{{Short description|2008 video game}} {{About|the video game|the video game series|Valkyria Chronicles}} {{Infobox video game | title = Valkyria Chronicles | image = Valkyria cover.jpg | caption = European PlayStation 3 box art | developer = {{plainlist| * [[Sega]] * [[Media.Vision]] (Remastered){{efn|Microsoft Windows version developed by Little Stone Software; PlayStation 4 version developed by [[Media.Vision]]<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:戦場のヴァルキュリア リマスター|url=http://www.media-vision.co.jp/soft/svr.php|publisher=Media.Vision|access-date=26 May 2017|language=ja}}</ref>}}}} | publisher = Sega | series = ''[[Valkyria Chronicles]]'' | engine = | platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}} | released = {{plainlist| * '''PlayStation 3''' {{vgrelease|JP|April 24, 2008|UK|October 31, 2008|NA|November 4, 2008}} * '''Windows''' {{vgrelease|WW|November 11, 2014}} * '''PlayStation 4''' (''Remastered'') {{vgrelease|JP|February 10, 2016|UK/NA|May 17, 2016}} * '''Nintendo Switch'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 27, 2018|NA/EU|October 16, 2018}}}} | genre = [[Tactical role-playing game|Tactical role-playing]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] | director = {{plainlist| * Shuntaro Tanaka * Takaharu Terada}} | producer = Ryutaro Nonaka | designer = Takeshi Ozawa | artist = {{plainlist| * Raita Honjou * Hirotaka Kanazawa}} | composer = [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]] }} '''''Valkyria Chronicles'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-'''''|戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-||{{lit}} ''Valkyria of the Battlefield: Gallian Chronicles''|lead=yes}}<!-- See [[WP:JFN]] -->}} is a [[Tactical role-playing game|tactical role-playing]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Sega]] for the [[PlayStation 3]] in 2008.<ref name="ANN">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-12/valkyria-chronicles-game-to-get-tv-anime-next-spring|title=Valkyria Chronicles Game to Get TV Anime Next Spring|access-date=2008-11-12|date=2008-11-12|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=2009-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122071326/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-12/valkyria-chronicles-game-to-get-tv-anime-next-spring|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Windows]] version was released on November 11, 2014. A remastered version for [[PlayStation 4]] was released in Japan on February 10, 2016, with a Western release on May 17, 2016. The game was released digitally for the [[Nintendo Switch]] on September 27, 2018, in Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/06/20/valkyria-chronicles-4-valkyria-chronicles-remastered-switch-release-september-27-japan/|title=Valkyria Chronicles 4 And Valkyria Chronicles Remastered On Switch Release September 27 In Japan|work=Siliconera|author=Sato|date=June 20, 2018|access-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref> and on October 16, 2018, in North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/valkyria-chronicles-switch/|title=Valkyria Chronicles Releasing for Nintendo Switch on October 16th|work=DualShockers|author=Giuseppe Nelva|date=September 1, 2018|access-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref> The later versions include previously released [[downloadable content]].
The game is set in Europa, a fictional region loosely based on Europe during the early years 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 war with the Atlantic Federation.<ref name="Game Watch">{{cite web| url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080220/val.htm| title=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| language=ja| work=www.watch.impress.co.jp| date=2008-02-20| access-date=2008-02-24| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227151816/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080220/val.htm| archive-date=2008-02-27}}</ref> 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 drawings in motion.
''Valkyria Chronicles'' earned numerous awards from several notable [[Video game journalism|video game publications]] and has been cited as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games of all time]]. The success of the title spawned a [[Valkyria Chronicles|media franchise]], including several [[manga]] titles and an [[anime]] series. Two sequels were released for [[PlayStation Portable]]: ''[[Valkyria Chronicles II]]'' in 2010,<ref name="Brian Ashcraft">{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/valkyria-chronicles-2-is-a-psp-game-5314871|title=Valkyria Chronicles 2 Is A PSP Game|access-date=2009-07-21|publisher=Kotaku|author=Brian Ashcraft|date=15 July 2009|archive-date=2009-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718072846/http://kotaku.com/5314871/valkyria-chronicles-2-is-a-psp-game|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Valkyria Chronicles III]]'' in 2011.<ref name="Siliconera">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/14/valkyria-chronicles-3-confirmed-for-psp|publisher=Siliconera|title=Valkyria Chronicles 3 confirmed for PSP|date=15 September 2010|access-date=2010-09-16|archive-date=2010-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916151206/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/14/valkyria-chronicles-3-confirmed-for-psp/|url-status=live}}</ref> A spin-off, ''[[Valkyria Revolution]]'', was released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4, [[PlayStation Vita]], and [[Xbox One]]. The fourth entry, ''[[Valkyria Chronicles 4]]'' was released in 2018 for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Xbox One.
==Gameplay== [[File:Valkyria Chronicles map.jpg|left|thumb|The overhead map view of Command Mode. Colored lines indicate enemies' current level of awareness toward the unit selected by the player.]]
