In many respects, the Valkyrie sequence is synonymous with PlayStation. The acclaimed first two video games – Valkyrie Profile and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria – appeared on the PS1 and PS2 respectively. Now, after a 16 12 months absence from consoles, the sequence is again with Valkyrie Elysium.
The new motion RPG options an evocative world impressed by Norse mythology, thrillingly fast-paced fight, gorgeous audio-visual presentation, and a darkish, thought-provoking narrative. It’s a incredible RPG that has its personal very distinct vibe, and we will’t wait so that you can play it.
While long-term Valkyrie followers are most likely already exploring the mysteries of the sport’s lovely world through the latest demo, a few of you could be questioning: what’s all of the fuss about? Why’s this sequence so beloved?
With that in thoughts, and to have fun the sequence’ return to its ancestral residence on PlayStation, we thought it will be attention-grabbing to take you thru the historical past of this revered franchise.
It all began approach again within the 12 months 1999…
1999: Valkyrie Profile – a traditional is born
Just earlier than the flip of the millennium, a brand new daring, new RPG was launched in Japan: Valkyrie Profile.
By this level within the PlayStation’s life, the console had made a reputation for itself as a haven for RPGs, with a number of sequence, together with Final Fantasy, having achieved new heights of recognition on this burgeoning platform.
Valkyrie Profile instantly stood out from the gang. Developed by tri-Ace (the Star Ocean sequence), this was a recreation that dared to be completely different. It provided a distinctly authentic tackle the style, combining a classy setting impressed by Norse mythology, revolutionary battle system and a story construction that rewarded gamers for his or her initiative and curiosity.
You took management of Lenneth – a just lately woke up Valkyrie, who serves Odin and the pantheon of gods referred to as the ‘Aesir’. Lenneth is shipped out to gather the souls of fallen warriors – referred to as Einherjar – to help the gods of their battle towards the Vanir.
Over the course of her mission, she encounters many warriors – some worthy of becoming a member of the gods, others who combat by her aspect, and begins to piece collectively the thriller of the pressure that threatens the gods, and her life earlier than rising as a Valkyrie.
Although it was simply the primary recreation, most of the components that might come to outline the Valkyrie sequence began proper right here together with fast-paced, combo-based fight programs, the recruitable Einherjar, themes of life, demise and identification and a richly melancholy tone.
Audiences responded positively to those components, each in Japan and in North America the place the sport was launched in 2000, and the sport offered properly. It’s usually cited as one of many greats of the RPG style – one thing that much more individuals would uncover in 2006…
2006: Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth – the unique returns
Fans needed to wait a number of years for extra Valkyrie adventures, however in 2006 the unique recreation made a return for the PSP as Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.
The authentic PlayStation model had solely been launched in Japan and North America, however this completely moveable port got here out in Europe and Australasia too, making it the primary time gamers in these areas might expertise the sport.
And enjoyable truth: it’s again once more! A PSP port of Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth will launch later this 12 months for PS4 and PS5, obtainable as both a bonus for homeowners of the Digital Deluxe Edition of Valkyrie Elysium or a standalone buy.
2006: Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria – a worthy sequel
Also in 2006, the much-anticipated follow-up to Valkyrie Profile launched for PlayStation 2: Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria.
Despite that outstanding quantity within the title, the sport’s truly set a whole lot of years earlier than the unique recreation, and in an alternate timeline. It options many new characters and a brand new protagonist to regulate… or ought to that be two new protagonists?
The story focuses on the Valkyrie Silmeria and the Princess of Dipan, Alicia – two girls trapped in the identical physique. Pursued by the Valkyrie Hrist, the 2 should work collectively to stop a catastrophic battle between their two realms.
The recreation constructed on most of the components launched in Valkyrie Profile, together with new Einherjar, up to date side-scrolling exploration, and strategic battles that mixed the combo-based battle system with new motion choices.
The recreation was a essential success, with reviewers praising its richly detailed world, super-fun fight system and stellar soundtrack by Motoi Sakuraba.
2008 / 2016: Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume and Valkyrie Anatomia – on the go gaming
The sequence returned to handheld units for its subsequent two entries: Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (launched in Japan in 2008, North America and Europe in 2009) and Valkyrie Anatomia, launched on cell in 2016. The former featured a darkish, mature story of a younger man named Wylfred, and his quest to destroy the Valkyrie Lenneth, who he blames for the lack of his father and his household’s subsequent misfortune. The latter is ready in an alternate world to the unique recreation. It follows an identical setup, with Lenneth charged with recruiting einherjar to combat for the gods.
2022: Valkyrie Elysium- the sequence comes residence to PlayStation
…all of which brings us to now – and the long-awaited return of the Valkyrie Series to PS5 and PS4.
Valkyrie Elysium presents a totally authentic story, set in a world that teeters getting ready to destruction. Ragnarok – the tip of all issues – looms on the horizon. With the final of his power, the All-Father Odin creates a Valkyrie to change into an emissary of redemption. Her job: save this doomed world. Descending to the land under, this courageous warrior encounters many challenges as she begins to find the reality behind its impending demise. What will she consider this world… and what finish will she select for it?
The recreation presents a contemporary tackle the sequence that mixes most of the sequence’ defining components with thrilling new concepts. For instance, the fight system fuses sequence stables like ending strikes and combos, with model new real-time motion fight. Recruitable Einherjar are additionally current and proper and it’s all scored with a exceptional soundtrack by long-time sequence composer Motoi Sakuraba.
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And that ends this very fast run by of the Valkyrie sequence. Of course, you don’t have to have performed any of the opposite video games to get pleasure from Valkyrie Elysium – it’s a totally standalone title that pulls on the wealthy legacy of the sequence to create a brand new journey that anybody can get pleasure from.
Valkyrie Elysium launches this Thursday, September 29 , and is out there bodily and digitally for PS5 and PS4.
