One of the best tactical role-playing games ever released, Valkyria Chronicles, will be coming out for the PlayStation 4 in the near future. So is the remastered PS4 port be worth buying or are you better off sticking with the PC and/or PlayStation 3 versions? Before you decide on whether or not to purchase Valkyria Chronicles Remastered, let’s take a look at a few factors.
Pricing
The MSRP, at least at launch, is higher for Valkyria Chronicles Remastered when compared to both the PC and PlayStation 3 versions of the videogame. You can check out the current price tags on Amazon with the following links: PS4 version, PC version and PS3 version.
PlayStation 3 Version
The original version of Valkyria Chronicles came out for the PlayStation 3 in 2008. While it may be the worst looking release, the visuals from the PS3 game still holds up very well as it uses the CANVAS graphics engine to create stylized cel-shaded visuals with neat sketching effects. Thus, the game still looks great even on the dated hardware.
Aside from the beautiful graphics, Valkyria Chronicles is also known for its BLiTZ gameplay, which combines turn based strategy along with real-time elements. Each turn starts in an overhead map mode where the player selects a unit. The camera then zoom into the battlefield as the unit can be controlled in real-time to move around, attack and take other actions. There are multiple classes to choose from, including engineers, scouts, shocktroopers, snipers and tanks. Along with commander orders, the gameplay manages to be both deep and streamlined.
While not as universally praised, the story does have some redeeming qualities as it is based on two warring factions in the fictional continent of Europa. If that wasn’t enough, the mysterious Selvaria and Valkyrians also add plenty of marvel to the plot as well.
So, even though the PS3 version is not as good, from a visual perspective, as the PC and PS4 releases, it still holds up very well if you don’t have access to the other two platforms. With that said, the PlayStation 3 copy does not come with any of the post launch DLC and won’t have any trophies to unlock (as it was released before trophy implementation became mandatory).
PC Version
The PC version, which was released in 2014, improved upon the visuals of the PS3 original by increasing the frame rate to 60 as well as resolution to 1080p. It also comes with Steam Achievements as well as previous DLC packs that came out for the PlayStation 3 game: Edy’s Mission “Enter the Edy Detachment” campaign, Selvaria’s Mission “Behind Her Blue Flame” campaign, Hard EX Mode (which makes the skirmish missions harder) as well as the six challenge missions from the Challenge of the Edy Detachment expansion.
One last advantage the PC port has over the two console versions is the modding, resulting in fan-created content such as the “Gallian Crossfire” mod (which re-balanced the difficulty game to prevent some exploits that made the original game very easy).
Keep in mind that you need a capable computer to take advantage of the visual upgrades in the PC version of the software product. You can check out the list of recommend specs for Valkyria Chronicles Remastered below (via the Steam product page):
- OS: Windows 7
- Processor: Intel Core2 Duo @ 2.8GHz (or equivalent)
- Memory: 3 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 (or equivalent)
- Storage: 25 GB available space
PlayStation 4 Version
On May 17th of 2016, Sega will be releasing Valkyria Chronicles Remastered for the PlayStation 4 in the North American region. Like the PC version, the PS4 port will also support 1080p, 60 frames per second in addition to having all the post-launch DLC packs. The game has the same Trophy list as the Steam Achievements list although PS4 gamers will be able to earn one more unlock: the “Valkyrie of the Battlefield” Platinum trophy.
For a limited time, you will be able to get some extras if you decide to purchase the physical disc version of the remastered port. In North America, Sega is offering a Squad 7 steelbook case for first run copies. European customers can get a double sided A3 poster and official art book via the Europa Edition.
Aside from being a physical release and the Paltinum trophy, Valkyria Chronicles Remastered does not have any other advantage over the PC version.
Recap
If you don’t care about owning a physical copy of Valkyria Chronicles, we suggest picking up the PC version as it comes with the ability to install user-created mods. Not to mention that it is cheaper than the PS4 version. Assuming you have a capable computer system, the PC version is most likely your best option. You can purchase the tactical RPG for PC with this link.
With that said, the PlayStation 4 remastered port has a physical version (as well as other extras if you buy it early). If you prefer a physical release and/or trophies, you can pick up Valkyria Chronicles Remastered with this page.
While the PS3 version also has a physical disc version, we don’t recommend picking it up unless you don’t have access to a PlayStation 4 and capable PC. If you are still interested, you can buy Valkyria Chronicles for the PlayStation 3 here.