''Valkyria Chronicles'' is a [[tactical role-playing game]] in which the player uses a unique turn-based battle system called BLiTZ (''B''attle of ''Li''ve ''T''actical ''Z''ones).<ref name=valkyria>{{cite web|url=http://valkyria.jp/|title=Valkyrie of the Battlefield Official Website|work=valkyria.jp|access-date=2007-09-22|archive-date=2010-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207194931/http://valkyria.jp/|url-status=live}}</ref> During their turn the player views an overhead map in Command Mode, but zooms in to control each individual unit on the battlefield in Action Mode.<ref name="Battle">{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/valkyria/us/battle.html|title=BATTLE SYSTEMS|access-date=2009-07-01|publisher=[[Sega]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081118094245/http://www.sega.com/valkyria/us/battle.html|archive-date=2008-11-18}}</ref> Movement and other actions are handled in real time during Action Mode, though limited in movement by an [[action point (video gaming)|action point]] (AP) gauge that varies for each type of character.<ref name="Battle"/> During Target Mode, the player is in direct control of characters' aim while the action freezes, allowing for head shots and other maneuvers. Taking command of individual units during the player's phase costs Command Points, which can be used dynamically to grant movement to many different units or the same unit consecutively with diminishing AP reserve, depending on what the player wants to accomplish.<ref name="Battle"/> By using their troops the player must fulfill various conditions depending on the mission in order to achieve victory, most often the capture of a major enemy encampment. Upon completing missions, the player is awarded money and experience with which to upgrade their [[materiel]] and character classes, respectively, and the game's story is advanced. Missions can be failed if the player's forces are wholly incapacitated or killed, the squad's [[main battle tank]] is destroyed, or the player's main base camp is captured by the enemy.
[[File:Valkyria Chronicles battle.jpg|left|thumb|Homer Peron attacks Imperial troops with a [[hand grenade]] in Action Mode. [[Onomatopoeia]] is often used to reinforce the game's visual style.]] Each character in the game fulfills a specific [[Character class|role]] — for instance, Alicia is a [[Carbine|mid-range rifle]]-toting [[Reconnaissance|Scout]], while Welkin is a [[Tank#Command, control, and communications|Tank Commander]]. Other roles include Shocktroopers ([[Assault rifle|assault]] infantry); Lancers, who specialize in [[anti-tank warfare]]; [[Combat engineer|Engineers]], who have poor combat skills but can repair tanks, remove landmines, and replenish the ammunition of allied soldiers; and [[Sniper]]s.<ref name="Battle"/> These various units form a [[rock-paper-scissors]] dynamic of strength and weakness. The foot soldiers (Scout, Shocktrooper, and Sniper) are effective against slower anti-tank units, anti-tank units can quickly destroy tanks with a well-aimed shot,<ref name="Battle"/> and tanks are generally devastating against infantry, whose anti-personnel weapons are unable to inflict any significant frontal damage. While each character within a class is basically similar in terms of weaponry and statistics, each individual has a distinguishing set of Potentials: special abilities or stat modifiers triggered by various psychological or environmental factors in battle.
The environment also factors heavily in combat. In an urban level, for example, snipers can be sent onto rooftops to eliminate unsuspecting enemies below. Tanks can knock down walls and other obstacles to open new paths. Buildings and other structures offer hard cover around which to maneuver. Foliage offers soft cover to reduce the chance of being spotted by the enemy and to confound their aim when seen. As the Gallian forces advance across the battlefield, control points can be captured, giving the player a tactical advantage and offering additional locations in which to call reinforcements. As Welkin, the player can issue various Orders for the purpose of things such as [[artillery]] strikes, supervising medics, and improving offensive or defensive capabilities of various characters.
==Plot== {{See also|List of Valkyria Chronicles characters#Valkyria Chronicles}}
In 1935 E.C., the continent of Europa is dominated by two superpowers: The Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance in the east and a commonwealth of loosely allied democracies known as the Atlantic Federation in the west.<ref name="Anime Story">{{cite web|url=http://www.valkyria-anime.com/story/index.html|title=Official Valkyria Chronicles Story Page|access-date=2009-07-01|language=ja|archive-date=2009-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727081518/http://www.valkyria-anime.com/story/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The economies of both powers depend on a precious multipurpose mineral called Ragnite. Its growing scarcity results in the Empire declaring war on the Federation, sparking the Second Europan War.<ref name="Info">{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/valkyria/us/info.html|title=GAME INFO|access-date=2009-07-01|publisher=[[Sega]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705094532/http://www.sega.com/valkyria/us/info.html|archive-date=2009-07-05}}</ref> The Empire uses its military superiority to quickly put the Federation on the defensive. Emboldened by their progress and momentum, the Empire decides to invade the neutral Principality of Gallia to seize its rich Ragnite deposits.
When Imperial forces launch an attack on the Gallian border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther ([[Dave Wittenberg]]/[[Susumu Chiba]]), son of the country's hero General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside the town watch captain, Alicia Melchiott ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]]/[[Marina Inoue]]). Together with Welkin's adopted sister Isara ([[Laura Bailey]]/[[Houko Kuwashima]]) and using Belgen's prototype tank from the first war, the ''Edelweiss'', they escape to the capital city of Randgriz and join the Gallian militia. Welkin is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assumes command of the newly formed Squad 7, with Alicia acting as his non-commissioned officer. Members of the squad initially question Welkin's qualifications due to a lack of combat experience. He quickly gains their trust and loyalty, however, with his brilliant tactics. Welkin and Alicia soon become romantically engaged, but Isara is tragically killed by an Imperial sniper.
After Squad 7 wages a successful campaign against Imperial forces, the crown prince Maximilian ([[Matthew Yang King]]/[[Jun Fukuyama]]) deploys one of his commanders, Selvaria Bles ([[April Stewart]]/[[Sayaka Ohara]]), a rare descendant of the Valkyrians who are believed to have saved the ancient world from the Darcsen race. Using innate magic powers and equipped with a legendary Ragnite lance and shield, Selvaria destroys the Gallian army. Alicia is shot by Welkin's archaeologist colleague Faldio Landzaat ([[Robin Atkin Downes]]/[[Takahiro Sakurai]]) to awaken her own latent Valkyrian powers. Alicia is able to drive Selvaria back, allowing the Gallians to advance to the border. At the cost of her own life, Selvaria uses the "final flame" after the capture of the Ghirlandaio fortress, killing the entire core of Gallian military and leaving only the militia, including Squad 7, remaining.
