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Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 4
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Valkyria Chronicles 4
Promotional flyer
Developers
PublisherSega
Directors
  • Kohei Yamashita
  • Masaya Kobayashi
ProducerKei Mikami
ArtistYukihiko Ito
ComposerHitoshi Sakimoto
SeriesValkyria Chronicles
Platforms
Release
March 21, 2018
  • PlayStation 4
    • JP: March 21, 2018
    • WW: September 25, 2018
    Nintendo Switch
    • WW: September 25, 2018
    • JP: September 27, 2018
    Windows
    • WW: September 25, 2018
    Xbox One
    • NA/PAL: September 25, 2018
    Stadia
    • WW: December 8, 2020
    Amazon Luna
    • US: July 8, 2021
GenreTactical role-playing
ModeSingle-player

Valkyria Chronicles 4[b] is a tactical role-playing video game developed and published by Sega, with assistance from Media.Vision.[1] It is the fourth main game in the Valkyria Chronicles series. It was released in Japan for the PlayStation 4 in March 2018, and worldwide, in addition for the Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Xbox One in September 2018.[2][3] It was also ported to Stadia on December 8, 2020, and to Amazon Luna on July 8, 2021.[4][5]

Gameplay

[edit]
Main article: Valkyria Chronicles (video game) § Gameplay
The use of the Brave System. Here, Aladdin is shot by the enemy and the options available are "Inspire" and "Counter". The icon in the middle is the timer.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a strategy game in the style of the first three games in the series.[6] It introduces a new soldier class known as the Grenadier, who can fire mortar rounds at enemies. If allied soldiers are present to provide battlefield information, they can fire without being seen by hostile forces.[7] When a soldier in your army is on the verge of death, there is a fixed chance that a new system called "Brave" will be activated.[8] When used, players can choose to either restore one Command Point (CP) and increase the ability of a nearby ally, counter the enemy's attack (if downed on enemy's turn) or restore Action Points (AP) to the unit and enable it to move and attack once in an invincible state (if downed on player's turn).[8]

Plot

[edit]
See also: List of Valkyria Chronicles characters § Valkyria Chronicles 4

Claude Wallace and his childhood friends Kai Shulen and Raz join the Federation Army in order to fight the Empire in the Second Europan War, both to protect their home country of Gallia and avenge an Imperial attack on their hometown of Hafen. However, during training, Kai mysteriously disappears, leaving his sister Leena to take his place as "Kai". Claude, Raz, and Leena are able to pass training and join the elite Ranger Corps, with Claude being assigned command of Squad E.

Squad E is then informed that the Empire has the upper hand, capturing a large amount of Federation territory as well as initiating an invasion of Gallia. Federation leaders decide to put all of their resources into Operation Northern Cross, a massive offensive with the objective of pushing straight to the Imperial capital of Schwartzgrad. The operation is initially successful, with Squad E managing to push through Imperial territory. Along the way, they are joined by another childhood friend, Riley Miller. Riley is initially mistrustful of Claude due to him running away from a fire that killed Riley's family, but eventually accepts his command when he proves his worth as a leader. Squad E continues the offensive by breaking the Siegval Line, Schwartzgrad's final line of defense. Along the way, they battle the elite Imperial tank unit Ausbruch, led by Klaus Walz, who considers Claude a worthy rival. However, despite the Federation's early success, winter comes earlier than expected, halting the unprepared Federation forces. Crippled by the snow and cold and weakened by stretched supply lines, the Federation forces are quickly routed by a massive Imperial counterattack. Squad E is forced to flee to the coast, where they are rescued by a trio of highly advanced Federation snow cruisers; massive warships that can travel over the ice of the Crystal Sea.

After coming aboard one of the cruisers, the Centurion, Claude is assigned by Captain Morgen to protect the warship as the fleet carries out Operation Cygnus, a contingency plan to attack Schwartzgrad from the sea in case Operation Northern Cross failed. Meanwhile, Walz is assigned to X-0, an elite Imperial science unit led by Lord Heinrich Belgar. Belgar tasks Walz with intercepting and capturing the Federation fleet, and teams him up with his chief strategic officer, Forseti and the Valkyria Crymaria. Forseti leads an attack on the fleet, prompting Squad E to respond, but Crymaria intervenes against Forseti's orders, and she loses control of her powers, destroying one of the cruisers and heavily damaging the Centurion before it escapes. Forseti is furious since their mission was to capture the cruisers intact, and he reveals to Walz that he has planted his sister as a spy aboard the Centurion in order to track its movements. Walz then witnesses how Crymaria is mistreated by her handlers and begins to show her compassion.

