Experience Tactical Warfare in Valkyria Chronicles II

Released for the PSP (PlayStation Portable), Valkyria Chronicles II is a compelling sequel that brings the unique fusion of strategy and action to a handheld format. Set two years after the events of the original critically acclaimed title, this installment continues the saga within a fictitious version of 1930s Europe. While it retains the soul of its predecessor, the sequel adapts its massive scale to fit the portable screen, offering an engaging experience for fans of tactical RPGs.

A Tale of Academy Life and Civil War

The narrative shifts focus from a grand continental conflict to a more personal, character-driven drama. Players follow Avan, a new recruit at the Gallian Military Academy, who arrives at the facility to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his brother, Leon. The story centers on the students of Class G, blending light-mounted "high school" archetypes and academy life with much darker, heavier themes.

While the game features moments of high-school drama—complete with class misunderstandings and growing bonds between cadets—it does not shy away from the horrors of war. The plot delves into serious political intrigue, exploring heavy subject matter such as human experimentation and ethnic cleansing. This tonal shift creates a narrative that moves between colorful character interactions and the grim realities of a nation plunged into a bitter civil war by the Gallian Revolutionary Army's coup.

Innovative BLiTZ Battle System

At the heart of Valkyria Chronicles II is the redesigned 'BLiTZ' battle system. This system seamlessly blends turn-based strategy with real-time action. Players operate from a command map to oversee the battlefield before transitioning into a third-person perspective to execute attacks using real-time controls.

To accommodate the PSP hardware, the massive open battlefields of the first game have been redesigned into several interconnected segments or "chunks." This allows players to traverse different fronts of the battlefield throughout a mission, adding a new layer of strategic depth as you measure your success by how many sectors of the map you control. Key gameplay mechanics include:

  • Squad Management: Build your forces using various specialized classes, including Scouts, Shocktroopers, Lancers, Engineers, and the newly introduced Armored Tech class.
  • Command Points (CP): Utilize a finite pool of CP to order troop movements or issue special tactical orders.
  • Vehicle Customization: Command powerful tanks that can be modified into specialized armored personnel carriers.
  • Strategic Movement: Navigate diverse environments where unit weight and weapon range dictate your tactical approach.

Key Features and Gameplay Depth

The game utilizes a redesigned 'CANVAS' engine, providing over 20 visually distinct environments and an expansive mission list featuring over 200 different encounters. For the first time in the series, players can engage in ad-hoc Versus and Co-op multiplayer gameplay, adding significant replayability to the handheld experience.

Valkyria Chronicles II is an ideal choice for players who enjoy deep tactical combat and character-driven stories. While it scales down the grand scale of the original to focus on smaller-scale skirmishes, it offers a massive amount of content—with play sessions ranging between 40 to 60 hours—making it a substantial title for any handheld enthusiast.