Why You Shouldn't Write Off Valkyria Chronicles II as Just Another Handheld Port

For those of us who missed the original at its initial launch (and that would be most of us), we nearly missed out on what is destined to become a true classic. The first game was a surprise hit for the PlayStation 3, with its beautiful art style and combination of strategic elements. Valkyria Chronicles II is a game playable on its own without needing to play the original, but for those of you familiar with the series, expect more of the same that you love, plus what can best be described as fan-service.

The story of this edition takes off 2 years after the previous game. The Duchess of Gallia turns out to be a Darcsen, a hated minority which much of the world feels is a lessor race. This is the cause of civil war. The Gallian Army, overstretched by the conflict, look to their cadets to fulfill a greater role. This is where the (for lack of better word) the Hero comes in. Avan Hardins is a simple and rather lazy boy with little interest in the military until he finds out his brother is killed in a military operation. This is the catalyst for him to join the Lanseal Military Academy, where he is promptly dumped in class G. Class G is where failures are sent, and the game uses this to produce lots of comedy to keep this game even more lighthearted than the original.

As in many games, this is the beginning of a story of the underdogs saving the world.

The battle system is the same as the previous game, using the BLitZ system (Battle of live tactical zones). For new players, this means that each round you have command points to spend on using your troops. Select a troop from the 2D map and you will be sent into a 3D over the shoulder mode to shoot it out until you used up that troop's turn by moving a set distance, taking cover, healing and/or attacking. Luckily for everyone the game has a reasonable skill curve, with the early missions being very straight forward and the later missions gradually incorporating new features. After each mission you will use experience to improve your troops, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game to me.

Multiplayer is a great part of this game, with some cooperation friendly aspects too. Working and moving together with another player will increase your stats. Some missions are so difficult you may find yourself asking your friends if they have the game too, just to get some backup. Unfortunately, this can be a problem as it only allows for local play, with one cartridge per player.

The graphics and sound is a great spot for me, the anime is beautifully drawn, especially so for a PSP release. I found myself waiting for new cut scenes, whereas i normally will look at them as important to the story, yet frequently annoying. While the sound and voice-work was well done, I feel voices could have been used more, as most characters only audibly respond with the same greeting every time, no matter what they say.

If I was hard pressed to pick a dislike to the whole experience, it would be Avan's random carefree nature. The death of his brother has him charging headlong to the academy for revenge, but once he is there, he returns to his carefree self. This series has had previous issues with randomly bouncing from near-brutal to laughably comical.

All in all, this game is a solid continuation of a great series, and once you get over it being turned into a handheld and play it you will probably agree. Refreshingly enough, there are no new features that feel uselessly tacked on, which would be a good point for many other handheld games to follow.

Without a doubt, one of the best designed games added to the PSP lineup. A great benefit to it being released as a PSP game is that you can get it for only $39.95.