Meanwhile, the crew of the Centurion tries to repair the damage to their ship, but its main reactor has been knocked offline, forcing the ship to run at a fraction of its speed on the backup engine. At the same time, Riley finds a young amnesiac girl named Angie in the engine room, and the crew assumes her to be a stowaway. Squad E begins to take a liking to Angie as she befriends everybody. During a raid on an Imperial supply base, Angie sneaks ashore and meets Crymaria, who realizes Angie is a Valkyria as well. It is also revealed that Forseti is the real Kai, now working for the Empire and manipulating Leena into spying for him. Leena decides to cut ties with Forseti, declaring her brother dead. Claude then receives word that the third ship in the fleet is under attack. Despite knowing it is a trap, Squad E attempts to rescue the ship, but it self destructs, creating a massive explosion. Knowing that the Centurion can't escape the blast unless at full speed, Angie places herself inside the reactor, revealing herself to be the power source. Captain Morgen is wounded during the fighting and reveals the true scope of Operation Cygnus to Claude. The reactors that power the snow cruisers use energy given off by Valkyria placed inside them. In addition, the reactors also double as weapons dubbed the "A2 bomb", powerful enough to destroy an entire city. Operation Cygnus' true objective isn't to invade Schwartzgrad, but completely destroy it with the A2 bomb.

Claude is placed in command of the Centurion and he reluctantly proceeds with the mission. Walz and Crymaria attempt to stop him but are defeated. Crymaria loses control of her powers again after believing Walz was killed, but he appears and helps calm her down, promising her that they will live a happy life together after the war. The Centurion continues towards Schwartzgrad but is caught in a trap. Raz sacrifices himself to disable the trap and the ship continues on, plowing into the center of Schwartzgrad. Forseti boards the ship, intent on rescuing Angie since he had previously been part of the secret Federation program to acquire Valkyria for the reactor experiments, and his guilt motivated him to defect to the Empire. Leena shoots and kills Forseti before he can reach the reactor. Claude then prepares to detonate the A2 bomb, but the Empire offers a ceasefire to the Federation, ending the war with no clear victor. Belgar ignores the ceasefire and attacks the Centurion, obsessed with seizing its reactor and perfecting the technology. Squad E is able to defeat and kill Belgar, but the Centurion is severely damaged and begins to sink. Claude is able to narrowly rescue Angie and Riley from the sinking ship.

Afterwards, the Second Europan War comes to an end with neither the Federation nor Empire achieving a decisive victory, but everybody is glad to see peace return. Walz lives happily with Crymaria at his side. Squad E disbands and the survivors pursue their own interests while Claude, Riley, Leena, and Angie return to Hafen to live in peace.

Development

[edit]

The game was produced by Kei Mikami,[9] who was involved in the production of Valkyria Revolution,[7] and directed by Kohei Yamashita.[9] The game's soundtrack was written by series composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, with the main theme, "Light Up My Life", being composed by Shilo and written and performed by Mai Kuraki.[10]

The development began around the end of 2015, after Yamashita had finished planning the project. From the start, the developers had the goal to build a worldwide audience for the Valkyria Chronicles series, with the concept of returning to the style of the original Valkyria Chronicles game while building upon developments from later games in the series: whereas the PlayStation Portable game Valkyria Chronicles II had been developed specifically with a Japanese audience in mind due to the popularity of the platform in that region, with "fantastical" characters and a school setting, Valkyria Chronicles 4 uses a more grounded military setting with characters intended to feel like real people.

In preparation for the game, the development team studied records of World War II troops, and used them as reference material. As part of the project, the developers began with developing Valkyria Chronicles Remastered for the PlayStation 4, to allow players to experience the main series' gameplay on a modern platform. Mikami states that the game touches on what was happening to the rest of Europa during the war.[9] For the Japanese release, a series anniversary downloadable content pack was released, which includes a 25 track soundtrack CD that includes musical tracks from all four games.[11]

Promotion

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To promote the game's release in Japan, Sony released limited edition PlayStation 4 consoles themed around the game.[12]

Reception

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Valkyria Chronicles 4 received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator Metacritic.