In an attempt to create his own empire, Maximilian uses a "land [[dreadnought]]", the ''Marmota'', to break through Gallia's defenses and steal a giant Valkyrian lance from inside Randgriz Castle. Princess Cordelia gi Randgriz ([[Kate Higgins]]/[[Mamiko Noto]]) reveals herself to be Darcsen - the Valkyrians rewrote history to make themselves into heroes, while an allied Darcsen tribe gained Randgriz as the spoils. With Alicia's help, Squad 7 is able to board the ''Marmota'' and send Maximilian to his demise, destroying the dreadnought and ending the conflict between the two factions. Alicia and Welkin return to Bruhl, where they marry and raise a daughter named Isara together.
==Development== The earliest concept for ''Valkyria Chronicles'' was created in 2003, during discussions between director Shuntaro Tanaka and producer Ryutaro Nonaka. The two were part of neighboring teams working on different games; Nonaka was leading production on ''[[Nightshade (2003 video game)|Nightshade]]'', while Tanaka was completing the [[GameCube]] port of ''[[Skies of Arcadia]]''. The two wanted to work on something new, with Tanaka suggesting a game based around a dramatic war story. Both had worked on the ''[[Sakura Wars]]'' series, but knew they would face restrictions if they created something within that series, so they created a new concept. Nonaka and Tanaka later said the many similarities to ''Sakura Wars'' were mainly because of shared development teams and gameplay styles rather than conscious choices.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=384-386}} A key aspect of the project was to go against market trends, which were focusing on specific genre archetypes that did not allow for much creativity on the team's part.{{sfn|Sega|2008|p=3}} The initial pitch was titled "''Gallian Panzers''". The pitch artwork was created by Daisuke Tabayashi, who would stay as part of the game's art and modelling team. After the concept was approved, the team made a movie pitch using its new official title.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=342-382}} During its early concept stages, no platform had been decided; Nonaka vaguely thought the game would be produced for the [[PlayStation 2]], for which the team had been principally developing. He also considered developing the game for the [[PlayStation Portable]]. When the PS3 was revealed and internal discussions began about its use by the company, Nonaka suggested that ''Valkyria Chronicles'' could be produced for the platform.<ref name="GWIinterview">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080501/valk.htm|script-title=ja:特別インタビュー PS3「戦場のヴァルキュリア」|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|date=2008-05-01|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031161050/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080501/valk.htm|archive-date=2014-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> The production team was based in Sega's GE2 R&D division.<ref name="NikkeiInterview">{{cite web|url=http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20070918/1002715/|script-title=ja:PS3の新たな表現の可能性に挑戦！ セガの最新作『戦場のヴァルキュリア』に着目＜開発者インタビュー＞【TGS2007】|language=ja|website=[[The Nikkei]]|date=2007-09-18|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217045133/http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20070918/1002715/|archive-date=2008-02-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> The staff had worked on a wide variety of titles for Sega, including ''Sakura Wars'' and ''Skies of Arcadia''.<ref name="1UPinterview"/> Production for the PS3 was both liberating thanks to the increased hardware specifications, and challenging due to working out how to best use the console's CPU.<ref name="NikkeiInterview"/><ref name="FamInterview"/> Its final Japanese title represented the focus on war, with the term "Valkyria" symbolising its fantasy elements.<ref name="FamInterview"/>
In its earliest form, the gameplay was a traditional tactical simulation game played from an overhead view.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=386}} After considering this, Nonaka—comparing it to a game of [[shogi]]—realised players would feel little emotional investment in characters if they continued with this gameplay style.<ref name="ITMinterview"/> Much of the early development was devoted to creating a working system that would combine tactical elements with real-time action.<ref name="GamaInterview"/> The concept of the BLiTZ battle system was to encourage player freedom. When creating the battle system around firearms rather than swords and magic, the team needed to abandon many of the logical RPG standards.<ref name="GWIinterview"/> The team chose to have players control individual units to further emphasise the game's themes.<ref name="FamInterview"/> The AP system was designed around the concept of emulating the fear of soldiers in combat, afraid to take a step in case of hidden enemies or making a fatal move.<ref name="ITMinterview">{{cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0804/24/news003.html|script-title=ja:「戦場のヴァルキュリア」インタビュー|language=ja|website=ITMedia|date=2008-04-24|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729081918/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0804/24/news003.html|archive-date=2019-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref> The class-based leveling was a response to the large number of playable characters. If they went with traditional character-based leveling, the team knew players would likely stick to a few favorites. This leveling system also played into the [[permadeath]] systems and the focus on turn numbers determining how players did on a map rather than unit survival. The emphasis was getting the players emotionally invested by picking party members based on personality, making their loss in battle more noticeable.<ref name="GamaInterview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/emotions-and-war-the-valkyria-chronicles-interview|title=Emotions And War: The Valkyria Chronicles Interview|last=Sheffield|first=Brandon|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2008-11-24|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331235602/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132252/emotions_and_war_the_valkyria_.php|archive-date=2015-03-31|url-status=live}}</ref> A sixth character class, the Medic, was originally planned. The only remnant of its inclusion was the rescue mechanic for downed units.<ref name="GWIinterview"/> Nonaka attributed his ability to handle the dual-natured gameplay from his work on both the tactics-based ''Sakura Wars'' and the action game ''Nightshade''.<ref name="1UPinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3170197&p=|title=An in-depth chat with Valkyria producer Ryutaro Nonaka|website=[[1UP.com]]|first=Jeremy|last=Parish|access-date=2009-07-09|date=2008-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605015721/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3170197&p=|archive-date=2011-06-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Design=== The world's period setting—based on Europe during the period before and during World War II during 1930s to 1940s was in place from the beginning of development.<ref name="GWIinterview"/><ref name="FamInterview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/interview/article/1210035_1493.html|script-title=ja:『戦場のヴァルキュリア』の魅力を開発陣が語る！|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2007-09-07|access-date=2017-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517115745/http://www.famitsu.com/interview/article/1210035_1493.html|archive-date=2013-05-17|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=388-390}} The aim was to blend this setting with medieval elements, with the rest of the world view and design springing from that point.