Valkyria

Valkyria

The logo for the first game in the series.
Genres Tactical role-playing, third-person shooter
Developers Sega
Media.Vision
Publishers Sega
Creators Ryutaro Nonaka
Shuntaro Tanaka
Platforms PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, IOS, Android
Platform of origin PlayStation 3
First release Valkyria Chronicles
April 24, 2008
Latest release Valkyria Chronicles D
July 26, 2012

Valkyria (ヴァルキーリア Varukyuria) is a series of military-themed tactical role-playing games created and developed by Sega. The series began with the release of Valkyria Chronicles for the PlayStation 3 in 2008. Two sequels have been released on the PlayStation Portable, with the latest installment, Valkyria: Azure Revolution, to be released for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. The original game was ported to Microsoft Windows, and a remastered version was released on the PlayStation 4. The series has also been expanded into an anime and manga media.

Gameplay

The original trilogy uses a turn based system known as the BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones), while the later installment is described as being real time with only strategy elements.

Setting

The setting for these games take place in alternate universe versions of the Earth, during war times of the 20th century.

Characters

Welkin Gunther is the main protagonist of the franchise.

Games

Valkyria debuted on PlayStation 3, with the original game later made available on Steam. Sega opted to continue the Chronicles series on PlayStation Portable instead of on PlayStation 3. However, the latest installment will be released on PlayStation 4; the series is largely exclusive to the PlayStation series of platforms.

Original trilogy

Timeline of release years
2008Valkyria Chronicles
2009
2010Valkyria Chronicles II
2011Valkyria Chronicles III
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016Valkyria: Azure Revolution

Valkyria Chronicles

Main article: Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles is the first game in the series, originally released for the PlayStation 3 and later ported to Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4. The Windows port was developed by Little Stone Software. It takes 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. The game's visuals, which use Sega's CANVAS graphics engine, resemble pencil drawn paintings in motion.

Valkyria Chronicles II

Valkyria Chronicles II is the second game in the Chronicles series, which continued on the PlayStation Portable. It takes place two years after the events of the first game, with a fight that breaks loose against the Revolutionary Army and the Empire. 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

Valkyria Chronicle III is the third game in the series, which was released on 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 "Calamaty Raven". Unlike the previous installments, it did not release outside of Japan.

Followup series

Valkyria: Azure Revolution

Valkyria Chronicles: Azure Revolution is set to release on PlayStation 4 and PS Vita on January 19, 2017. It is a continuation of the series, however is considered its own story, taking place in the fictional country of Jutland. One of the game's main themes is death.

Spinoff

Valkyria Chronicles D

Valkyria Chronicles D is a mobile game that also never released outside of Japan.[2]

Other media

Valkyria Chronicles: Gallian Chronicles

Manga cover, volume 1
戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-
(Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-)
Genre Action, drama, comedy, romance, military
Manga
Valkyria Chronicles: Wish Your Smile
Written by Sega
Illustrated by Kyusei Tokito
Published by Enterbrain
Magazine Comics B's Log
Original run November 12, 2008 – March 1, 2010
Volumes 2
Manga
Written by Sega
Illustrated by Kito En
Published by Kadokawa Shoten
Demographic Shōnen
Magazine Comp Ace
Original run November 26, 2008 – March 26, 2010
Volumes 4
Anime television series
Directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto
Written by Michiko Yokote
Studio A-1 Pictures
Network MBS, Animax
Original run April 4, 2009 – September 26, 2009
Episodes 26
Manga
Valkyria Chronicles: Anthology Comic
Written by Sega
Published by Enterbrain
Magazine Bros Comics EX
Published December 28, 2009
Volumes 1

Anime

The anime, which is a loose adaptation of the first game, premiered on April 4, 2009[3] and was produced by Aniplex's A-1 Pictures.[4][5] The series was directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto[6] and written by Michiko Yokote under the Project Valkyria Group.[6] Valkyria Chronicles was aired on Animax, Tokyo MX, MBS, CBC, Chiba TV, Television Kanagawa, Television Hokkaido, BS11 and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting.[7] 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"[8] was performed by Animax Anison Grand Prix winner Catherine St. Onge, under her chosen moniker of Himeka.[9][10][11] A CD single of the song was released on May 27, 2009.[12] The first ending theme, "Ano Kaze ni Notte" (アノ風ニノッテ, "Riding on that Wind") was sung by the band Pe'zmoku with a CD single released on May 27, 2009 in a regular and special edition.[12][13] Maria performed the series's second opening theme, "Kanashimi Rensa" (カナシミレンサ, "Chain of Sorrow"),[14] which was used from the 14th episode on.[15] The second ending song, "Hitotsu no Negai" (ひとつの願い, "A Single Wish"), was sung by Hikari Inoue[15] beginning from Episode 14 until Episode 25. Episode 26's ending song was "Brightest Morning", also performed by Hikari Inoue. CD singles for "Kanashimi Rensa" and "Hitotsu no Negai" were released on August 12, 2009 and August 5, 2009.[15]

Region 2 DVDs of Senjō no Valkyria' 26 episodes were released across nine volumes, beginning on August 5, 2009,[16] and concluding on April 7, 2010.[17] No release in regions outside Japan has been announced. However, in August 2009 an English dub of Senjō no Valkyria was one option presented on a Funimation Entertainment poll gauging consumer interest in potential DVD releases.[18] On September 29, 2010 Aaron Webber, Assistant Community Manager of Sega of America, answered a fan question in the comments section of the PlayStation.Blog about the potential of the anime making it to the US, saying, "There is a slight possibility that the anime might show up in the US – no real news on it yet, but I keep pushing our licensing team to see what they can do."[19] A couple months later, a preorder listing for a Blu-ray box set appeared on Amazon.jp, set to be released April 27, 2011.[20] On January 10, 2011 a preorder listing for the anime appeared on the UK site HMV.com with the cover art being the same as the Japanese Blu-ray box set.[21] However, no release date was listed on the page and Sega has not confirmed the listing as legitimate.