Sales

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During its initial March release on PS4, the game sold 76,778 physical copies within its first three weeks in Japan.[25] After its release on the Switch in September, the game sold 5,596 physical copies within its first week in Japan.[26]

In June 2020, it is revealed by Sega that over one million copies of Valkyria Chronicles 4 have been sold worldwide on all platforms.[27]

Accolades

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The game was nominated for "Best Strategy Game" at The Game Awards 2018,[28] and for "Strategy Title of the Year" at the Australian Games Awards,[29] and won the award for "Game, Franchise Role Playing" at the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards, whereas its other nomination was for "Original Light Mix Score, Franchise".[30][31]

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Valkyria Chronicles 4

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from Grokipedia
Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a tactical role-playing video game developed by Sega with development assistance from Media.Vision and published by Sega. It serves as the fourth main installment in the Valkyria Chronicles series, set in an alternate 1930s Europe-inspired continent called Europa during the Second Europan War. The game was initially released in Japan for PlayStation 4 on March 21, 2018, followed by a worldwide launch on September 25, 2018, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows via Steam. The narrative centers on Squad E, the 13th Armored Rangers Regiment of the Atlantic Federation Army, led by Claude Wallace and his childhood friends from a . Tasked with Operation Northern Forest—a clandestine mission to launch a surprise invasion of the East Europan Imperial Alliance from the frozen northern frontiers—the squad faces treacherous blizzards, imperial forces, and ancient Valkyria powers while grappling with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the horrors of war. Gameplay employs the series' signature BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones) system, blending overhead turn-based strategy for mission planning with real-time controls for direct unit command on expansive, watercolor-rendered battlefields. Players manage a diverse roster of customizable soldiers across classes like shocktroopers, scouts, lancers, engineers, and the new class, which deploys area-of-effect explosives, while utilizing support for offensive and defensive commands. Between missions, squad members bond at a central base camp, unlocking potential abilities and personal stories through orders and interactions. Critically acclaimed for its emotional storytelling, strategic depth, and artistic style reminiscent of animated films, Valkyria Chronicles 4 earned scores ranging from 80 to 84 across platforms, praising its return to the series' roots while introducing meaningful evolutions. The Complete Edition, bundling all post-launch DLC such as additional missions and character crossovers with Squad 7 from the original game, expanded its content and accessibility.

Gameplay

Core mechanics

Valkyria Chronicles 4 employs the BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones) system as its central gameplay framework, blending turn-based strategy with real-time third-person action to create fluid tactical combat. In this system, battles unfold across large, open maps where players alternate turns with the enemy, selecting a squad of up to 20 units for missions, with up to 12 active on the field at once, controlled using a limited pool of command points (CP) per turn—typically starting with 7 CP and gaining more as bases are captured. Selecting a unit transitions from an overhead command mode to a real-time action mode, enabling direct control of movement, aiming, and shooting within a turn-based timer that limits total actions and prevents indefinite maneuvering. Terrain plays a pivotal role in tactical , with diverse landscapes influencing unit mobility, line-of-sight, and . Cover elements like sandbags, walls, or elevated positions can be utilized to shield units from enemy fire, reducing damage taken while allowing counterattacks from advantageous angles. Environmental hazards further complicate engagements, such as blizzards that impair visibility and slow movement across snow-covered fields, or smoke deployed via grenades to obscure enemy targeting, and fire from flamethrowers that can spread and damage clustered foes. Combat revolves around specialized weapon classes tailored to unit roles, promoting diverse squad compositions for mission success. Rifles equip scouts and engineers for balanced, medium-range engagements suited to capturing bases or repairing vehicles; lances arm anti-armor specialists to penetrate tanks and fortifications; machine guns enable shocktroopers to deliver against groups; and sniper rifles provide precision strikes from afar, ideal for eliminating high-value targets or interacting with destructible environmental objects. Missions primarily consist of standard story-driven battles focused on objectives like base seizures or enemy eliminations, alongside replayable skirmishes that offer resource rewards for grinding upgrades. The orders system enhances strategic depth, allowing players to spend CP on battlefield-wide commands—such as boosting accuracy, reinforcing defenses, or revealing hidden enemies—for temporary bonuses that can turn the tide in prolonged fights. The game's watercolor art style, powered by the proprietary engine, integrates seamlessly into visuals, rendering dynamic battlefields with soft, painted that highlight shifts, unit animations, and explosive effects in real-time. Unit classes like scouts for rapid advances and shocktroopers for frontline assaults provide the foundational variety for adapting to these mechanics.

