In a joint announcement from SEGA of Japan and SEGA of America, Valkyria Chronicles 4 has been announced for release on the PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One worldwide in 2018! In Japan, an Xbox One version wasn’t announced, and the release date was set more specifically for PlayStation 4 on March 21, 2018 and for the Nintendo Switch in summer 2018 (thanks to Gematsu for this info). The accompanying trailer gives us a great first impression of the game, as it really feels like the genuine sequel that fans had been hoping to see ever since we played the original Valkyria Chronicles on PS3.
The first part of the trailer focuses on what SEGA is trying to accomplish with the game, which is apparently nothing less than to deliver the best game in the series. It shows us both the development team from SEGA of Japan as well as the team at SEGA of America, showing that SEGA is aiming to reach a worldwide audience right from the start. The second part of the trailer is genuine trailer for the game, consisting of footage from the game’s cutscenes and explaining the game’s setting. You should probably watch the trailer first if you haven’t already done so, along with the official screenshots, as the game os looking like everything you’d hope to see from a Valkyria Chronicles game:
This time, the game story is set in the same time frame as the original game, but focuses on the war between the Atlantic Federation and the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance. The Atlantic Federation’s Commander Claude Wallace and his childhood friends of Squad E take part in “Operation Northern Cross”, which is a last-ditch attempt to capture the imperial capital and end the war. In their battle, they’ll also encounter a legendary Valkyria… You can read more about the game in the official press release at the bottom of this article.
The game’s graphics look very similar to the original Valkyria Chronicles, to the point where I wonder if it’s running on an evolved version of Valkyria Chronicles Remastered. I personally wouldn’t mind if that’s the case, as I feel it looked better than the original Valkyria Revolution. The few gameplay screenshot so far also suggest that the game’s gameplay mechanics will be very similar to what we’re accustomed to from the Valkyria Chronicles series.
The fact that the game is multi-platform is also excellent news, as this game really deserves a larger audience. Suffice to say, this is all looking really good so far. If there’s one thing to remark, it’s that the absence of a PC version for the game is simply baffling. By SEGA’s own words, the PC release of the original Valkyria Chronicles was a “phenomenal success”. With so many other Japanese developers releasing their games on PC nowadays, it’s more than unfortunate to see SEGA (and even more so Atlus) continue to be slow to adapt their games to the format. With so many people (almost 1 million according to Steam Spy, which has shown to deliver quite accurate results) having played the game on PC, it would really be a mistake to ignore them.
Learn About the Inspirations Behind the Game and the Journey of Squad E in the New Trailer!
IRVINE, Calif. — Nov. 19, 2017 — Soldiers, strategists, and commanders–the call has come in from the front lines. It’s time to rejoin the fight! The beloved Valkyria Chronicles series makes its grand return westward in 2018 with Valkyria Chronicles 4, a new mainline chapter in the saga for PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and Xbox One™. Return to a continent ravaged by conflict with a familiar-yet-refined tactical RPG battle system, a vibrant and evocative art style that portrays a living canvas of watercolors, and a gripping World War II-inspired story full of momentous triumphs, heartbreaking loss, and unexpected hope for the human spirit.
It is the year 1935 EC…
The continent of Europa is engulfed in the flames of the Second Europan War between the Atlantic Federation and the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance. Although the Federation struggles valiantly against the Empire’s forces, the relentless imperial military machine threatens to consume them. With victory slipping away, the Federation executes Operation Northern Cross: a last-ditch attempt to capture the imperial capital and end the war.
Commander Claude Wallace and his loyal childhood friends in Squad E are sent to fight for the desperate operation’s success, but they will have to endure harsh bone-chilling elements, waves of imperial soldiers, and the terrifying Valkyria… and unravel a grave truth that will shake them to the core.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 Features:
- A Coming-of-Age Story in a Time of War – Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes place in the same timeframe as the original Valkyria Chronicles, but focuses on a whole new cast of main characters. Players will take command of the eager, young Commander Claude Wallace, engineer/heavy weapons extraordinaire Riley Miller, hotheaded Darcsen Raz, ice-cold ace sniper Kai Schulen, and more. Together, they will experience the painful realities of war–but will the bonds of Squad E’s friendships survive the frozen battlefield?
- The Next Generation “BLiTZ” Battle System – The part overhead turn-based strategy, part RPG, and part real-time 3rd person shooter “BLiTZ” battle system returns to the field. New features include an explosive new class called the Grenadier, numerous offensive/defensive battleship support options, chances for a unit to have a “Last Stand” action before death, and more. Plus, fight the imperial threat with more units on larger-scale maps than ever before.
- CANVAS Aesthetics – The series’ signature hand-drawn visual style is back and overhauled for the newest generation. Inspired by watercolor compositions, the CANVAS Graphics Engine blends visual elements of reality and imagination to create an expressive world filled with colorful emotions. Watch the journey of Squad E unfold like an interactive painting!
- The Return of a Legendary Composer – The illustrious Hitoshi Sakimoto, original composer of the Valkyria Chronicles series and countless other emotional epics, returns to provide a sweeping orchestral soundtrack for the game.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 will be available on PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and Xbox One™ platforms in the Americas and Europe in 2018. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. Please visit the official website for more information: http://valkyria.sega.com/new.
Learn about the inspirations behind Valkyria Chronicles 4 and the story in the new trailer! Download links below.
SEGA’s intent to deliver the best Valkyria Chronicles games to date. It’s a lofty claim, but the trailer