{{sfn|Sega|2008|p=30}} Many levels included direct homages to events from World War II, including forest battles, an amphibious landing, and a fort line similar to the [[Maginot Line]].<ref name="1UPinterview"/> The country of Gallia drew inspiration from smaller countries of that time like [[Belgium]] and the [[Netherlands]], which were often caught between larger powers. The team considered using Switzerland as inspiration, but its mountainous terrain made tank combat impracticable, so the team principally used the Netherlands as inspiration for Gallia's geography.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=387}} Its name and aspects of its story were inspired by [[Gaul]].<ref name="ValkyriaNames"/> The Empire and Federation were respectively based on Germany and the United Kingdom during the 1930s.<ref name="GSpyInterview">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/battle-field-valkyrie/825624p1.html|title=Valkyrie: Gallian Chronicles Interview|last=Villoria|first=Gerald|website=[[GameSpy]]|date=2007-10-08|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515115404/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/battle-field-valkyrie/825624p1.html|archive-date=2008-05-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's idyllic scenery was influenced by the team's desire to incorporate fantasy, as a purely urban setting might reduce the opportunity for fantastic elements.<ref name="FamInterview"/>
Tanaka wrote the main narrative and scenarios for the characters, assisted by a dedicated writing team.<ref name="GamaInterview"/> While the leads Welkin and Alicia and much of the key supporting cast were present from the earliest stages, several had different artistic designs and several concept scenes and more fantastical elements such as floating islands were dropped from the final game.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=341-369}} Welkin's name and parts of his storyline were derived from Gaulish chieftain [[Vercingetorix]] who united Gaul against the Romans.<ref name="ValkyriaNames">{{cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/val-log/entry-10412215276.html|script-title=ja:「ガリア公国」という名前の由来って何？|language=ja|last=Tanaka|first=Shuntaro|website=Valkyria Chronicles 2 blog|date=2009-12-16|access-date=2019-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305032628/https://ameblo.jp/val-log/entry-10412215276.html|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> To give the story a more personal feeling and draw from Japanese military history, the characters were made militiamen without extensive military training, creating a deliberate contrast to the hardened career soldier protagonists from the movie ''[[Saving Private Ryan]]'' and the series ''[[Combat!]]''. The history between the Darcsan and Valkyria groups was written as a tragic tale, with people accepting as fact a [[Philosophy of history#History as propaganda: Is history always written by the victors|history written by victorious powers]].{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=387-388}} The team were directly inspired by the ethnic conflicts fuelling World War II, and the long histories behind them.{{sfn|Sega|2008|p=3}} The Valkyria formed an allegory for weapons of mass destruction in real-life conflicts.<ref name="GamaInterview"/>
The lead characters were designed by [[Raita Honjou]].<ref name="GWIinterview"/> Honjou was selected after the team saw his art, as they felt he could portray both the realistic and fantastic elements of the game's world.<ref name="ITMinterview"/> The overall visual design was influenced by the long-running anime series ''[[World Masterpiece Theater]]''.<ref name="1UPinterview"/> As part of their research on the graphical style, the team researched both realistic and comic-based art styles.<ref name="ITMinterview"/> The uniforms were based around a variety of real-life uniforms, with both practical elements and individual quirks that would not be allowed in real-life such as Rosie's hairstyle. Originally directly inspired by World War II uniforms, they looked too futuristic for the setting. The team instead drew inspiration from earlier uniform designs, which were more specific to different countries. They also made an effort to keep American uniform influences out of the designs.{{sfn|Sega|2008|p=30}} For the large majority of minor and supporting characters, other artists were in charge.<ref name="GWIinterview"/> The team originally planned 100 side characters, but this proved practically impossible, so the number was cut to 50.<ref name="ITMinterview"/> The Imperial tank designs were based on those from the Russian military. To ease unit identification for players, the Gallian and Imperial forces were respectively colored blue and red.{{sfn|Sega|2008|p=30}} The game's early internal promotional videos focused on the art style over gameplay, as the team knew if they simply described its genre it would give the wrong impression to executives.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=388-390}}
''Valkyria Chronicles'' made use of a proprietary [[game engine]] dubbed CANVAS, which produced stylised graphics modelled on watercolor paintings.<ref name="GWIinterview"/><ref name="ITMinterview"/> Nonaka wanted to blend traditional animation style with CGI elements, something he had previously experienced with the "Neo-CGI" used in ''[[Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?]]''.<ref name="GWIinterview"/> CANVAS came about from experiments within another of Sega's R&D department with next-generation engine technology. Its graphical style, which allowed for the emulation of hand-drawn artwork, was picked by staff once the game was moved to the PS3. A key figure in the engine's development for ''Valkyria Chronicles'' was Hirotaka Kanazawa. Kanazawa helped with the early map designs. During early development, the team struggled to make their vision work with the CANVAS prototype. The graphics still had a strong CGI aesthetic, with crisp graphics and a strong draw distance. These did not fit with Nonaka's vision for the game, which was a non-photorealistic presentation described as a natural evolution from the styles of ''Sakura Wars'' and ''Skies of Arcadia''. With this concept in mind, Kanazawa and Tabayashi redesigned the engine to show these graphics.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=388-390}} One of the elements the team focused on was shadows effects, with environments and characters requiring two different shadow types with differing strengths.<ref name="GWIinterview"/> Using the CANVAS engine was a challenge for the designers and programmers due to its heavy hardware demands, with the team's PC development needed two stacked graphics cards to run the software without crashing.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=388-390}}
===Music=== [[File:Hitoshi Sakimoto.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hitoshi Sakimoto]] composed the soundtrack for ''Valkyria Chronicles'', being attached to the project from its inception.]] The music was handled by [[Hitoshi Sakimoto]], a composer noted for his work on the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series and other projects through his company Basiscape.<ref name="VGMOinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/hitoshisakimotointerview/|title=Hitoshi Sakimoto Interview: Writing Valkyria Chronicles|last=Greening|first=Chris|website=Video Game Music Online|date=2008-10-01|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729081916/http://www.vgmonline.net/hitoshisakimotointerview/|archive-date=2019-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGNinterview">{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/927/927889p1.html|title=Sakimoto Talks Valkyria Chronicles Music|website=[[IGN]]|date=2008-11-06|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229182532/http://music.ign.com/articles/927/927889p1.html|archive-date=2008-12-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sakimoto was brought on board the project during its pre-production stage, though most of his compositional work during 2007.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=396}} He was brought in by Nonaka, who contacted him about ''Valkyria Chronicles'' when it still had a small team and had not entered full production. Sakimoto assumed it would be a small-scale game for a portable console, so its development for PS3 came as a shock to him. ''Valkyria Chronicles'' was the first PS3 project Basiscape worked on.<ref name="VGMOinterview"/> The battle scores were the most difficult to create due to the need for scale.<ref name="IGNinterview"/> Several tracks made use of a full live orchestra. These tracks were performed by the [[Eminence Symphony Orchestra]] founded in Australia.<ref name="GWIinterview"/>
