While not initially pleased with the fact that Valkyria Chronicles 2 was being downgraded to the PSP from the PS3, I found its shrinkage to be surprisingly pleasant. Right down to the art style, the game translates perfectly from its big brother. Some concessions had to be made (include the loss of the Japanese voice track) due to the limitations of the hardware. The most obvious overall change comes with the larger overall map being sacrificed for an area system. The area system includes smaller maps essentially linked together by camps which act as waypoints to deploy, rescind, and redeploy troops. The basic concept of the original is left intact, but the player must switch between areas instead of be able to navigate the entire may.
Combat in the Blitz system remains largely unchanged, which is actually quite welcome. You select your unit from a map, move it in real time, and perform an action. While running around, you’re not completely in the clear – enemy units will fire if you cross their sight lines. The system worked perfectly the first time around and needed absolutely no tweaking in this installment. It’s rare to get a battle system down perfectly on the first try, but I don’t remember having a single complaint with the first game.
Essentially, all that Valkyria Chronicles 2 needed to do to enhance the experience was to make a few upgrades and expansions on the previous system. The biggest addition is the branching class system. In VC2, each individual character can level up and branch off into a more specialized version of its current class, rather than upgrading an entire unit class on its own. Individual characters will earn their own merits, surpassing those who don’t see as much combat experience. This system, while not officially named, can be thought of kind of a ‘most valuable player’ system. Basically, soldiers with better grades will be able to upgrade their skills at a more rapid rate than those with less combat experience and accomplishments.
While Sega didn’t reveal the specific names of the expanded classes in the US version, I was told that the Scout class will have the option of changing either to a more elite version of the regular Scout or a more offensive-oriented version which sacrifices movement ability, likely a Sniper from the previous game. A Shocktrooper has the option of becoming a short range flamethrower version or a more machinegun oriented build. An exception to this rule is the main character, Avan, who can branch off into any class he wants.
A couple of brand new units will be featured as well. APCs will be available to transport your troops and an unnamed sword and shield toting melee class will be available. This class was called an Armored Soldier in the Japanese version.
Overall, the additions will bring a whole new level of customization and will give players the ability to add their own unique style and flair to their army – a feature that will be especially important in multiplayer battles.
We (at least those of us who do not have the Japanese version) can expect a few surprises as well – the heroes Welkin and Alicia will make a return, along with a playable version of Isara from the first game. Isara is a special treat for those with save data from the first game.
While not a whole lot has changed, not a whole lot needed to, and Valkyria Chronicles 2 should continue the fresh breath of air that was the first. The game drops for PSP in North America on August 31.