Squad management and progression

In Valkyria Chronicles 4, squad management revolves around the at Lindbergh Base, which serves as the central hub for non-combat activities until Chapter 8. Here, players engage in daily life simulations through facilities like the Training Field and R&D Sector, where experience points (XP) earned from missions are allocated to collectively level up entire classes rather than individual units. This system allows for strategic progression, as higher class levels unlock improved stats, such as increased action points (AP) at elite status around level 11, with classes capping at level 20 during the main story but extendable to 30 post-game for further upgrades. Resource gathering occurs via squad orders issued from the base, which can yield materials for upgrades or reveal hidden potentials during bonding events that foster interpersonal dynamics among Squad E members. The unit class system emphasizes long-term customization, with basic classes like Scout serving as starting points for progression that enhance capabilities through leveling rather than class changes. For instance, leveling unlocks stat improvements, weapon attachments, and abilities, providing tactical depth; classes remain fixed throughout. acquisition happens via a potential system, where units gain passive buffs or debuffs unlocked through class leveling and Stories—side missions that deepen character interactions and reward exclusive potentials, such as boosts or accuracy enhancements. Potential trees are individualized, allowing players to mitigate negatives (e.g., fear of heights) while amplifying positives, often tied to narrative growth in bonding events. Squad composition is limited by command points (CP) during missions, typically capping active deployments at 12 units to encourage focused builds, such as 4-5 Scouts for , 3 for area denial (a new base-game class using grenade launchers for ), and balanced support from Engineers and Lancers. plays a key role in performance, with each unit maintaining a hidden gauge that rises from successful actions like capturing camps or defeating foes, reaching high morale to boost positive potential activation rates (e.g., from ~10% to ~15%); low morale, conversely, heightens negative potential triggers, impacting accuracy and movement. Integration of DLC characters, such as members from Squad 7, expands options by adding pre-leveled units with unique potentials, while the Grenadier class introduces explosive versatility without altering core limits. Further tactical depth comes from weapon upgrades and body armor customizations in the Armory and R&D facilities, where development points fund branching tech trees for rifles, lances, and mortars—prioritizing paths like accuracy for Snipers or penetration for Lancers to suit squad roles. options, including accessories like reinforced vests, allow stat tweaks for defense or AP recovery, enhancing survivability without overhauling base designs. Squad Stories, accessible after recruiting involved characters and expending 40 total CP across them (doubled efficiency in story missions), provide narrative-driven rewards like exclusive potentials that tie progression to emotional bonds, such as improved teamwork buffs for grouped units. This holistic approach ensures squad evolution mirrors the campaign's challenges, blending mechanical growth with interpersonal narrative.

Setting and story

Fictional world and historical context

The fictional world of Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set on the continent of Europa, a fictional analog to located in the western region of the largest landmass in the . Europa's geography encompasses varied terrains such as dense forests, rugged mountains, and coastal plains, which influence military movements and strategies during continental conflicts. The continent is sharply divided between two superpowers: the democratic Atlantic Federation controlling the western territories and the autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance dominating the east, with smaller neutral nations caught in between. Central to Europa's economy and warfare is ragnite, a naturally occurring mineral ore prized for its versatile properties as an energy source, medical treatment, and fuel for advanced technologies. Ragnite powers everything from civilian infrastructure to military hardware, including heavily armored tanks and high-energy lances, making control over ragnite deposits a primary driver of geopolitical rivalries and escalations into full-scale war. The resource's scarcity and strategic value have historically fueled invasions and alliances across the continent. The game's historical context centers on the Second Europan War (EWII), an analog to that erupts in 1935 EC (Europan Calendar) when the Imperial Alliance launches a surprise of Federation territories, rapidly overrunning the eastern front and drawing in the entire continent. By the war's midpoint, the Federation responds with desperate countermeasures, including Operation Northern Cross—a massive northern through forested border regions aimed at piercing Imperial defenses and forcing a decisive end to the conflict. This war represents the largest and most devastating in Europan history, marked by , aerial bombings, and resource-driven attrition. Europa's cultural and technological landscape is shaped by ancient legacies, including the Valkyrur, a long-extinct civilization of godlike warriors who wielded ragnite-enhanced powers to conquer and unite much of the continent millennia ago, leaving behind ruins and legends that influence modern perceptions of strength and destiny. In contrast, the Darcsens, Europa's indigenous ethnic group with distinctive dark features, endure widespread rooted in fabricated myths blaming them for the Valkyrur's downfall and associated calamities, leading to systemic and forced labor in both and Imperial societies. Ragnite technology has propelled military innovation, enabling the development of mobile tanks for breakthrough assaults and precision lances for anti-armor roles, though it also exacerbates the war's destructive scale. The Atlantic Federation's military operates under a centralized command structure that coordinates vast armies for coordinated offensives, yet grants operational autonomy to specialized squads like Squad E, allowing them to adapt tactics in fluid, high-risk environments such as the northern invasion routes. This blend of hierarchy and flexibility reflects the Federation's emphasis on democratic initiative amid the war's chaos.

