romance, military | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Manga
[edit]Four manga adaptations have been published based on the first game. The first is Valkyria Chronicles: Wish Your Smile, serialized by Enterbrain's Comic B's Log magazine[6] and centering on two characters made for the manga: Mintz, an orphan and engineer, and Julius Klose, a sniper, with both of them in the Gallian army's militia force.[6][7] It was illustrated by Kyusei Tokito, and was serialized from November 12, 2008 to January 22, 2010 with two compilation volumes released on May 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010.[8][9][10][11]
The second manga, titled the same as the game, was illustrated by En Kito.[12] Similar to the anime, it is a loose adaptation of the original video game, with some story details diverging from the source material. It was serialized by Kadokawa Shoten[12] from November 26, 2008 to March 26, 2010 in Comp Ace magazine and later compiled in four volumes.[13][14]
The third manga is Valkyria Chronicles: Anthology Comic, published by the Bros Comics EX comic label on December 28, 2009 in one volume.[15]
The fourth manga is Valkyria Chronicles: 4-koma Anthology, published by the Bros Comics EX comic label on March 10, 2010 in one volume.[16]
Anime
[edit]The anime adaptation of the first game premiered on April 4, 2009[17] and was produced by Aniplex's A-1 Pictures.[18][19] The series was directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto[20] and written by Michiko Yokote under the Project Valkyria Group.[20] Valkyria Chronicles was aired on Animax, Tokyo MX, MBS, CBC, Chiba TV, Television Kanagawa, Television Hokkaido, BS11, and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting.[21] Generally following the storyline of the original game, the anime version differs from its source in terms of characterization of main players such as Alicia, and introduces a character unique to the anime, Ramal Valt. While retaining elements of the CANVAS Engine's look, the characters were redesigned for the anime by Atsuko Watanabe.
The original score for the anime is composed and conducted by the game's composer Hitoshi Sakimoto and performed by the Czech Film Orchestra. The first opening theme song, "Asu e no Kizuna"[22] was performed by Animax Anison Grand Prix winner Catherine St. Onge, under her chosen moniker of Himeka.[23][24][25] A CD single of the song was released on May 27, 2009.[26] The first ending theme, "Ano Kaze ni Notte" (アノ
Region 2 DVDs of all 26 episodes were released across nine volumes, beginning on August 5, 2009,[30] and concluding on April 7, 2010.[31] Each DVD volume contained a Valkyria Chronicles Theater OVA mini-episode. A BD-box was released on April 27, 2011.
Drama CD
[edit]Two Valkyria Chronicles Drama CDs have been released. The first was released on July 24, 2009,[32] and the second was released on October 7, 2009.[32]
Valkyria Chronicles II
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles II | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Senjō no Varukyuria Tsū) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Genre | Action, drama, comedy, romance, military | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Three manga adaptations of the second game were released by Sega in Japan.[33]
The first one released was Valkyria Chronicles II Sōkō no Aliasse (
The next manga is called Valkyria Chronicles II (
Another manga, named Valkyria Chronicles II: Our Only Days (
Valkyria Chronicles III
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles III | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Senjō no Varukyuria 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Genre | Action, drama, comedy, romance, military | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Anime
[edit]Valkyria Chronicles III was adapted into a two-episode original video animation series in the same year of its release. Titled Senjō no Varukyuria 3: Taga Tame no Jūsō (
The anime's title was inspired by the principal purpose of the Nameless: to suffer in battle for the goals of others. A subtitle attached to the project during development was "The Road to Kubinka", which referenced the Kubinka Tank Museum in Moscow. The game's main theme was how the characters regained their sense of self when stripped of their names and identities, along with general themes focused on war and its consequences. While making the anime, the production team were told by Sega to make it as realistic as possible, with the consequence that the team did extensive research into aspects such as what happened when vehicles like tanks were overturned or damaged. Due to it being along the same timeline as the original game and its anime television adaptation, the cast of Valkyria Chronicles could make appearances, which pleased the team.[37][39][40] The opening theme, "Akari (Light) -Tomoshibi-" (
Manga
[edit]Two manga adaptations were serialized between 2011 and 2012, following each of the game's main female protagonists, Imca and Riela. They were Senjō no Varukyuria 3: Na mo Naki Chikai no Hana (
Reception
[edit]Game | Metacritic |
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Valkyria Chronicles | (NS) 84/100[44] (PC) 85/100[45] (PS3) 86/100[46] (PS4) 84/100[47] |
Valkyria Chronicles II | (PSP) 83/100[48] |
Valkyria Chronicles III | — |
Valkyria Revolution | (PS4) 54/100[49] (XONE) 56/100[50] |
Valkyria Chronicles 4 | (NS) 82/100[51] (PC) 83/100[52] (PS4) 85/100[53] (XONE) 81/100[54] |
Valkyria Chronicles series has had a generally positive reception. The original Valkyria Chronicles won numerous awards, including Strategy Game of the Year from GameSpy[55] and is considered one of the greatest games of all time.
