Valkyria Chronicles 4

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a game squarely aimed at the Fire Emblem crowd, but any fan of tactical, turn-based combat, military strategy and…honestly…YA romance should at least download the free demo and give it a try.

86%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

89% User Score Based on 4,696 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 45 reviews

Platforms

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About

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a tactical RPG set in an alternate 1930s Europe, where the Second Europan War rages. Command your own squad of soldiers, each with unique abilities and personalities, in turn-based combat with strategic elements. The story follows Squad E of the Federation's Atlantic Federation Army, with the goal of driving the enemy Imperial Alliance out of the continent. Experience the intimate moments of the soldiers as they fight for their lives.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,741 reviews

story1.3k positive mentions

grinding108 negative mentions

Improved gameplay mechanics and new classes enhance the tactical experience.
Engaging story with well-developed characters and emotional moments.
Beautiful art style and soundtrack that complement the game's atmosphere.

Excessive cutscenes and dialogue can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
Some missions feel unfair due to sudden changes in objectives or enemy placements.
The ranking system rewards speed over strategy, which can diminish the tactical depth.

story
4,533 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
68%
5%
The story of "Valkyria Chronicles 4" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its engaging character development and emotional moments, though some criticize it for being predictable and filled with anime tropes. While the narrative is often described as less impactful than the original game, it still offers a rich experience through its squad stories that delve into individual character backgrounds. Overall, the game combines a compelling war story with tactical gameplay, but its pacing and reliance on clichés may detract from the experience for some players.
- “The story is engaging, the voice acting is good, the graphics are excellent and make you feel like you're playing a graphic novel, and the 'squad stories' are fun ways to get to know more about your lil anime soldiers.”
- “The story touches on a lot of familiar story beats from the first game, but it still manages to tell a really engaging narrative that gets to be pretty harrowing for a bit.”
- “The story is very good, the port is flawless, the gameplay takes every good part of past games and mixes it into something even better.”
- “The story is beyond bad, absolutely worst in the series; it's not anime 'bad', it's a 10-year-old would roll their eyes bad. I don't mind the cliché, but nothing makes sense.”
- “The plot is a train wreck of illogical narrative events, laughably stupid character motivations, and genuinely terrible writing.”
- “The story is very well written and plays out like a full anime series while avoiding some clichés but not all (damn you constant ellipsis).”
gameplay
1,850 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
64%
3%
The gameplay of "Valkyria Chronicles 4" is largely an evolution of its predecessor, maintaining the beloved turn-based strategy mechanics while introducing new elements like the grenadier class and improved vehicle dynamics. Players appreciate the tactical depth and variety in combat, though some find the mission design repetitive and the AI lacking. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging mechanics and strategic gameplay, making it a solid choice for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
- “The combat gameplay is truly the highlight of this game and it's really well done.”
- “The gameplay is a unique mix of overhead tactical decision making and real time third person shooting with an emphasis on unit selection and efficient action use.”
- “Gameplay is fun and varied and on at least normal difficulty will require you to learn the mechanics of the game and use them to yank victory from the jaws of defeat.”
- “It is some of the most annoying and unfair mechanics I've ever faced in a video game.”
- “The core gameplay is solid, but unfortunately the mission design is god-awful.”
- “The gameplay loop is very repetitive, but each mission is so different from the last in regards to layout and objectives.”
graphics
593 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
55%
1%
The graphics of Valkyria Chronicles 4 have been widely praised for their unique watercolor and anime-inspired art style, which retains the charm of the original game while offering improved clarity and detail. Many reviewers noted the game's beautiful visuals, enhanced animations, and solid design, although some felt that the overall graphical improvements were modest compared to its predecessor. The canvas engine effectively brings the game's aesthetic to life, making it visually appealing despite some criticisms regarding dated elements and limited graphical options.
- “The graphics using the canvas engine look great and should be used for more games.”
- “The unique watercolor paint combined with pencil hatching aesthetic on a not quite completely colored in canvas is excellent.”
- “The visuals likely need no extra praise, carrying on with the same eye-pleasing watercolor style and showcasing solid graphic design like stylish uniforms or expressive biography-page poses.”
- “The graphics look like it's from a 2010 game and while the art style is unique to Valkyria, they could've done much more.”
- “The graphics have barely improved since the first game.”
- “It's basically Valkyria Chronicles 1 but with a little bit of update on the graphic side, gameplay wise it's the same 100%, no improvements whatsoever.”
music
251 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
49%
5%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its orchestral quality and emotional depth, particularly during key scenes, while others criticize its repetitiveness and lack of memorable tracks compared to the original game. Composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, the soundtrack features a blend of returning themes and new compositions, but some players feel it doesn't quite capture the same intensity as previous installments. Overall, while the music enhances the atmosphere, it may not stand out as much for those familiar with the series.