Plot summary

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set in 1935 EC during the Second Europan War, focusing on the Atlantic Federation's efforts against the East Europan Imperial Alliance. The story centers on Squad E, an elite ranger unit formed from childhood friends led by Lieutenant Claude Wallace, deployed to the frozen northern frontlines as part of Operation Northern Cross—a massive invasion aimed at striking deep into Imperial territory to secure vital ragnite resources. Their initial mission involves navigating harsh blizzards and establishing forward bases, setting the stage for a grueling campaign that tests their resolve from the outset. As the narrative progresses, Squad E faces escalating invasion challenges, including intense encounters with Imperial forces equipped with advanced weaponry and a mysterious Valkyria wielder wielding ancient, godlike powers derived from long-lost Valkyria technology. Internal squad conflicts arise from differing personalities and the psychological toll of war, fostering growth through shared hardships and revelations about ragnite's role in fueling the conflict. Key battles, such as the and the devastating losses during Operation Cygnus's covert strikes, highlight the squad's strategic ingenuity while tying into the broader war's shifting tides, where advances clash with Imperial counteroffensives. Discoveries about ancient Valkyria tech introduce ethical dilemmas, underscoring the narrative's exploration of forbidden power in . The plot weaves of war's futility, the bonds of amid and loss, and societal against the Darcsen people, who face even within allied ranks. These motifs are portrayed through Squad E's personal growth and interactions, emphasizing camaraderie as a counter to the dehumanizing effects of battle. The story concludes with implications for the war's outcome, paralleling events from the original without resolving them directly. Post-game content, including DLC packs like A Captainless Squad and Edy's Advance Ops, expands side narratives by delving into alternate scenarios and character-focused missions, such as Squad E operating independently or early-game challenges led by supporting members. These additions provide additional context to the core plot's interpersonal dynamics and wartime experiences without altering the main storyline's resolution.

Characters

Protagonists

The protagonists of Valkyria Chronicles 4 are the core members of Squad E, an elite unit in the Atlantic Federation Army composed largely of Gallian volunteers fighting in the Second Europan War. Led by childhood friends, these characters drive the narrative through their personal growth and interpersonal dynamics, emphasizing bonds forged in adversity. Claude Wallace serves as the commander of Squad E, a 22-year-old from the Gallian city of who graduated as valedictorian from the . Known for his keen intuition regarding weather and climate changes, which influences tactical decisions in battles, Claude starts as a reluctant leader haunted by early war experiences but grows into a decisive figure through his commitment to his squad's survival. His arc highlights the burdens of command, as he navigates ethical dilemmas while prioritizing loyalty to his comrades over blind obedience to orders. Riley Miller, Claude's childhood friend and a key support specialist in Squad E, is a 21-year-old and with expertise in ragnite and heavy ordnance, providing crucial indirect firepower during missions. Her internal conflicts stem from the trauma of wartime losses, leading to moments of doubt about following commands that risk the squad's lives, yet her unwavering dedication to Claude and the group underscores themes of tested by . In squad stories, Riley's reveals how shared Gallian roots foster her resolve to protect her friends, even as she grapples with the psychological toll of combat. Kai Schulen acts as an ace for Squad E, renowned for her skills and cold precision in long-range engagements. A childhood companion of Claude and Riley, Kai is haunted by a past mission failure that cost lives, fueling her introspective nature and drive for redemption through flawless performance. Her contributions to the explore trauma, as personal vignettes depict her struggle to reconcile survivor's guilt with loyalty to the team, often manifesting in quiet acts of self-sacrifice. Raz, a hot-headed Darcsen shocktrooper leader in E, brings frontline versatility with his expertise in close-quarters combat and shocktrooper tactics, often charging into danger to support the unit. As one of the original recruits alongside Kai and Claude, his fiery personality masks deeper insecurities from faced by Darcsens, tying into broader themes of amid societal and the scars of prolonged conflict. Squad stories illustrate Raz's growth, showing how his bonds with the group help him confront war-induced anger and build trust. Minerva Victor, a brilliant yet reckless tank commander, joins Squad E later as a leader figure from Squad F, utilizing her strategic acumen to pilot armored units and dismantle enemy fortifications. Her background as an ace officer from a noble family in the of reflects a trajectory of high-stakes decisions that amplify the squad's capabilities, while her impulsive style introduces tension in group dynamics. Through her interactions, Minerva's arc connects to war trauma by examining the isolation of command roles and the redemptive power of loyalty, as seen in personal tales where she learns to rely on the team's collective strength. Collectively, these protagonists' backstories—rooted in childhood friendships from Gallia and early war exposures—interweave themes of and war trauma, portraying how personal histories shape resilience against imperial forces that serve as foils to their motivations. Squad stories provide intimate examples, such as Kai's reflections on lost comrades or Riley's debates over orders, illustrating the emotional cost of without resolving into despair.