By 2015, Valkyria Chronicles sold over 500,000 copies on Steam, exceeding expectations, and over 141,589 copies on the PlayStation 3.[56] The second game was the second best-selling video game in Japan during its release week, selling 94,000 copies.[57][58] The third game sold approximately 100,000 units during its premier week,[59] faring better than its predecessors. During its initial March 2018 release on PS4, the fourth game sold 76,778 physical copies within its first three weeks in Japan.[60] After its release on the Switch in September 2018, the game sold 5,596 physical copies within its first week in Japan.[61]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Sega and PS3 Valkyrie of the Battlefield
独特 の世界 観 ・時代 背景 の詳細 を紹介 Unique view of the world to introduce detailed historical background". www.watch.impress.co.jp (in Japanese). February 20, 2008. Archived from the original on February 27, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2008. - ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "New Valkyria Project Announcement Trailer". YouTube. November 19, 2017.
- ^ "Check Out the Other Valkyria Chronicles Game That's Never Left Japan". October 31, 2012.
- ^ "Sega shuts down Valkyria Chronicles mobile game". February 26, 2015.
- ^ "Valkyria Revolution is Coming West". December 14, 2016.
- ^ a b "Enterbrain publishing Battlefield Valkyria manga". andriasang.com. October 15, 2008. Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
- ^ "Official Senjō no Valkyria: Wish Your Smile characters page" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
- ^ "comic B's-LOG
戦場 のヴァルキュリア-wish your smile- (1)" (in Japanese). Sega. Retrieved November 3, 2009. - ^ "B's-LOG12
月 号 増刊 comic B's-LOG 2008 12" (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved November 3, 2009. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア -wish your smile- 2 (B's LOG Comics) (B's-LOG COMICS) (in Japanese). Sinkan. Retrieved March 6, 2010. - ^ ASIN 2302017250
- ^ a b "Kadokawa Shoten's Senjō no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles Page" (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
- ^
月刊 コンプエース7月 号 (in Japanese). Comptiq. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2008. - ^ ASIN 2302014243
- ^ "
戦場 のヴァルキュリア アンソロジーコミック(Bros.comics EX)" (in Japanese). Sega. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2011. - ^ "
戦場 のヴァルキュリア 4コマアンソロジー" (in Japanese). Sega. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2011. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア (in Japanese). All Cinema. Retrieved April 8, 2009. - ^ "Valkyria Chronicles Game to Get TV Anime Next Spring". Anime News Network. November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
- ^ "「
戦場 のヴァルキュリア」が2009年 春 にTVアニメ化 !制作 はA-1 Pictures!!". Dengeki Online. November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008. - ^ a b "Official Valkyria Chronicles Cast/Staff Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved April 19, 2009.