- “The music is very good with a sweeping orchestral soundtrack that doesn't feel out of place in the game.”
- “The soundtrack is this game's saving grace, as it is truly inspired and beautiful to listen to.”
- “From the epic and emotional soundtrack backed by the dramatic story of squad E and its perilous journey throughout the war.”
- “I'd rather listen to elevator music.”
- “However, the music this time is rather forgettable.”
- “Music is nonexistent in style and really does not fit the story.”
grinding
120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
5%
90%
The reviews indicate that while the game offers enjoyable gameplay and a compelling story, it suffers from significant grinding, particularly for achievements and rank points. Many players find certain missions and post-game content tedious, with some aspects of leveling and combat mechanics contributing to a grindy experience. However, some reviewers appreciate the leveling system's design, which allows for more rewarding progression without excessive individual member grinding.
- “Another thing is that units level up as class units, so there is no grinding of individual members, which makes grinding actually feel rewarding and not grindy, if that makes sense.”
- “Overall the gameplay is still awesome and satisfying, the level and skill progression is not too grindy, and the story was great, as close as the Suikoden franchise.”
- “There was no grinding of missions or skirmishes; every mission was only played once.”
- “Classes can be leveled up for more AP and damage, but an unhealthy amount of grinding is required after you've done the first few level upgrades.”
- “My only gripe is it's too grindy, and you have to fight the annoying final boss again for the true ending.”
- “I really only have good things to say about this game, the only bad thing really is that if you want to get a rank on all missions, it can be tedious since you have to replay them over and over or look up a guide, which takes away from the game in my opinion.”
emotional
113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its touching narrative, which combines heartwarming moments with darker themes, particularly in the context of war. Players appreciate the well-developed characters and the emotional impact of the story, with many noting that it evokes a range of feelings, from laughter to tears. However, some critiques mention that certain characters lack depth and that the story occasionally falls into predictable anime tropes, which can detract from its overall emotional resonance.
- “The characters and story were touching and memorable, and that ending ripped my heart out in the best way possible.”
- “The story was fantastic and had some real emotional moments while knowing exactly when to go and lighten the mood.”
- “It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it kept me entertained for hours on end.”
character development
105 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
46%
6%
Character development in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the depth and complexity of both main and supporting characters, as well as the engaging squad stories that enhance the narrative. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in character writing and design, the overall sentiment is that the character arcs are immersive and contribute significantly to the game's emotional impact. The combination of strong character development, interesting villains, and a well-crafted storyline makes for a compelling experience that resonates with players.
- “Always love the franchise; it's like Company of Heroes but turn-based, with deep character development and random events that occur at random times between every mission, constantly making the player need to adapt to the situation and solve the problem effectively.”
- “The story is well done, on par or even superior to the first one in terms of the general plotline and character development, which is one of the biggest points of the series.”
- “Really immersive character development and voiceovers make the campaign more impactful throughout each mission.”
- “As much as I love anime and works of that nature, the genre's habit of forcing character development and expositions at the worst times is present.”
- “Maybe exaggerated, but that's why I think the character development is rather poor.”
- “I'm so angry at the writers and character designers that they completely diminished the hard work it takes and the value of a ranger unit to a classroom of weak and timid characters who would be murdered instantly in real war.”
humor
88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is a mix of juvenile and lowbrow elements, often eliciting laughter through quirky character interactions and absurd situations, though it can also veer into crass territory. Players appreciate the lighthearted moments and the balance between comedic and serious themes, with many finding the dialogue and character dynamics entertaining, despite some criticisms of predictability and translation choices. Overall, the humor contributes significantly to the game's charm, making it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate its unique style.
- “Lots of quirky, funny characters, some nice heartwarming and some sad moments in a solid story.”
- “The characters are well realized and the anime-does-WW2 story is, as a Brit, both funny and quite enjoyable.”
- “All of the many humorous moments in this story make it a joy to play and counterbalancing this, the story does know when to take itself seriously.”
- “It's a Japanese game, first and foremost, so expect some cringey dialogue and the classic unfunny scenes of the main character accidentally staring up the love interest's skirt and the childish sidekick getting punched for grabbing the hot quiet busty girl's butt.”
replayability
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
56%
5%
The game offers significant replayability due to its vast content, including infinitely replayable main story missions and various challenges that encourage players to improve their scores and complete achievements. While some players noted that the lack of randomness in battles can diminish replay value, the inclusion of squad stories and optional content provides ample opportunities for those seeking to maximize their experience. Overall, it is well-regarded for its replay potential, especially for completionists and fans of the series.