Antagonists and supporting cast

The East Europan Imperial Alliance acts as the central antagonistic force in Valkyria Chronicles 4, motivated by acute resource shortages—particularly ragnite, essential for fueling their —driving aggressive expansion during the Second Europan War, while their pursuit of ancient Valkyria powers seeks to reverse battlefield fortunes through experimental weaponry and superhuman enhancements. Leading this effort is Heinrich Belgar, a high-ranking noble and executive at the Imperial Science Institute, who supervises the elite X-0 experimental unit despite his personal contempt for the Alliance's corrupt leadership; his strategic philosophy prioritizes ruthless scientific innovation to secure victory, viewing the unit as a pivotal asset in resource acquisition and Valkyria revival projects. Under Belgar's oversight, serves as the X-0 unit's tactical commander, embodying a cool-headed, intelligence-focused approach shaped by shared ideological alignment with Belgar, though his injury bars direct participation in combat and occasionally leads to lapses in composure during unforeseen developments. The X-0 unit's members, including elite Imperial aces, wield unique battle abilities that amplify the Empire's desperation, such as Crymaria Levin's Valkyria ice manipulation augmented by her wolf for devastating area control, and Graf's enforcer prowess as a sadistic assassin for stealthy, lethal strikes, forcing Squad E into adaptive confrontations that underscore themes of technological overreach and moral costs. Lieutenant Colonel Klaus Walz, commanding officer of the Ausbruch—the 502nd Imperial Heavy Tank Battalion—exemplifies the Empire's defensive philosophies with his command of the high-speed Vulcan tank, protecting key resource lines and embodying a protective zeal for Imperial citizens amid the war's resource-driven attrition. Among Squad E's supporting cast, minor members like engineers and medics provide essential logistical backbone, with engineers repairing damaged vehicles and administering potent Ragnaid kits for battlefield recovery, while medics specialize in reviving downed allies, highlighting the squad's reliance on collective resilience to counter Imperial threats. Darcsen allies within the supporting ranks, facing historical , contribute unique perspectives on unity against , aiding Squad E's operations through specialized roles that reinforce anti-discrimination themes amid the Empire's exploitative pursuits. Family ties among the cast, such as those shaping personal stakes for Squad E members, subtly influence tactical decisions and emotional depth, contrasting the antagonists' cold strategic imperatives.

Development

Conception and design

Valkyria Chronicles 4 was conceived as a return to the tactical role-playing roots of the original following the action-oriented spin-off , with director Kohei Yamashita emphasizing a revival of squad-based strategy on home consoles after a decade-long absence from the platform. Yamashita, who served as chief game designer for and III, envisioned the game targeting an older audience familiar with the series, incorporating deeper themes of war's tragedy and moral ambiguity to depict young soldiers caught in larger conflicts. Producer Kei Mikami noted the shift to a heavier militaristic tone, moving away from the simpler heroism of earlier portable entries toward stories of individuals at the mercy of geopolitical forces, inspired by war films such as and Band of Brothers to enhance squad bonding and emotional growth through the combat system. Design choices prioritized leveraging modern hardware capabilities of the and other platforms to expand on core , including larger battlefield maps that allowed for previously unrealized ideas like support, enabling a grander scale of Europan War conflicts between the Atlantic Federation and the East Europan Imperial Alliance. The game utilized Sega's proprietary CANVAS engine, refined from prior installments to maintain the signature watercolor aesthetic while supporting enhanced visuals and environmental detail, evoking a painterly style that contrasts the harsh realities of war. New classes, such as the , originated from a bug in the first where tanks erroneously targeted with , an effect Yamashita sought to formalize for dramatic squad maneuvers amid hails of fire, aligning with the series' World War II-inspired tactical realism. Character classes were streamlined to emphasize military occupations, tying roles to backstories for over 50 squad members, with gradual introductions via Squad Stories to build personalities without overwhelming players. The narrative focused on "forgotten soldiers" through Squad E's perspective in the Second Europan War's later stages, highlighting the futility of combat and strategic restraint over gratuitous violence, as Yamashita aimed to bridge the original's conceptual depth with evolutions from the series' portable entries. Visual design adopted a uniform military motif to underscore the serious tone, refining the watercolor look for broader environments while drawing from tactics to inform unit behaviors, such as engineers constructing ladders for tactical advancement. The was developed primarily in-house at , with assistance from Media.Vision—the studio behind —allowing Yamashita to discard derivative systems from past games in favor of innovative yet faithful evolutions. announced Valkyria Chronicles 4 on November 20, 2017, positioning it as a numbered to celebrate the franchise's tenth by merging tactical heritage with modern RPG storytelling elements.

