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VALKYRIA CHRONICLES
review | PLAYSTATION 3
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Publisher: SEGA.
Developer: SEGA. Released: October 2008 (Europe). Genre: Tactical RPG. Posted 22nd June 2026. By Shane Battams © 2026 |
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Valkyria Chronicles would prove to be one of the PlayStation 3’s most distinctive exclusives, a project helmed by developers who worked on Skies of Arcadia and Sakura Wars. SEGA’s tactical role-playing game couldn’t have felt more divergent from the trends of the time: while high-profile games like Gears of War and Killzone presented war with grimness and grit, this title instead showcased a unique art style typified by its colourful battlefields. Delve beneath the surface, and there’s a gameplay experience that challenges you to think, storytelling driven by raw emotion, and a lengthy campaign bolstered by excellent missions. All of this combines for an excellent experience.
Set in Europa, which bears a resemblance to 1940s Europe, the region sees conflict over the Ragnite Ore that serves as fuel for much of the technology and living. As two alliances begin a large-scale war, the neutral state of Gallia finds itself targeted by the Eastern force for their rich supply of Ragnite. Welkin Gunther, son of a legendary general, finds himself drawn into the conflict when forced to escape his home as the invasion begins. Signing up with the army, the story focuses on Squad 7’s efforts in the war, as he works with a motley crew of fighters including his adopted sister Isara and former town watch Alicia Melchiott. Valkyria Chronicles offers a genuinely fantastic tale, which captures the horrors of war while presenting likeable characters who enhance the thread, such as Welkin whose tactical prowess is matched by his awkward obsession for studying animals. Some moments will shock you, stirring the emotions, but it never feels cheap.
Valkyria Chronicles' pastel shades are a far cry from the dingy grimness of other combat experiences of the time
Valkyria Chronicles also benefits from a gorgeous art style that still looks beautiful, even today. Resembling a watercolour book, the game is replete with distinctive colours, a layer of cel-shading and crosshatching textures which come together to form a stunning visage. Characters look rich with detail, environments are crafted with care, and welcome flourishes such as splashes of comic-book text with onomatopoeia, highlighting explosions or rapid fire. Even simple parts, such as the map used to dish out orders, look great. The sound is also high quality. The translation and script are some of the best the console would see, gifting characters likeable traits and avoiding modern clichés from other JRPGs. Voicework is great amongst the main cast, even if a few side characters are a tad goofy, and the music is outstanding with beautiful orchestral tracks, catchy battle themes and haunting strings when death inevitably rears its head.
Valkyria Chronicles isn’t all style, though. It’s also a deep yet accessible tactical RPG. Battles see you guiding a squad across the warzone as you trade turns with the opposition. The map allows you to view all your units, spot nearby enemies and recon the path ahead. Once you select a unit, you then gain control of them and can move around the battlefield. The AP meter shows how much you can move, and you can perform one action while on the ground such as shooting or healing. After ending that turn, you then return to the map. Each turn is governed by CP, forcing you to consider your actions carefully. Choosing an anti-tank fighter without ammo, for example, wastes a turn. Many missions require you to complete specific objectives, such as taking over an enemy base, though lengthy missions can escalate with further objectives. You can at least save at any point during a battle, which gives breathing room for experimentation and a way back if it doesn’t pan out. While some odd AI behaviour and collision detection issues during movement are a shame, they aren’t too frequent a problem.
Valkyria Chronicles isn’t all style, though. It’s also a deep yet accessible tactical RPG. Battles see you guiding a squad across the warzone as you trade turns with the opposition. The map allows you to view all your units, spot nearby enemies and recon the path ahead. Once you select a unit, you then gain control of them and can move around the battlefield. The AP meter shows how much you can move, and you can perform one action while on the ground such as shooting or healing. After ending that turn, you then return to the map. Each turn is governed by CP, forcing you to consider your actions carefully. Choosing an anti-tank fighter without ammo, for example, wastes a turn. Many missions require you to complete specific objectives, such as taking over an enemy base, though lengthy missions can escalate with further objectives. You can at least save at any point during a battle, which gives breathing room for experimentation and a way back if it doesn’t pan out. While some odd AI behaviour and collision detection issues during movement are a shame, they aren’t too frequent a problem.
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There’s a ton of other elements to wrap your head around, too. Each Squad 7 fighter has a unique role: Scouts offer mid-range offense and can highlight foes further away, shock troopers offer limited range but devastating power, Lancers counter tanks with explosive ordinance, Engineers are weak in combat but can disarm mines or repair tanks and snipers can provide long-range protection. Each class offers counters to another, meaning putting together the best squad proves challenging as you consider all opposition. Fifty characters can be recruited to your squad, boasting unique stats and perks which also require thought. Certain characters, for example, suffer a pollen allergy and lose health in more rural surrounds, meaning they prove a liability in the countryside. They can also activate unique potentials which trigger at random, such as an undodgeable shot. Also worthy of mention is that most squad members, after going down, can be permanently killed, which means losing a strong teammate forever. There’s immense depth here, but it never feels overwhelming, and learning the systems proves gratifying.
All in all, there’s well over twenty missions here between main chapters, optional skirmishes and extra missions which focus on side stories with key characters. Map design is mostly excellent, allowing for numerous approaches and rewarding focused play with higher rankings, dependent on how many turns you take. But challenging variables such as a vision-clouding sandstorm can force you to shake up your approach. The game takes around 35 hours to clear initially, but a New Game + allows you to return with your upgraded gear, squad members and experience to try to earn higher ranks. Completion also unlocks Hard mode, which only strains your tactical thinking further. There’s a lot to sink your teeth into here.
All in all, there’s well over twenty missions here between main chapters, optional skirmishes and extra missions which focus on side stories with key characters. Map design is mostly excellent, allowing for numerous approaches and rewarding focused play with higher rankings, dependent on how many turns you take. But challenging variables such as a vision-clouding sandstorm can force you to shake up your approach. The game takes around 35 hours to clear initially, but a New Game + allows you to return with your upgraded gear, squad members and experience to try to earn higher ranks. Completion also unlocks Hard mode, which only strains your tactical thinking further. There’s a lot to sink your teeth into here.
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VC challenges players to make intelligent use of their surroundings to help overcome challenging opposition
Valkyria Chronicles is a superb tactical RPG, boasting an incredible visual style, approachable mechanics and challenging maps that can be overcome with patience and thought. It’s a real joy to see a carefully laid plan pan out perfectly, but it’s equally heartbreaking to lose a squad member due to that plan going up in smoke, especially with an endearing cast of characters and emotional storytelling. Just as Welkin grows to treat his squad like family, you grow attached to these fighters and want them to succeed. Few games manage to draw you in like this. If you are looking for an aesthetically distinctive, thoughtful experience, then this is simply a must-own.
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VERDICT
"Valkyria Chronicles is a superb tactical RPG. Defined by a stunning art style, it’s further bolstered by approachable yet challenging gameplay, and an emotional story built around endearing characters." OVERALL: 9/10 |
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