- “Essentially, the game is pretty endless considering how much content there is, so if you're looking for value in regards to time used, this certainly covers it as the main story missions are infinitely replayable if you want to get a better score on the mission or grind up things like command points for characters to promote them, issuing orders or ship orders to fill out the quota for the achievement and related decoration (medal) you get for it!”
- “All in all, this game has replay value, and that gives it a 10 out of 10 in my book.”
- “[i]Valkyria Chronicles 4[/i] is a lovely, outstanding game, and if you are somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to game achievements, I believe you will find much replayability with this installment to the series.”
- “I loved it except for the eternal problems of turn-based strategy games where the computer alters the rules as it pleases, and the problem of rewarding speed instead of game quality that ended up spoiling the replayability.”
- “The battles though aren't really replayable due to lack of randomness and variety in them - you can grind ranks if you're a completionist, but that's it once you're done.”
- “One of the things that killed VC1's replayability for me was how long it takes to just play the game.”
optimization
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
64%
6%
The game's optimization is highly praised, with users reporting minimal performance issues and solid stability across various hardware, including low-end machines. Players appreciate the lack of glitches and the effective controller support, while the graphics, though not groundbreaking, are well-optimized for 4K displays. Overall, the game delivers a smooth experience, allowing for extensive gameplay without significant technical drawbacks.
- “The game optimization is great, easy frames and could probably run perfectly on lower spec machines.”
- “It's one of the few games in a long time where I pick it up and have no doubts that it's finished, no glitches or performance issues etc. that will be 'patched later' - as most games are not complete when they're released anymore.”
- “The game seems to be beautifully optimized for PC.”
- “There's no reason to keep Denuvo, a thing that has objectively proven to hinder game performance, in your game after you release all the DLCs.”
- “[occasional pacing issues, both with story cutscenes and some more daunting maps, rank system prioritizes speed, partly discouraging other potential styles or thinking, performance dips in handheld mode during certain high-intensity situations]”
- “The only way to know is to either check a walkthrough, or finish the battle and think you optimized it well enough, just to get rewarded with that b.”
stability
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
8%
89%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some players reporting numerous glitches, bugs, and frustrating AI behavior that detracts from the experience. However, others have noted a surprisingly smooth performance with minimal issues, suggesting that stability may vary significantly between different playthroughs or systems. Overall, while some players encounter game-breaking bugs, others find the game largely free of major stability problems.
- “It's one of the few games in a long time where I pick it up and have no doubts that it's finished, no glitches or performance issues that will be 'patched later' - as most games are not complete when they're released anymore.”
- “Fun game until you run across all the glitches and issues that show a clear lack of testing during the games and maps you run.”
- “My one big complaint is that the mortars are buggy and broken.”
- “Bosses suck and are buggy; the first boss you come across is a tank that shoots non-stop when it's his turn and never ends it. It would always bug out, get stuck, and kill everything...”
atmosphere
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
21%
21%
The atmosphere of the game is noted for its unique blend of World War II themes and fantasy elements, creating a romantic yet immersive experience. While the sound design and music enhance the overall ambiance, some players feel that the inclusion of lighthearted, "anime high school" moments detracts from the serious tone expected in a war setting. Overall, the atmosphere is generally praised for its world-building and character charisma, despite some inconsistencies in storytelling.
- “The atmosphere has a unique WWII appeal mixed with fantasy that allows you to have that romantic touch of WWII while pleasantly jumping the wall of reality.”
- “Sound effects work well for their intended effects, and the music fits the atmosphere and is pleasant to listen to.”
- “Interesting world building and atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere of this game has me dying for another FF Tactics.”
- “Also for a war game, it has too many 'anime high school-ish' moments which ruin the whole atmosphere, like for example, seeing a man (who helped us earlier) hanged, with a message from the enemy on his chest, not long after we got 'omg, boobs!'”
- “They have all the tools to be one of my favorite games, the atmosphere, characters, style, graphics, gameplay, game type, narrative… and they end up screwing it up massively because of laziness when it comes to creating a story and characters to match.”
monetization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
17%
67%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews; while players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the presence of meaningful, reasonably priced DLCs, many feel that certain DLC releases come off as cash grabs, detracting from the overall value of the game. Despite being a polished single-player experience, some users question whether the original price of $59.99 is justified given the monetization practices.
- “In a day and age where we have gambling and microtransactions in full-priced AAA games, we have a gem like this: a finished, polished single-player game with reasonably priced DLCs to add meaningful content.”
- “The grind is not too bad, no microtransactions, and there are quite a few unlockables within the base game.”
- “Sega did not change the cash grabbing DLC releases that turn off many gamers.”
- “The DLC practice feels like a cash grab in my opinion, and then the game seems like it's not worth the original $59.99 that you spend on it.”
- “A united front with Squad 7 $5.99 release date: December 18, 2018 (cash grab before Christmas)”