Manga

Three manga adaptations are made based on the game, two currently released in Japan and France with one only available in Japan. The first is Valkyria Chronicles: Wish Your Smile, serialized by Enterbrain's Comics B's Log magazine[22] 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.[22][23] It is written by Sega and authored by Kyusei Tokito, which was serialized on November 12, 2008 with 2 volumes released on May 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010.[24][25][26][27]

The second manga, titled Valkyria Chronicles: Gallian Chronicles, is written by Sega and authored by Kito En.[28] Similar to the anime, it is a loose adaptation of the original video game, with some story details diverging from the source. It was released and serialized on November 26, 2008 by Kadokawa Shoten[28] and serialized in Comp Ace.[29][30]

The third manga, known as Valkyria Chronicles: Anthology Comic, written by Sega and published by the Bros Comics EX comic label.[31] It was published on December 28, 2009.[31]

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]

Reception

Aggregate review scores
As of November 14, 2011.
Game Metacritic
Valkyria Chronicles (PS3) 86/100[33]
(PC) 85/100[34]
Valkyria Chronicles II 83/100[35]
Valkyria Chronicles III —

The Valkyria series has had a generally positive reception. Valkyria Chronicles won numerous awards, including Strategy Game of the Year from GameSpy.[36]

Sales

By 2015, Valkyria Chronicles sold over 500,000 copies on Steam, exceeding expectations, and over 141,589 copies on the PlayStation 3.[37] The second game was the second best-selling video game in Japan during its release week, selling 94,000 copies.[38][39] The third game sold approximately 100,000 units during its premier week,[40] faring better than its predecessors.

References

  1. ↑ "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). 2008-02-20. Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  2. ↑ Eisenbeis, Richard. "Check Out the Other Valkyria Chronicles Game That's Never Left Japan". Kotaku. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  3. ↑ 戦場のヴァルキュリア (in Japanese). All Cinema. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Valkyria Chronicles Game to Get TV Anime Next Spring". Anime News Network. November 12, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2008.
  5. ↑ "「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.
  6. 1 2 "Official Valkyria Chronicles Cast/Staff Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Chronicles of Valkyria Anime Starts Broadcast Run in April!". March 29, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  8. ↑ "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.
  9. ↑ "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. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
  10. ↑ "Canada's St. Onge to Sing Valkyria Anime's Theme Song". Anime News Network. February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Chronicles of Valkyria Anime Starts Broadcast Run in April!". Tokyo Anime Center. April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  12. 1 2 "CD Single section, Official Valkryia Chronicles DVD/CD Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009.
  13. ↑ "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.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. 1 2 3 "Valkyria Chronicles New OP ED Preview". July 5, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2009.
  16. ↑ 「戦場のヴァルキュリア 1」 (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009.
  17. ↑ "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. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  18. ↑ "New Anime Survey by FUNIMATION c/o of Zoomerang". Retrieved October 6, 2009.
  19. ↑ "Valkyria Chronicles II Community BliTZ Finale – DLC and Free Codes – PlayStation Blog". Blog.us.playstation.com. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  20. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp - 戦場のヴァルキュリア Blu-ray BOX DVD・ブルーレイ - 千葉進歩, 井上麻里奈, 山本靖貴". amazon.co.jp. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  21. ↑ "HMV - Music, Films, & Games - hmv.com". hmv.com - home of entertainment. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  22. 1 2 "Enterbrain publishing Battlefield Valkyria manga". andriasang.com. October 15, 2008. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
  23. ↑ "Official Senjō no Valkyria: Wish Your Smile characters page" (in Japanese). Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  24. ↑ "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.
  25. ↑ "B's-LOG12月号増刊 comic B's-LOG 2008 12" (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved November 3, 2009.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ ASIN 2302017250
  28. 1 2 "Kadokawa Shoten's Senjō no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles Page" (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
  29. ↑ 月刊 コンプエース７月号 (in Japanese). Comptiq. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
  30. ↑ ASIN 2302014243
  31. 1 2 "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.
  32. 1 2 "Drama CD, Official Senjō no Valkyria DVD/CD Page" (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2009.
  33. ↑ "Valkyria Chronicles Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Valkyria Chronicles Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  35. ↑ http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/valkyria-chronicles-ii
  36. ↑ "Gamespy's Special Awards Winners Recap, award". GameSpy. Retrieved December 25, 2008.
  37. ↑ "2008 top 100". Kyoto.zaq.ne.jp. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  38. ↑ "PSP tops Japanese chart for third week". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  39. ↑ "New Super Mario Bros Beats Out Valkyria Chronicles 2 In Japan". www.kotaku.com.au. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  40. ↑ Anoop Gantayat (February 3, 2011). "The Last Story Tops the Charts with 115,000 Sales". Andriasang. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
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