Sega unveiled the next entry of the Valkyria Chronicles franchise in the latest issue of Famitsu titled Valkyria: Azure Revolution for Playstation 4. This marks the first entry since the original to be developed for console. The Famitsu article, translated by Gematsu, gives us a quick look into the story and staff involved.
Prologue
With the discovery of the azure mineral Ragnite, the powerful Rus Empire achieved rapid industrial development and expanded its territory. Jutland, a small country, is econmically blockaded by the large country, and advocating “independence and freedom from colonial rule,” strikes the empire army’s base.
Characters
Amleth – The protagonist. The commanding officer of the Jutland Kingdom’s elite Anti-Valkyria Unit.
Ophelia – The heroine. The princess of the Jutland Kingdom.
Brynhildr – A Valkyria sided with the Rus Empire that stands before the heroes.
Azure Revolution will stick with the drawing engine art direction the games are known for, this time the engine is called “Gouache” which will turn the visuals into more of a painting. Unfortunately the size of Famitsu’s magazine scans make it difficult to admire the first screenshots of the game, instead of squinting we will provide official larger screenshots later.
Key staff on board include developer Media.Vision (developed the PSP entries prior), Chief Producer Shimosato (various Shining games), Director Takeshi Ozawa (Valkyria Chronicles) and character designers Hiro Kiyohara and Takayama Toshiaki.
Also translated is an interview of director Takeshi Ozawa and chief producer Youichi Simosato. The team wanted to try a new battle system for the series and decided to use a real time combat system. Originally, they wanted to go with a real time strategy gameplay design but decided to make a RPG because it may attract more players. The game will feature symbol encounters, and the player can interact with the symbol before entering battle such as sniping it, using a smokescreen or lure the enemy. Sniping will have use limits. The action RPG combat is conducted through commands that are assigned to buttons. The party consists of 5 members, the player can only control one of them at a time while others move on their own in duration of the battle. Also featured in the game are beings that transform into tanks, as well as weapons that imitate living things.
The gameplay genre is RPG with simulation elements, so you can experience the battlefield from a new perspective. You will still prepare for battle at the base, Ozawa likened it to traveling into dungeons. The story revolves around the key item known as Ragnite which is an energy resource with magical properties. Shimosato explained that the franchise will be split into two categories; “Senjou” or “Battlefield” for the original game titles and Azure Revolution marks the start of the “Kakumei” or “Revolution” series derived from the Japanese title of the game “Aoki Kakumei no Valkyria”.
Ozawa teases that a famous composer is working on the game while Shimosato tells fans that Azure Revolution is similar to the original games but hopes you enjoy this new take on the series that is largely different on the surface.
In addition to the new game, Sega will also bring the original Valkyria Chronicles to PS4. This version is likely based on the recent PC port with improved performance and graphics. This version will also feature Playstation trophy support and DLC. A special bonus demo for Azure Revolution will be included.
Valkyria: Azure Revolution is shooting for a Winter 2016 release. The remaster of the original game is due in February 10th 2016 in Japan.
Credit for magazine scan is by Famitsu. Thanks, Gematsu, for translation.
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I’m actually more concerned about the setting than the gameplay changes, mostly curious to know if they decided for a different world just to avoid limitations (or a little effort to maintain a continuity) or if there is a reason why there are so many alternate worlds similar to ours (I’m betting that Rus Empire is based in Russia which was also the Eastern Empire in the original game). This and I hope for whatever reason Vyse & co can appear in this world too, they obviously have to be the key in this multiverse thing lol
Sega should remember their RPG franchises were awesome because they shared a continuity, all Shining original games were set in the same world, all Phantasy Star games were set in the same star system, even Golden Axe had different generations in Duel but was the same continuity, not just random RPGs sharing a name like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest.