Valkyria Chronicles II

[oooog]

I know, I'm starting a thread.  It's been like... 6 years.  Oh wait, that one about a month ago. I digress.

I can't help but feel that such a fantastic game has been flying under the general gaming communities radar for so long.  I of course am speaking of Harvey Birdman for the Wii.  But this topic is regarding Valkyria Chronicles, so I guess I'll stick with that one.
On August 31st, the PSP sequel to the original PS3 version was released, and I promptly picked it up, having been thoroughly pleased by the first one.  Despite having my face blown off by a laser cannon not 4 minutes ago, I am still impressed with what this game has to offer.

For those of you who do not know, Valkyria Chronicles is an RPG/Tactics/Third Person Shooter hybrid which has nothing like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-0RY4TTNwE
And the sequel on the PSP loses very little in translation, much to my surprise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45VFvM5jTkc
Despite having some unrealistic physics, being shot in the foot with a pistol could sometimes do more damage than lobbing a grenade, the game offers much entertainment and satisfaction.  The biggest change I've noticed between the PS3 and PSP version is the thorough customization you have with your units (giggity).  For instance, in the first game there was a Sniper class which is absent from the second game at first glance.  However, upon playing through, you eventually discover that the Sniper class was really concealed in the new sub-class system included in the game, and is but one of the potential branches from the Scout class.
As my prior statement towards the beginning will tell, the game is not as easy as one would assume.  Even if you have a great strategy and know what you are doing, the enemy can and will turn the tides quite frequently.  Sometimes you have to struggle to get a D Rank, if you manage to complete the mission at all.

In short, this is a very unappreciated game I feel, and deserves far more acknowledgement than it receives.  Now, I wouldn't say purchase a PS3 and/or PSP simply for this franchise, but if you already own the systems, I would greatly recommend it.  Thank you for allowing me to waste a minute of your time, as well as provide me a few moments of entertainment whilst I wait for the bathroom to become available.

[SaiKar]

Every time someone makes a good game for the PSP I'm filled with a little bit of rage, since the DS is so much better and should have all the good games

[oooog]

Valid argument, however I do believe the PSP is about ti finally have it's time.  I am currently playing Birth by Sleep as we speak (Side Note:  This game is far more complicated than it's predecessors), Ys Seven seems like a promising jRPG, Persona 3 Portable is a port of one of my favorite games of all time, and Patapon is just good fun.  Not to mention if you have a Slim, it can be formed in to a universal portable gaming device, capable of playing your favorite games Playstation quality or lower.  I can play my precious Crash Bandicoots on the go, as well as prepare for the Third Birthday by playing the first two Parasite Eves while I'm not paying attention in class.

The DS on the other hand, as odd as it sounds, has been too good.  Every couple of months I am forced to wonder why I even bought my PSP.  In either case, I believe by Q2 of next year, both handheld systems will be worth owning.  Ironically, the 3DS will also be out around then, which is awesome and terrible at the same time.  I'm going to be broke again.

[Cerebus]

...the DS is so much better...

You know, I both agree and disagree with this. One thing I don't like much about the DS is that since it can use a Stylus, some game must use it. You know, like Zelda. But at the same time, having the option to use it for some games is great. And dual screen is actually great.

However, I actually like the PSP as well. Saving on a memory card rather than cartridge, I prefer. I also like the Analog (which from what I've seen will appear on the 3DS). Being able to download demos or updates is great too.
However, since it uses CD's it adds something that is not as great; Loading!

I'm not sure which of the two I prefer... but anyway, that's not the point of the Topic, eh. I'll have to check what this game is before commenting on it.

-Okay, I've watched a bit of the video and this looks quite interesting. I'm pretty sure I've seen a downloadable demo, I'll have to try this out.

Okay, I just tried it. Looks a bit like... err... forgot the name. Operation Darkness or something. Except that it's not one of those Werewolf VS Vampire thing. I hope. Might get this game, it's pretty good.

[Prpl_Mage]

Loved the ps3 game. Might get this.
It's like fire emblem meets advacne wars. Or something along the line.

But it will take some time, just like Birth by sleep still a week to go or so.

Pokemon with stylus ability = awesome.
Zelda with it = not as awesome.
Metroid with it = so and so.

[HobomasterXXX]

Every time someone makes a good game for the PSP I'm filled with a little bit of rage, since the DS is so much better and should have all the good games

It's only better because it gets all the good games though. The PSP is pretty much superior, hardware wise, in every way except TOUCH SCWEEN which I couldn't care less about really, it's just detrimental to most games that use it.

[HobomasterXXX]

I must disagree. The DS has crappy 3D and that makes it better than the PSP. Somehow. Because people focus on making 3D games for the PSP and its not really a good idea, but they make 2D games for the DS, which is a great idea.

The PSP actually has a lot of nice 2D games. And 3D isn't done on the DS purely because it just looks laughable, in the vast majority of cases. On the PSP, the 3D is quite good, if done well. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a great example:


Anyway, speaking of the actual topic at hand, I will probably get the first Valkyria Chronicles soon. I need some more quality PS3 games.

[HobomasterXXX]

Origins was just horrible in general.

[Cerebus]

I enjoyed Shattered Memories. At first, I was disappointed with the fact that there were no combat. But then, I still played it and I really liked it. It's pretty good that the game can change depending on what you do and all.
And it was on the PSP. I enjoy handhelds since you can play pretty much anywhere (of course, portable after all, eh) even if the screen is reduced, as well as the number of buttons. Sure, some games suffer from it a bit, but oh well.
Origins, I stopped playing. Simply because I started playing other games. It seems good, except for a few things; enemies keep coming back in the city, freaking melee weapon always breaking, some enemies are way too fast (in my opinion) and the camera angle is annoying some times.

And some DS games actually have good graphics, even if they're not as good as some PSP games. But as I always say, graphics don't make the game.

Yes, yes, getting away from the topic again, I know...

For those who actually played it (VCII) can you do "skirmish" or something like that? In other words, random matches against Bots and/or other players? Or is it simply mission based?

[oooog]

It appears to be entirely mission based, which is disappointing, but they added a mode that allows you to battle against other players, which is interesting.  I haven't explored that feature because there aren't many people I have to play against.

On a Side Note:  I have much to say about Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, good and bad.  Perhaps a new topic is in order for that though.