Ranked #631

Valkyria Chronicles

Well, well, well, look what we have here? Can anyone say "under-appreciated" and "under-watched"? Those words would probably describe Valkyria Chronicles very well.

At first glance, this anime probably doesn't look like anything special. Originally based on a tactical role-playing game of the same name for the PS3, this anime might look like a couple of things. At first glance, it might just look like a military anime that wants to chock itself full of violence and gunplay. However, this is a serious, serious misconception. Let's get to the review and see why, shall we?

Story: The story that encompasses Valkyria Chronicles is as follows. It takes place in the year 1935, in an alternate history where two opposing military factions, the Empire and the Federation, wage war against one another on the continent of Europa. It's an alternate WWII inspired-setting, and one of the things that surprised me the most about this anime was a lack of giant robots. Instead, their roles are taken by all manner of tanks, artillery pieces, and other standard military fare, all a-la-Advance Wars. This, I felt, made the anime stronger, as they got by without using a concept used in so many other animes. Continuing with the story, it kicks off in a small town called Bruhl in the neurtal territory of Gallia, where a young girl on town watch, Alicia Melchiott, happens to cross paths with the son of a Gallian General, whose name is Welken Gunther. After this fateful meeting, the two are cast into the military life, where they battle for their lives and lives of their comrades, all while trying to stay relatively sane. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of romance in this anime, and it is some of the best I've seen. In general, the plot is pretty amazing in my opinion, and from what I can tell, it follow the game pretty well.

Art: I believe that the art was good, though it could have been done just a little better. I wasn't a big fan of the use of 3D effects in this anime, though I admit it was probably necessary for some parts. Nevertheless, the character designs are awesome, and remain very close to their game counterparts.

Music: A seriously amazing aspect of the series, in my opinion. Both the OP and ED of the first half were awesome, and the second half, while not as on par, was also good in terms of the musical content. All songs in the anime are definitely iPod worthy, and they easily fit the dramatic mood of the anime.

Characters: Definitely one of my favorite parts of the entire series. All the characters make up a pretty diverse cast. Welken and Alicia remain to be my favorites, mostly for their personalities and mannerisms when around one another. Even still, the other members of the cast didn't end up just being placeholders. I would warn all who watch this though. Being a dramatic anime, I would expect some important character death. Even still, it doesn't detract from the series at all, and instead strengthens it greatly.

Enjoyment: Seriously, I believe this anime was extremely enjoyable, to the degree where I couldn't stop watching for a day straight. It definitely, definitely deserves a spot on your DVD shelf, or on your hard drive.

There's not much else to say about Valkyria Chronicles. In short, I believe it to be one of the most under-appreciated anime around. In my book, I believe it deserves a perfect 10/10, as it was I believe to be a shining example of what SHOULD be done in an anime series. In all honesty, this anime is highly, highly recommended, and a definite example of a diamond in the rough that should be dug up just a little more often. read more

(For the most part this is a review on the series as it relates to the game if you haven't played the game this review may not be too helpful, no spoilers)

Valkyria Chronicles has got to be one of the better animes I've ever seen, and one of the best adaptations of a Video Game to an Anime. Being only 3 episodes in I still feel compelled to write a review on how great I think this series is so far.

Story:

So far from what I've seen the story follows well with the game but what makes it even better is the extra. Great conversations between characters and additional scenes really help this anime rather than ruin the canon of the game. On the other hand I can see that if you disliked the game's story for reason's other than lack of content this anime's story may not appeal to you.

Art:

While typically I prefer a Bebop'esque type of animation style this one is really great. I believe the animation studio that produces this is A-1 Pictures Inc. and based on what I've seen so far they really need to get a lot more work. Other than the game Persona 4 this is the first I've seen of this company and the style really appeals to me. One drawback for some people may be that if you did not enjoy the etched look of the cut-scenes in the game they do use that style but it is not as 'intruding', personally I really like it myself but I have heard complaints.

Sound:

As far as music goes they use pretty much all the music from the game which if you enjoyed the music it works out well but I personally find myself attributing the music to what it's for in the game, 'oh its the enemies turn now' 'oh no someone died' etc. For voice I haven't read to much into it and I'm not very good at recognizing Japanese voice actors but I hope they used common sense and used the game's voice actors. I haven't played the game through with JPN voices yet and I hope if this does get dubbed in English that they use the voices from the game.

Character:

One of the first things that struck me in this show was in the opening cut-scene they had a bunch of characters from your roster in the game. Going into this Anime I expected the use of the main characters but they have included several minor characters that don't even have dialogue in the game complete with their personalities. Having not watched the whole thing yet I really hope they include all or most of the squad 7 characters atleast in cameos or something although I have doubts. Being a fan of Skies of Arcadia I hope they plan on including Vyse, Aika and Fina(Medic) in the Anime. Another thing I noticed in the closing cut-scene was Selvaria (one of the main antagonists) cooking which is not mentioned in the game except for her character bio which really shows the kind of depth these characters have.

Enjoyment:

So far I am really enjoying the series, it looks great and it feels right. I'll be disappointed if they don't have Arcadia cameos but I still will probably regard this as one of my favourite animes. If you enjoyed the game this is a must watch but if you haven't played the game but would like to see a good quality anime about war then you may also enjoy this.

