Valkyria Chronicles 4

The story of Valkyria Chronicles 4 has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as RPG Fan and Nintendo Life, praise the engaging and character-driven plot with well-developed characters. RPG Site also highlights the exploration of themes like ethics in warfare and the dilemmas of fighting for 'good'. The narrative is commended for balancing gritty war themes with lighthearted anime influences, offering a sense of hopeful optimism throughout the storytelling. On the other hand, some critics, like Game Informer and Strategy Gamer, express disappointment in the storytelling of Valkyria Chronicles 4. Game Informer criticizes the scarcity of cinematics and reliance on animated portraits, which diminishes the intended gravity of key moments. RPGamer and Destructoid mention that the story is straightforward and lacks the subtleties and complexities found in previous entries of the series, focusing too much on a simple good versus evil tale and missing opportunities to delve into deeper themes like racism and genocide. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a somewhat mixed reception of the story in Valkyria Chronicles 4. While some appreciate the character development, thematic exploration, and the balance between serious war scenarios and lighthearted moments, others find the storytelling lacking in depth and originality. The game seems to excel in creating a world with well-developed characters and engaging narratives, but falls short in delivering a truly impactful and cohesive storyline that resonates with all players. GameSpot's mention of exploring the senselessness of war and making tough choices, alongside TheSixthAxis' praise for the engaging and tragic story that paints the morality and ethics of both sides in equal shades of grey, showcase the varying perspectives on the narrative depth and execution within the game.

The gameplay of Valkyria Chronicles 4 received high praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging and strategic elements. GameCritics commends the balanced combat and variety of soldier types, emphasizing the unique abilities of each character and the puzzle-like aspect of mission design. ZTGD appreciates the BLiTZ combat system's combination of real-time and turn-based elements, as well as the challenging level design that encourages strategic thinking. Additionally, Metro GameCentral notes the engaging mix of turn-based strategy and real-time action, with a unique combat system that allows players to plan their strategy on an overhead map and then have direct control of each soldier and vehicle. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay in Valkyria Chronicles 4. Gameblog.fr mentions that while the game offers depth in tactical decision-making, it lacks fluidity and feels archaic. Push Square acknowledges the challenging and rewarding combat but notes that the game doesn't take many risks and feels too similar to the original. GameSpew points out that while the classic BLiTZ battle system returns with minimal changes, it lacks innovation and is still plagued by some issues from past games. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Valkyria Chronicles 4. The game is praised for its strategic depth, engaging combat mechanics, and variety of tactical options. Critics appreciate the blend of turn-based tactics and real-time elements, as well as the introduction of new gameplay mechanics like the Grenadier class and Last Stand mechanics. The challenging nature of the battles, the emphasis on strategic thinking, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment when overcoming odds are highlighted as key strengths of the gameplay experience. Despite some minor criticisms about lack of innovation or fluidity, the majority of critics found Valkyria Chronicles 4's gameplay to be very good, making it a standout title in the tactical RPG genre.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Valkyria Chronicles 4 are largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its unique art style, with comments such as "stunning watercolor-inspired visuals" (CGMagazine) and "beautiful watercolor art style that brings the characters to life" (We Got This Covered). The hand-drawn aesthetic, vibrant environments, and well-crafted character designs were highlighted as standout features, with critics commending the game for its colorful and painterly visual style that balances realism with fantastical elements (Nintendo Life). The game's art style was described as "gorgeous" (Hardcore Gamer) and "timeless" (Push Square), with the visuals aging gracefully and holding up wonderfully in 2018 (Video Chums). On the flip side, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of Valkyria Chronicles 4. The game was criticized for showing signs of aging, especially on the Switch version, with Gameblog.fr mentioning that the graphics fall short technically compared to current standards (Areajugones). While the game's art style was generally well-received, there were mentions of occasional periods of slowdown and frame dips, particularly on the Switch version (NintendoWorldReport). Some critics highlighted issues such as recycled assets from the first game and a reliance on static character portraits implying a reduced production budget (RPG Fan), as well as disappointment in the lack of change in graphics quality compared to the first game (COGconnected). Overall, the consensus among critics is that Valkyria Chronicles 4 excels in its artistic design and visual style, with the game's unique aesthetics being a major selling point. The blend of contemporary anime, hand-painted visuals, and the watercolor-inspired art style was widely praised for creating a visually appealing and immersive world (DarkStation). Despite some technical limitations and aging graphics, the game's stunning visuals, vibrant environments, and charming storybook art style were highlighted as key strengths that enhance the overall presentation and storytelling experience (IGN). While there were mixed opinions on specific aspects such as frame dips and recycled assets, the majority of critics appreciated the game's artistry and unique visual identity, making it a standout title in the tactical RPG genre.