Production and promotion

Development of Valkyria Chronicles 4 followed a three-year cycle, commencing in late 2015 shortly after director Kohei Yamashita completed initial planning, and culminating in its Japanese release in 2018. The development team emphasized enhancements to enemy AI, enabling more tactical behaviors such as flanking maneuvers and prioritizing base captures to heighten strategic depth. Technical hurdles arose in optimizing the game's real-time tactical elements for cross-platform compatibility across , , , and PC, necessitating adjustments for varying hardware capabilities. presented additional challenges, with full dual-language recording in Japanese and English requiring precise synchronization of lip movements, timing, and subtitles for English, French, German, and Spanish localizations to maintain narrative immersion. Promotional efforts kicked off with the game's announcement on November 20, 2017, via an official trailer highlighting its return to the series' roots in the Second Europan War. Trailers were showcased at , providing gameplay overviews and story teasers to build anticipation among global audiences. Limited edition collector's sets, such as the Memoirs from Battle Edition, were marketed with exclusive content including an art book styled as protagonist Claude Wallace's journal and a replica of his , the Hafen. Cross-promotions tied into prior series entries through planned DLC integrating characters from earlier titles, fostering continuity for returning fans. In post-release interviews from 2018, director Yamashita and Kei Mikami reflected on the production's emphasis on balancing —via gradual introductions of over 50 characters through interludes and squad stories—with deeper narrative elements like morally ambiguous wartime themes tailored for a mature console audience. DLC planning was integrated from the outset, resulting in four expansion packs that extended the campaign, including "A with Squad 7," which bridged storylines with protagonists from the original . The soundtrack was composed by series veteran , who blended sweeping orchestral arrangements with militaristic motifs to evoke the tension and scale of Europan warfare.

Release

Initial launch

Valkyria Chronicles 4 was first released in for PlayStation 4 on March 21, 2018. In , no Xbox One version was planned, and the Nintendo Switch port faced delays from an initial summer 2018 window to September 27, 2018, due to additional porting efforts. The game launched in the West on September 25, 2018, for , , , and Windows via . It was available in a standard edition priced at $59.99, which included the base game, and a physical Launch Edition for $69.99 that bundled the game with an art book and digital soundtrack code. Digital pre-orders offered immediate access to bonus DLC content, such as the "A Captainless Squad" mission pack, while a Digital Deluxe Edition for $99.99 on and PC included the base game, all planned DLC, and a digital soundtrack. Localization for the Western release featured full dual-audio support, allowing players to switch between English and Japanese voice tracks, alongside English subtitles and text in multiple languages including French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Promotional efforts included a demo released in 2018 on all Western platforms, building anticipation ahead of launch events at conventions like PAX West.