When told about the game, Sakimoto received the impression of militarism, which was reflected throughout the score.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=396}} Originally treating as a musical investigation of war, Sakimoto's discussions with the staff began steering the score towards portraying the romance between Welkin and Alicia.<ref name="IGNinterview"/>{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=396}} Ultimately, the music's military elements became supporting parts for the romantic themes.<ref name="IGNinterview"/> The main theme was created by Sakimoto during pre-production, as one of three pieces based on the demo movie; the other pieces included the opening battle theme "Desperate Battle" and the story theme "Empty Loneliness".{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} Sakimoto created three different arrangements for the team to choose from, with the current one being picked due to its thematic qualities.<ref name="OSVcomments"/> The main theme recurs as a leitmotif in multiple tracks.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} A dominant instrument used by Sakimoto was [[Taiko|taiko drums]], using a wide variety of them to create different sounds and emulate the sound of a marching band.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=396}} Two themes were created by Sakimoto for Selvaria; the first theme "A Valkyria Awakened" had Sakimoto making use of traditional classical music and nonsensical chorus work to emulate the group's mythical status, and an arranged version called "Signs of the Valkyria" which would communicate Selvaria's tragic past. Military base themes made heavy use of brass instruments, and the character theme for the Darcsans was modelled in Israeli music.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}}
A key vocal theme is "A Love Passed On".{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} Sakimoto created the track as a "Gallian traditional song". He planned to write a short version without a full orchestra, but after learning the original song would not be used extensively, he focused on the orchestral version.<ref name="OSVcomments">{{cite web|url=http://www.originalsoundversion.com/valkyria-chronicles-review-and-exclusive-liner-notes-from-hitoshi-sakimoto/|title=Valkyria Chronicles Review And Exclusive Liner Notes From Hitoshi Sakimoto|last=Napolitano|first=Jason|website=Original Sound Version|date=2008-11-17|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915075836/http://www.originalsoundversion.com/valkyria-chronicles-review-and-exclusive-liner-notes-from-hitoshi-sakimoto/|archive-date=2012-09-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The melody of "A Love Passed On" was used in the track "The Legacy", which played during the epilogue cutscenes. A version for solo piano was written for that final scene, but it was dropped and only included on the soundtrack's album release.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} The Japanese version was written by Taihei Sato, and sung by Rosie's voice actress [[Megumi Toyoguchi]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201712/28149129.html|script-title=ja:『戦場のヴァルキュリア4』新たなプロモーション映像＆限定版の詳細を公開|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2017-12-28|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730142536/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201712/28149129.html|archive-date=2019-07-30|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Sakimoto, the song moved her so much that she cried after finishing recording.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} The English version was performed by [[Hedy Burress]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=Valkyria Chronicles|developer=[[Sega]]|publisher=Sega|platform=[[PlayStation 3]]|date=2008-10-31|scene=Credits}}</ref> The game's opening and ending song, "No Matter How Far..." was performed by Japanese singer [[Juju (singer)|Juju]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1213941_1124.html|script-title=ja:『戦場のヴァルキュリア』主題歌アーティストに女性シンガーのJUJU|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2008-03-03|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730142754/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1213941_1124.html|archive-date=2019-07-30|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the only song with which Sakimoto had no involvement.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=397-399}} Juju was suggested to the team by Sega's marketing division. After hearing some of her published work, the team pushed to have her work on the game. Her producer offered a song that had yet to be released, which the team accepted. They collaborated with Juju to rework the song so its tone and lyrics fitted the world of ''Valkyria Chronicles''.{{sfn|Udon|2011|p=387}}
==Release== On September 29, 2008, Sega of America held a ''Valkyria Chronicles'' pre-launch event at the Sony Metreon in San Francisco. Press and public were invited, and Sega used a raffle to give away soundtracks, figurines of the characters, matted art posters signed by Nonaka, and an 80 GB PlayStation 3. Sega let the community send in questions before the event, and posted these to Nonaka in an interview during the event. Pictures and a follow-up of the event were posted on the Sega of America Blog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2008/10/01/valkyria-event-wrap-up-part-1/|title=Valkyria Event Wrap-Up! (Part 1)|publisher=[[Sega]]|access-date=2008-12-09|date=2008-10-01|archive-date=2008-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221155546/http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2008/10/01/valkyria-event-wrap-up-part-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Supplemental [[downloadable content]] (DLC) was made available for purchase via [[PlayStation Network]]. First is the inclusion of a Hard EX Mode, extra challenging versions of existing skirmish missions where the ''Edelweiss'' is unavailable. Two side story chapters, "Edy's Mission: Enter the Edy Detachment" and "Selvaria's Mission: Behind Her Blue Flame", introduce Squad 7's motliest crew led by Edy Nelson and Homer Pieron, and the early portion of the invasion into Gallia as seen from the Imperial perspective. Hard EX Mode and Edy's Mission were originally released for the Japanese version on August 8, 2008, while Selvaria's Mission was released on October 31 of the same year. All three were made available in North America on April 16, 2009. A fourth DLC, titled "Edy Detachment's Formal Challenge!" was made available in Japan on June 26, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209041710/http://blog.valkyria.jp/archives/1071246.html|archive-date=2010-02-09|url=http://blog.valkyria.jp/archives/1071246.html/|title=Official Blog: This is our Formal Challenge!|access-date=2009-07-03|language=ja|publisher=[[Sega]]}}</ref> and in North America on February 25, 2010. Included are a set of six challenge missions, each focusing on one of the game's unit classes.
