Valkyria Chronicles

I remember back in 2008 when a friend of mine wouldn't stop raving about a game I had never heard of called Valkyria Chronicles. At the time, Japanese games weren't really my thing, especially JRPGs. But my friend's enthusiasm was infectious, and eventually, I gave it a shot. Looking back, I can confidently say that it's one of the best games from the PS3 era and a standout title of the decade.

Valkyria Chronicles is a turn-based tactical RPG that places you in the shoes of a band of young soldiers fighting against an invading army. You're definitely the underdog, tasked with stopping the enemy from overtaking your homeland. The gameplay revolves around completing levels where you face off against enemy forces. What's unique here is the variety of weaponry at your disposal-rifles, submachine guns, rocket launchers, snipers, and even two tanks. Each class has its strengths and weaknesses, adding a layer of strategy to the combat.

One of the elements that truly hooks you into the game is the squad mechanics. You can form a squad before battles, and this aspect could lead to emotional investment in your characters. If any of your non-main cast members fall in battle, they're gone for good-something that kept me on my toes and made me reluctant to let any soldier down. Each character has unique traits that can influence combat outcomes, so sometimes it's a matter of luck or your strategic choices. The post-battle points system allows you to upgrade weaponry and abilities, particularly for your main crew, making it quite rewarding when you see them grow stronger.

Admittedly, I found the gameplay highly addictive, even if it was reasonably challenging at times. I often found myself starting certain levels over to ensure I didn't lose anyone-permadeath was serious business! There are 20 moves available per turn for your squad, and while the basics are straightforward, the levels themselves are diverse, featuring everything from environmental challenges to complex boss fights. I immersed myself in side missions, replaying levels just to experience more of this fantastic world, racking up over 40 hours of engaging gameplay.

Besides the rich mechanics, the story has a decent enough plot centered on the invasion, but it's the characters that truly shine. I grew attached to them over time and was invested in their journey, eager to see how their fates unfolded. The storytelling is linear, which doesn't detract from the overall experience; in fact, it complements the gameplay perfectly.

Visually, Valkyria Chronicles is stunning in its own way, with hand-drawn graphics that still hold up today. Perfect visuals aren't a necessity for a game like this, but it definitely adds to its charm. The music throughout the game is beautifully composed, heightening the emotional impact of the story, and I found the English voice acting to be top-notch, bringing the characters to life.

It's a real shame this game didn't sell as well as it deserved. To this day, I can't wrap my head around why it flew under the radar. If you haven't played Valkyria Chronicles yet, do yourself a favor and experience this masterpiece. It's an absolute 10/10, and it will no doubt remain one of my all-time favorites. Don't skip out on this hidden gem!