VALKYRIE ELYSIUM

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising it as "top notch" and "fantastic," particularly highlighting the nostalgic elements and emotional impact of the soundtrack. However, others find it generic or subpar compared to previous entries in the series, noting that it lacks the epicness and distinctiveness that fans have come to expect. Overall, while the soundtrack has its admirers, it also faces criticism for not standing out enough in the gaming experience.

Character development in the game is largely criticized, with many reviewers noting its minimal presence and lack of depth, particularly for the main characters. While the character designs are praised for their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal, the actual growth and progression of characters feel linear and underwhelming, leaving potential untapped. Some players appreciate specific character arcs, but overall, the consensus is that the game could benefit from more substantial character development to enhance the storytelling experience.

Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting performance issues such as frame drops, crashes, and stuttering, particularly during high-particle scenes and character close-ups. While some users experienced stable performance without crashes, others noted that the game is poorly optimized for PC, leading to inconsistent gameplay experiences. Additionally, the use of certain graphical settings, like DLSS and DX12, has been criticized for not delivering the expected performance improvements.

Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be a mixed experience. While some appreciate that side quests are less tedious and focus on combat rather than fetch quests, others criticize the repetitive nature of combat and the necessity of grinding for completionist achievements, particularly on higher difficulties. The game offers a balance where grinding is not essential for progression, but it can become tedious for those aiming to fully complete it.

The game's atmosphere is praised for its immersive graphics and top-notch music, creating a beautiful and engaging experience. However, some players feel that it lacks the emotional depth and storytelling of earlier titles, resulting in a generally sad mood without comedic relief. Overall, the atmosphere is considered strong, with a blend of captivating visuals and impactful sound design.

The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players find the story and side quests lacking in depth and engagement, others appreciate a heartwarming ending that adds a pleasant surprise. Overall, the game offers moments of emotional resonance but does not aim to profoundly impact players' perspectives.

The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab by Square Enix, exploiting nostalgia for the "Valkyrie" title without delivering meaningful content, leading to disappointment among long-time fans. Reviewers express frustration over the perceived lack of originality and depth, likening it to other companies known for similar practices.

The game's stability is marred by performance issues, particularly during the final boss fight, which experiences occasional freezes on high settings. Additionally, players report numerous glitches, including characters getting stuck in walls and enemies trapped outside the designated combat areas.

The game's replayability is generally considered low, with some users noting minimal replay value and others deeming it non-existent, resulting in an average rating of 6/10.

The humor in the game is highlighted by its absurd scenarios, such as the hilariously unexpected "bad" ending and the comedic element of resolving situations through exaggerated actions like chugging. Overall, players find the humor to be a standout feature that adds to the enjoyment of the game.