''Valkyria Chronicles'' was re-released in Japanese retails stores under its ''The Best'' label on March 5, 2009, with a retail price of ¥3,900.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://valkyria.jp/topics.html#h3Dldate|title=『戦場のヴァルキュリア PLAYSTATION3 the BEST』発売決定!!|access-date=2009-01-28|publisher=Sega|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930115855/http://valkyria.jp/topics.html#h3Dldate|archive-date=2013-09-30}}</ref> This version of the game includes Edy's Mission without need of download.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308124637/http://blog.valkyria.jp/archives/963665.html|archive-date=2009-03-08|url=http://blog.valkyria.jp/archives/963665.html|title=Official Blog: Edy Detachment's Redeployment!|access-date=2009-05-19|language=ja|publisher=[[Sega]]}}</ref>
''Valkyria Chronicles'' was ported to Windows and released on Steam on November 11, 2014. This version of the game includes all downloadable content. The PC release features performance improvements, including the ability to play the game at 60 frames per second and on resolutions greater than 1080p, in addition to customised control mapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/12/sega-seem-happy-valkyria-chronicles-pc/|title=Sega Seem Happy With How Valkyria Chronicles Is Doing On PC|work=Siliconera|date=12 November 2014|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031190806/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/12/sega-seem-happy-valkyria-chronicles-pc/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A remastered version, titled ''Valkyria Chronicles Remastered'', was announced by Sega and released on May 17, 2016, for PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/03/08/valkyria-chronicles-remastered-ps4-launches-on-may-17-in-north-america-europe/|title=Valkyria Chronicles Remastered Launches on May 17 in North America & Europe for PS4|work=PlaystationLifestyle.net|date=8 March 2016|access-date=9 March 2016|archive-date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309101455/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/03/08/valkyria-chronicles-remastered-ps4-launches-on-may-17-in-north-america-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref> The remastered console version runs at 1080p and 60 frames per second and includes both Japanese and English audio as well as all downloadable content. Outlet Crash Landed praised the remastered versions visuals and still stellar gameplay in their review, but criticized the lack of PlayStation 4 functionality implemented.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crashlanded.co.uk/valkyria-chronicles-remastered-review.php|title=Valkyria Chronicles Remastered Valkyria Chronicles Remastered, PlayStation 4 - Gaming Review|work=CrashLanded.co.uk|access-date=10 May 2016|archive-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923130011/http://crashlanded.co.uk/valkyria-chronicles-remastered-review.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> This version was released digitally for the [[Nintendo Switch]] on September 27, 2018, in Japan and October 16, 2018, in North America and Europe.
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = PS3: 86/100<ref name="metaPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Valkyria Chronicles for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-date=2025-05-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250529213050/https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 85/100<ref name="metaPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Valkyria Chronicles for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-15 |archive-date=2025-05-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250529213110/https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS4: 84/100<ref name="metaPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Valkyria Chronicles Remastered for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-15}}</ref><br />NS: 84/100<ref name="metaNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Valkyria Chronicles for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2020-03-06 |archive-date=2025-05-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250529213208/https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref> | EGM = A−<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Neigher |first=Eric |date=December 2008 |title=Valkyria Chronicles |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=235 |page=82}}</ref> | GameRev = B+<ref name="gamerevolution">{{cite web|title= "Valkyria Chronicles" review at GameRevolution|url= http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/valkyria_chronicles|last= Hudak|first= Chris|publisher= [[Game Revolution]]|date= 2008-12-19|access-date= 2008-12-24|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090416232123/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/valkyria_chronicles|archive-date= 2009-04-16|url-status= dead}}</ref> | Fam = 34/40<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/famitsus-best-ps3-games-of-2008-5150196 |title=Famitsu's Best PS3 Games of 2008 |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=February 10, 2009 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521234730/https://kotaku.com/famitsus-best-ps3-games-of-2008-5150196 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | GI = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/valkyria_chronicles/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx |title=Valkyria Chronicles Review |last=Juba |first=Joe |date=September 22, 2009 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618090341/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/valkyria_chronicles/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/22/review.aspx |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> | GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/valkyria-chronicles-review/1900-6201672/|title=Gamespot's Valkyria Chronicles Review|access-date=2008-12-09|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=2014-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110180618/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/valkyria-chronicles-review/1900-6201672/|url-status=live}}</ref> | GT = 9.1/10<ref name="gametrailers">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/kpw6gu|title=Gametrailer's Valkyria Chronicles review|access-date=2014-10-28|publisher=Gametrailers}}</ref> | IGN = 9/10<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/925/925395p1.html|title=IGN: Valkyria Chronicles|access-date=2008-12-09|date=2008-10-29|publisher=IGN|archive-date=2012-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720124506/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/925/925395p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | XPlay = 4/5 | rev1 = RPGamer | rev1Score = 5/5<ref name="RPGamer review">{{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/other/ps3/valkyrie/reviews/valkyriestrev1.html |title=Valkyria Chronicles - Staff Review |last=Motok |first=Oliver |website=RPGamer |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312002347/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/ps3/valkyrie/reviews/valkyriestrev1.html |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> }}