- ^ "Chronicles of Valkyria Anime Starts Broadcast Run in April!". March 29, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
- ^ "TVアニメーション 「
戦場 のヴァルキュリア」 プロモーションビデオ" (in Japanese). Retrieved April 8, 2009. - ^ "HIMEKA: 「
私 は音楽 と結婚 します」 カナダ出身 "アニソン界 の黒船 "デビュー会見 " (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun. February 26, 2009. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved March 6, 2009. - ^ "Canada's St. Onge to Sing Valkyria Anime's Theme Song". Anime News Network. February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
- ^ "Chronicles of Valkyria Anime Starts Broadcast Run in April!". Tokyo Anime Center. April 5, 2009. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
- ^ a b "CD Single section, Official Valkryia Chronicles DVD/CD Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009.
- ^ "pe'zmoku,
苦難 を乗 り越 えニューシングル「アノ風 ニノッテ」がリリース決定 " (in Japanese). Retrieved April 19, 2009. - ^ "
今週 末 より新 クール突入 !新 OP場面 カット公開 !" (in Japanese). July 2, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2009. - ^ a b c "Valkyria Chronicles New OP ED Preview". July 5, 2009. Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2009.
- ^ 「
戦場 のヴァルキュリア 1」 (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009. - ^ "
戦場 のヴァルキュリア 9 [DVD]:山本 靖 貴 ,千葉 進歩 ,井上 麻里奈 : DVD". Amazon.co.jp. April 7, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010. - ^ a b "Drama CD, Official Senjō no Valkyria DVD/CD Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009.
- ^ "『
戦場 のヴァルキュリア2』コミックスフェア タイアップステッカープレゼント!". Sega. Retrieved September 12, 2011. - ^ a b c d e f
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 . A-1 Pictures. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 - Q&A (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 - Goods (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^ a b
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 - クリエイターズインタビュー第 1回 (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^ "Valkyria Chronicles 3 Game Gets Original Video Anime (Updated)". Anime News Network. November 8, 2010. Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 - クリエイターズインタビュー第 2回 (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 - クリエイターズインタビュー第 3回 (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3誰 がための銃 瘡 -主題歌 アーティストメッセージ (in Japanese). Valkyria Chronicles III OVA Website. 2011. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3名 もなき誓 いの花 (in Japanese). Valkyria Portal. Archived from the original on June 20, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^ "KADOKAWA Corporation"
戦場 のヴァルキュリア3-赤 き運命 の戦 乙女 - (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016. - ^ "Valkyria Chronicles Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles Remastered Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles II Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Revolution Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Revolution Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Valkyria Chronicles 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Gamespy's Special Awards Winners Recap, award". GameSpy. Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved December 25, 2008.
- ^ "2008 top 100". Kyoto.zaq.ne.jp. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
- ^ "PSP tops Japanese chart for third week". GamesIndustry.biz. January 28, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- ^ "New Super Mario Bros Beats Out Valkyria Chronicles 2 In Japan". www.kotaku.com.au. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- ^ Anoop Gantayat (February 3, 2011). "The Last Story Tops the Charts with 115,000 Sales". Andriasang. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
- ^ Romano, Sal (April 11, 2018). "Media Create Sales: 4/2/18 – 4/8/18". Gematsu.
- ^ Romano, Sal (October 3, 2018). "Media Create Sales: 9/24/18 – 9/30/18". Gematsu.
- Manga series
- 2008 manga
- 2009 anime television series debuts
- 2010 manga
- 2011 anime OVAs
- 2011 manga
- Valkyria Chronicles
- A-1 Pictures
- Alternate history video games
- Anime television series based on video games
- Enterbrain manga
- Kadokawa Shoten manga
- Manga based on video games
- Multiplayer and single-player video games
- Role-playing video games
- Sega Games franchises
- Shōnen manga
- Tactical role-playing video games
- Tactical role-playing video games by series
- Video game franchises introduced in 2008
- Video games about bomb disposal