Ports and expanded editions

A Nintendo Switch port of Valkyria Chronicles 4 was released on September 25, 2018, alongside the initial versions for other platforms, featuring optimizations for portable gameplay in handheld and modes, as well as touch screen controls for aiming and navigation within the BLiTZ battle system. The PC version, available via from launch, includes native support for and ultrawide aspect ratios, with customizable keyboard and controls enhancing precision in real-time segments. A modding community has grown around the title, utilizing platforms like for texture enhancements and Workshop for custom content such as reskins and balance adjustments. In July 2019, released the Valkyria Chronicles 4 Complete Edition for , , and , bundling the base game with all four major DLC packs—including "Edy's Advance Ops," which introduces crossover scenarios with characters from prior entries, along with new recruitable squad members and additional skirmish missions. The PC version on was upgraded to the Complete Edition on November 7, 2019, including all DLC for existing owners at no additional cost. In March 2025, released physical editions of the Valkyria Chronicles 4 Complete Edition for , , , and PC, including all DLC on disc or cartridge, available in standard, classic, and premium variants. As of 2025, no major remasters of Valkyria Chronicles 4 have been announced or released. However, support was confirmed for the and Xbox Series X/S in 2021, allowing the original PS4 and versions to run at improved resolutions and frame rates on the newer hardware without additional enhancements. Asia-specific editions of the game include regional variants with expanded language options, such as Korean subtitles in the Southeast Asian release and Chinese subtitles in select packs, alongside optional Japanese voice packs available as for platforms like .

Reception

Critical reviews

Valkyria Chronicles 4 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning aggregate scores of 85/100 on , 81/100 on , 83/100 on PC, and 82/100 on based on compilations. The Complete Edition, released in 2019 for Switch and PC with additional DLC content, maintained similar critical reception, with reviewers highlighting the expanded value through integrated story missions and character episodes. Critics widely praised the game's deep tactical strategy system, which blends turn-based planning with real-time unit control, offering meaningful depth in squad management and decisions. The emotional storytelling was another highlight, with a character-driven exploring themes of and war's toll, enhanced by an improved that streamlined menu navigation compared to earlier entries in the series. Visuals also drew acclaim for their distinctive watercolor , which effectively conveyed the alternate-history setting and added to the immersive experience. Despite these strengths, some reviewers noted criticisms including a steep difficulty curve that could overwhelm newcomers due to punishing mission objectives and . Repetitive mission structures were another common point of contention, with certain levels feeling formulaic despite the strategic variety. The real-time elements within turns were occasionally described as dated, leading to frustrating moments like unreliable unit pathing or enemy AI exploits. Specific reviews underscored these aspects; awarded an 8.7/10, commending the narrative's depth and character bonds that foster emotional investment throughout the campaign. gave it an 8/10, praising the evocative visuals and humanizing character moments that elevate the story beyond typical strategy tropes. For the Complete Edition, outlets like RPG Site noted the DLC's strong integration, providing meaningful extensions to the base game's content without feeling tacked on. Port-specific feedback was positive overall. The Nintendo Switch version was lauded for its portability, allowing players to enjoy the intricate strategy sessions in handheld mode without significant visual compromises, making it an ideal fit for on-the-go play. On PC, reviewers appreciated performance optimizations, including support for higher resolutions and smoother frame rates beyond the console-locked 30 FPS, along with refined mouse-and-keyboard controls for precise unit handling.

Commercial performance and legacy

Valkyria Chronicles 4 achieved solid commercial success, selling over one million units worldwide across all platforms by June 2020, as announced by . Initial sales in 2018 were modest, with physical copies in totaling around 80,000 and approximately 100,000 by early estimates, but the release of the Complete Edition in 2019 for PC and 2020 for significantly boosted figures through bundled DLC and enhanced accessibility. Digital sales on were particularly strong, with an estimated 127,000 units sold and gross revenue exceeding $4.6 million, contributing to the game's sustained into 2023 and beyond. The game's market reception helped revive interest in tactical RPGs, serving as a milestone for the Valkyria Chronicles series as its fourth mainline entry and demonstrating viability for hybrid turn-based strategy titles in a post-mobile gaming era. High critical scores, averaging around 84% on aggregate sites, acted as a key driver for these sales by attracting strategy enthusiasts and lapsed fans of the original . Its emphasis on narrative-driven warfare and innovative BLiTZ mechanics influenced subsequent indie tactical games, such as those blending real-time elements with RPG progression in titles like . In terms of legacy, Valkyria Chronicles 4 solidified the series' cult following, with ongoing ties to mobile spin-offs like the card-based Valkyria Chronicles Duel (2012–2015) and crossovers such as the 2016 collaboration with World of Tanks Blitz, which expanded the franchise's reach to portable platforms. The game earned a for Best at , highlighting its narrative and tactical innovations. Community engagement persists through mods on platforms like , including rebalance packs that enhance AI and gameplay depth, though no official updates or expansions have been released since 2020. Fan interest in potential sequels remains evident as of 2025, underscoring the title's enduring impact on the genre.

References

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