''Valkyria Chronicles'' has received very favorable reviews from numerous sources,<ref name="metaPS3"/><ref name="metaPC"/><ref name="metaPS4"/><ref name="metaNS"/> including writers for ''[[IGN]]'', ''RPGFan'',<ref name=rpgf/> [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]]'s ''[[X-Play]]'', and ''[[GameTrailers]]''.<ref name="gametrailers"/> Kevin VanOrd of ''[[GameSpot]]'' was impressed with the title's gameplay design, noting that it gave players a new sense of tactical freedom absent in other games of the same genre via the removal of certain staples such as a grid-based map.<ref name="gamespot"/> Some reviewers enjoyed the active and strategic nature of combat. According to ''[[Game Revolution]]''{{'}}s Chris Hudak, "nail-gnawingly tense" situations kept the player emotionally involved in the game.<ref name="gamerevolution"/> Both the game's story and the way in which it was presented were cited as strong points.<ref name="ign"/> Longevity was also attributed to the game, with James Quentin Clark of ''RPGFan'' noting that, "the game gets better the more you play it."<ref name=rpgf>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Valkyria_Chronicles/index.html|title=RPGFan's Valkyria Chronicles review|access-date=2008-12-09|date=2008-06-22|publisher=RPGFan|archive-date=2014-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022132943/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Valkyria_Chronicles/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> While pleased overall, multiple reviewers criticized the artificial intelligence of enemy forces.<ref name="gamerevolution"/><ref name="gamespot"/><ref name="RPGamer review"/>
===Sales=== Despite receiving positive press, sales of the game have been mixed. While it sold 77,000 copies in its first week of release in Japan and a further 81,000 during its budget release,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/109410/Mario_Kart_Tops_Japanese_Charts_For_Third_Week.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512095102/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/109410/Mario_Kart_Tops_Japanese_Charts_For_Third_Week.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 12, 2012|title = Mario Kart Tops Japanese Charts for Third Week|date = May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1230928_1124.html | title=年末年始はPS3&Xbox; 360廉価版で遊ぶのもあり！－－2009年廉価版ソフト販売本数TOP10 | language=ja | trans-title=Enjoy the year-end and New Year holidays with budget PS3 and Xbox 360 games! --Top 10 budget software sales in 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418120541/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1230928_1124.html | archive-date=2010-04-18}}</ref> the game only sold 33,000 copies in the United States during November 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5110889/littlebigplanet-valkyria-chronicles-sales-disappoint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217050310/http://kotaku.com/5110889/littlebigplanet-valkyria-chronicles-sales-disappoint|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2008|title=LittleBigPlanet, Valkyria Chronicles Sales Disappoint|date=16 December 2008 }}</ref> The game failed to reach the top 100 sold software in the month of November;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/valkyria-largely-ignored-us-gamers |title=Valkyria Largely ignored by U.S. Gamers |website=Edge |access-date=2008-12-16 |date=2008-12-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523192822/http://www.edge-online.com/news/valkyria-largely-ignored-us-gamers |archive-date=May 23, 2012 }}</ref> it was the 93rd best-selling game in Japan in 2008, selling 141,589 copies.<ref name="famitsu100">{{cite web|url=http://www.kyoto.zaq.ne.jp/dkbkq103/yso/top100/2008.htm|title=2008 top 100|publisher=Kyoto.zaq.ne.jp|access-date=2009-01-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224013816/http://www.kyoto.zaq.ne.jp/dkbkq103/yso/top100/2008.htm|archive-date=2009-02-24}}</ref> Despite weak initial North American sales, ''Valkyria Chronicles'' recovered with sales sharply increasing in April 2009 following a price cut<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/newswire?story=23247|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421063757/http://www.gamasutra.com/newswire?story=23247|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 21, 2009|title=Saling The World: Valkyria Chronicles Tops Japan, Wii Fit U.S. Charts|access-date=2009-04-20|author=Danny Cowan|date=2009-04-17|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/valkyria-chronicles-sales-increase-400-in-april-reveals-import/ | title=Valkyria Chronicles sales increase 400% in April, reveals importance of price cut | author=Andrew Yoon | date=2009-06-09 | access-date=2009-06-16 | archive-date=2018-09-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904154009/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/valkyria-chronicles-sales-increase-400-in-april-reveals-import/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> and the simultaneous release of an anime based on the game. Approximately a year after the game's initial release, both producer Ryutaro Nonaka<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173686|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724142837/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173686|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2012|title=Producer Interested in Valkyria Chronicles Sequel|author=Kris Pigna|access-date=2009-04-20|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|date=2009-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/valkyria-chronicles-might-get-a-sequel-5207543|title=Valkyria Chronicles *Might* Get A Sequel|access-date=2009-04-20|publisher=Kotaku|date=2009-04-10|author=Brian Ashcraft|archive-date=2010-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218073537/http://kotaku.com/5207543/valkyria-chronicles-might-get-a-sequel|url-status=live}}</ref> and gamers surveyed by ''[[Famitsu]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ps3hyper.com/news/famitsu-readers-voted-their-most-wanted-sequels/|title=Famitsu Readers voted their most wanted sequels|access-date=2009-05-05|date=2009-05-02|publisher=PS3 Hyper|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504023116/http://www.ps3hyper.com/news/famitsu-readers-voted-their-most-wanted-sequels/|archive-date=2009-05-04}}</ref> stated interest in a sequel to the game. As of 2015, the PS3 version had shipped over one million units worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=「戦場のヴァルキュリア リマスター」がPS4で2016年2月10日発売。