The Sound Design and Music of Valkyria Chronicles 4 received a lot of praise from critics. Many highlighted the exceptional quality of the soundtrack, with critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it commending the epic and orchestral music that enhanced the overall gaming experience. Hitoshi Sakimoto's score was particularly lauded, with Twinfinite mentioning it as one of his very best, featuring evocative songs that punctuated emotion and tension. Additionally, critics like Vandal appreciated how the music complemented the wartime setting of the game, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. The voice acting also received high praise, with RPG Site noting the incredible performances and RPGamer highlighting the solid English voice cast that enhanced the character portrayals. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Valkyria Chronicles 4. IGN mentioned that while the reuse of sound effects and battle music from the first game was great, it prevented the game from having its own distinct voice. Nintenderos noted that some tracks in the soundtrack could feel repetitive during lengthy missions, potentially impacting the overall enjoyment of the music. DualShockers also mentioned some awkward lines and mediocre vocal performances in the voice acting, which could detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Valkyria Chronicles 4 is overwhelmingly positive. The game's soundtrack, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, was a standout feature, praised for its epic and orchestral quality that enhanced the gameplay experience. The voice acting was also widely acclaimed for its strong performances that added depth and emotional impact to the characters. While some critics noted minor issues such as repetitive tracks and occasional vocal inconsistencies, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Valkyria Chronicles 4 significantly contributed to the immersive and engaging nature of the game, making it a standout aspect of the overall experience for players across different platforms.

The Voice Acting in Valkyria Chronicles 4 has been widely praised by critics for its positive aspects. DarkStation commends the engagingly voiced characters, noting a blend of whimsy, camaraderie, pathos, and drama. IGN appreciates the unique squad members' specific voice lines that add depth and personality to the characters, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. New Game Network describes the voice acting as exceptionally well done, adding depth and personality to the characters. RPG Site highlights the exceptional voice acting performances, with characters being well portrayed and effectively selling their roles. Worth Playing also praises the top-notch voice acting that enhances the characters, showcasing a consistent positive sentiment among reviewers. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the Voice Acting in Valkyria Chronicles 4. DualShockers notes that while the characters are well-voiced with interesting backstories and relationships, there are some awkward lines and mediocre performances present in the game. Switch Player also points out that while the voice acting is decent overall, some voices don't match the characters' design or personality, indicating a slight inconsistency in the voice direction. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Voice Acting in Valkyria Chronicles 4. The majority of reviewers praise the voice cast for their talented performances, depth, and ability to enhance the characters' personalities and the overall immersive experience of the game. Critics like GameSpace and GameOver.gr commend the high-quality voice acting, while NintendoWorldReport appreciates the well-acted conversations, particularly focusing on key characters like Claude and the senior leaders of Squad E. Despite some minor criticisms noted by a few reviewers, the general sentiment leans towards the Voice Acting being a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game that contributes significantly to its narrative and character development.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Valkyria Chronicles 4 received positive feedback from several critics. Twinfinite praised the game for running without a hitch, both in terms of framerate and controls, providing a smooth performance overall. Trusted Reviews and IGN Italia also highlighted solid performance on the PS4, with only minor texture and shadow issues mentioned. However, there were some concerns raised by Gamers Heroes regarding movement issues with tanks and units, which have been present since the original game, impacting the overall experience for some players. On the Nintendo Switch, the technical performance of Valkyria Chronicles 4 received mixed reviews. While Nintenderos praised the adaptability to the Switch and seamless graphics in both handheld and docked modes without mentioning any technical issues, CGMagazine, DualShockers, and FANDOM pointed out significant framerate issues, longer load times, and hidden loading screens that could impact gameplay and lead to frustration. Gameblog.fr also criticized the Switch version for having an outdated interface, clunky gameplay mechanics, and cumbersome menus, further highlighting the technical blemishes present in this version. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Valkyria Chronicles 4 is varied. While some platforms like the PS4 were commended for smooth performance with minor issues, such as occasional slowdowns and AI behavior problems, others like the Nintendo Switch faced more significant technical challenges, including framerate drops, longer load times, and visual effects-related slowdowns. IGN highlighted the differences between platforms, mentioning that the PC version offers uncapped frame rates and resolutions, with improved tank controls compared to the original port. Despite these technical shortcomings on certain platforms, the gameplay experience was generally enjoyable across all systems, with some critics like TheSixthAxis and RPGamer noting stable performance despite minor slowdowns during intense battles.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Valkyria Chronicles 4 are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for offering a variety of additional content and gameplay opportunities that encourage replayability. Critics like COGconnected and Game Informer highlight the ability to replay missions, engage in side stories, and customize loadouts, which provide players with incentives to revisit the game. The inclusion of Squad Stories, optional skirmishes, and diverse end-game experiences, as mentioned by Destructoid and GamingTrend, also contribute to the game's replay value. Additionally, the game's strong foundation for future installments, as noted by 3DJuegos, suggests that players can expect a lasting appeal from Valkyria Chronicles 4. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks that may affect the game's replay value. Digital Chumps and We Got This Covered mention that while the side content like Squad Stories and character-driven side quests add replay value, they may feel forced or long-winded at times. Cubed3 notes a decrease in replayability compared to previous entries due to pacing issues and a lack of sub classes and equippable skills. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the game's additional content and progression systems may not fully resonate with all players seeking replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Valkyria Chronicles 4 offers substantial replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics, optional content, and character development opportunities. The game's strategic depth, customization options, and challenging missions, as highlighted by Easy Allies and RPG Site, provide players with a rewarding experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. While some critics raise concerns about certain aspects of the game's replayability, the majority acknowledge its strengths in offering a rich and engaging gameplay experience that extends beyond the main story. Players looking for a tactical RPG with lasting appeal and varied gameplay opportunities are likely to find Valkyria Chronicles 4 to be a compelling choice for replay value.