フルHD解像度やトロフィーに対応，さらに全DLCの完全収録も |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/324/G032499/20151119002/ |work=[[4Gamer.net]] |date=November 19, 2015 |language=ja |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904121248/https://www.4gamer.net/games/324/G032499/20151119002/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The 2014 PC version of the game exceeded its publisher's expectations, topping the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] sales charts on the day of its release, ahead of the then also recently launched games ''[[Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed Unity]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Valkyria Chronicles Jumps To The Top Of Steam Charts On Its First Day|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/11/12/valkyria-chronicles-jumps-to-the-top-of-steam-charts-on-its-first-day.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114233356/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/11/12/valkyria-chronicles-jumps-to-the-top-of-steam-charts-on-its-first-day.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=November 14, 2014|access-date=13 November 2014|magazine=Game Informer|date=12 November 2014}}</ref> It also received favorable reviews, with a [[Metacritic]] score of 85.<ref>{{cite web|title=Valkyria Chronicles PC|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/valkyria-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|website=Metacritic|access-date=13 November 2014}}</ref> As of March 2015, it sold over 200,000 copies on Steam, exceeding expectations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2015 |title=Valkyria Chronicles sold over 200,000 copies on Steam |url=https://segabits.com/blog/2015/03/05/valkyria-chronicles-sold-over-200000-copies-on-steam/ |access-date=November 20, 2024 |website=segabits.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130115129/http://segabits.com/blog/2015/03/05/valkyria-chronicles-sold-over-200000-copies-on-steam/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As of April 2018, the Steam version was estimated to have sold about 940,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://steamspy.com/app/294860|title=Valkyria Chronicles on Steam Spy|publisher=[[Steam Spy]]|access-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411235745/http://steamspy.com/app/294860|archive-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref> The remastered PS4 version has sold 39,071 copies in Japan as of December 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valkyria Chronicles Remastered |url=http://salesdatabase.net/games/5884/ |website=Japan Game Sales Database |access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904121129/http://salesdatabase.net/games/5884/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> In total, the game sold about two million copies across all platforms.
===Awards and nominations=== ''Valkyria Chronicles'' won "Best Artistic Graphics" from ''GameSpot''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/special-achievement/index.html?page=5|title=Gamespot's Valkyria Chronicles, award|access-date=2008-12-25|newspaper=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=2010-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424074548/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/special-achievement/index.html?page=5|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's soundtrack was awarded the "Best Original Soundtrack" by ''[[GameSpy]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/4.html|title=Gamespy's Special Awards, award|access-date=2008-12-25|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222052215/http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/4.html|archive-date=2008-12-22}}</ref> and Strategy Game of the Year 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/25.html?page=5|title=Gamespy's Special Awards Winners Recap, award|access-date=2008-12-25|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412045434/http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/25.html?page=5|archive-date=2009-04-12}}</ref> ''GameTrailers'' nominated it for the "Best Role-Playing Game" category. ''[[IGN]]'' recognized the game as "PlayStation 3 Strategy Game of 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/10.html?page=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412104117/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/10.html?page=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2009|title=IGN's Valkyria Chronicles, award|access-date=2008-12-25|publisher=IGN}}</ref> ''RPGFan'' awarded the game with the "PlayStation 3 RPG of the Year" and "Best Strategy RPG on a Console" awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2008/index.html|title=RPGFan's Best RPGs of 2008|access-date=2009-01-11|publisher=RPGFan|archive-date=2009-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118210002/http://rpgfan.com/features/go2008/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and several RPGamer awards including the "RPG of the Year", "Best Graphics", and "PlayStation 3 RPG of the Year" categories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/awards/2008/index.html|title=RPGamer 2008 Awards|access-date=2009-01-30|publisher=RPGamer|archive-date=2009-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131195410/http://www.rpgamer.com/awards/2008/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 17, 2010, ''Valkyria Chronicles'' was recognized by [[Guinness World Records]] as the best strategy RPG on the PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/06/17/e3-2010-guinness-world-records/|title=E3 2010: Guinness World Records|date=2010-06-17|publisher=Sega|access-date=2010-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825235259/http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/06/17/e3-2010-guinness-world-records/|archive-date=2010-08-25|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Adaptations == {{main|Valkyria Chronicles#Valkyria Chronicles 2|l1=Valkyria Chronicles in other media}} Four manga adaptations, two Drama CDs and an anime television series have been released based on the game.
==Notes and references== ===Footnotes=== {{Notelist}}
===Citations=== {{Reflist}}
===Bibliography=== {{Refbegin|colwidth=40em}} *{{cite book|title=Valkyria Chronicles: Limited Edition Artbook|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=September 21, 1996|id=BLUS-30196|url=https://archive.org/details/manga_Valkyria_Chronicles|ref={{harvid|Sega|2008}}}} *{{cite book|title=Valkyria Chronicles: Design Archive|publisher=[[Udon Entertainment]]|isbn=978-1-9267-7816-7|date=2011-02-08|url=https://archive.org/details/artbook_VC_1_artbook|ref={{harvid|Udon|2011}}}} {{Refend}}
==External links== *[http://valkyria.jp ''Valkyria Chronicles'' official website] {{in lang|ja}} *[http://www.valkyria-anime.com/ Official anime website] {{in lang|ja}} *{{anime News Network|anime|10416}}
{{Valkyria series}}
[[Category:2008 video games]] [[Category:Media.Vision games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:Sega video games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Tactical role-playing video games]] [[Category:Valkyria Chronicles games]] [[Category:Video games about World War II alternate histories]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] [[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]] [[Category:Video games scored by Hitoshi Sakimoto]] [[Category:Video games set in Europe]] [[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]] [[Category:Windows games]]