-Llythe
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I don't know what's so good about this anime, but I'm totally in love with it. At first I thought It'll be another (too) pathetic anime about fighting and bringing freedom to world. But it's not like that. Characters are well drown and I love all of them. I can't say much about the story yet, but for now it seems quite good. And what about enjoyment? Why 10? Well it's because it's not a comedy (don't know why, but I don't like anime comedies much) and yet it makes me smile really often. So, go and start watching it!
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This anime is a completely unexpected gem since I didn't expect anything extraordinary from an animation based on a game and was greatly surprised... Both the story and characters are outstanding, you will find everything in this a anime: love story,action,complicated drama,mystery and much more... I don't know what I could compare this anime to... However if you like animation like Code Geas, you should like this one as well...

As far as the anime is concerned, it's a great story and a great watch. The characters are well developed. It has the Love/Hate complex to it which also makes it a great anime. The Artistic view and the Directing view compliment each other well. A must see for anyone.

The only underlying problem i had really found with this anime, is that it kind during the middle of the story, one of the best characters die and you get stuck debating "Should i continue watching or stop?". Personally i chose to keep watching because i figured it would get better but it felt like a damn knife wound that was getting pushed and pulled over the next view episodes after the fact.

In the end, this anime is great for just about anyone to see. The first glance isn't that great but after you get past the first 2 or 3 episodes your either and addict by then...or you just suck. read more

I was bored one day and stumbleupon brought me to a stream for ep1 of Valkyria Chonicles, I didn't search out this anime, I had never heard of it, nor did I know the game existed until after the first ep or two, if that influences the reader's opinion of my review...


When I first started watching it, there was nothing bad about it, but I didn't feel there was any particular good points about it. From the start, I could predict EVERYTHING that was going to happen in the next five minutes, so when a battle started I was already bored, since it had just ended in my mind. I kept watching on the hope that the love interest might amount to something instead of continuing to be a love triangle right to the end (what can I say, I like happy endings, not awkward, status quo endings), and there was a side love story that was fun to watch progress.

Then episode 19 or 18 or something came around. Without giving too much away, there was a scene where someone was going to die, and it was playing out in slow motion for suspense. I made my prediction, and I felt it was the only obvious choice, when, oh snap! That was unexpected. Then sometime later it happened again! Just at the end the show managed to save itself with with a series of unexpected and interesting events.

Also, although I should have seen it coming, I would have been completely surprised by something had it not been revealed in the OP 5 EPISODES TOO EARLY. read more

After 26/26 episodes seen....

Har ~ Har!! I watched it full at last!! Nyarhahaha!!! Well, I was happy I wasn't disappointed. But sure, one thing, I realized..the serious tone doesn't get fine along with the anime, its plot holes are easily seen..Bwahahaha!! But don't care anymore, Romantic + Comedic = Uber SATISFACTION!!

Bwahahaha!!

Well, what can I say without any spoilers??? Hmmmm....It ended with a happy ending...You'll already know it!! Although very averag-y and cheesy, I still can't get enough of happily ever after. I got what I want, although I might say I was, of course, been surprised about some unpredictable turn of events. But nevertheless, it added to the sweetness of the story.

Welkin - sama deserves my highest respect!! I truly love him, that's why I would want to see more of his weird expressions and statements. He truly belongs in a unique category of heroes!! Wushu!!

Well, anywayz.... I could say that Valkyria Chronicles isn't perfect. You'll easily spot its weak points. The good thing is, when enjoyment factor would be on discussion, it will surely deliver.

So to all my fellow Otakus --- I would want to share with you the cute moments I felt during my sojourn in the world of Gallia and Empire. I hope you could feel its special aura!! Hehehehe...

Gambatte!!

From someone-who-want-to-meet-Welkin-in-the-real-world,
Me


^_^



********************14/26 episodes seen***************************

I don't care how many plot holes this anime has!! and with cliche~ish moments every now and then...no need to bother them as I am already satisfied...because VALKYRIA CHRONICLES --- oozes with COOLNESS FACTOR to the bones!! Bwahaha!! Because of this one, I felt faith again!! There are still hope in the Anime Community. Bwahahaha!!!

Ahermmm...Sumimasen...

Anyways, back to the topic. I accidentally fell over with this one. I saw its title from somewhere then immediately rushed to myanimelist to check. I was surprised that it received good reviews, because I believe this hasn't received much talkings (or am I Wrong?) Well, anyways..I was actually hesitant at first because I thought it might be a very lousy war title and I just might be put into a suicidal chair. But, GOOD THING...I wasn't blessed with a perfect intuition! Bwahahaha!!!

I easily fell in love with it! It wasn't as heavy as what I thought at first. It actually has nice balance of themes which a good anime could offer: Has a light approach, but with a serious tone; Not bloody, could totally be enjoyed by everyone even children; funny yet touching (kinda reminds you of the holocaust); and of course, the most important ingredient..hihihihi....the ROMANTIC BLINGY that has been circulating my hypothalamus ever since.

Bwahahaha!! Yeah, I'm writing this one because of my undying emotion towards the love pyramid that the main characters have.!! I am not even half the series, yet I already feel this unstoppable urge to say something about my new found love duo!! Wushu! I always find my new dream love team, they are already so many, now I can't even remember them. Don't mind me, I'm talking to myself..hehe ^_^

Anyhowzz..I could say that Valkyria is quite similir with Code Geass, well yeah, of course, since they are of both war type. But good thing, my comparison would be in favor with this one..hehehe.. I enjoyed Geass, but not like this smiling - wholeheartedly enjoyment for Valkyria. => Unlike Code Geass, Valkyria has a soft nature which could give you a relaxing feeling. Although, it's in the middle of a war, you still can't help but be ...happy! Tee hee! I don't know..Happiness is the name of the game. Well, I don't blame Geass, because of course, it is written that way, the plot is very serious and dark. But what I am pointing is that...well,,,hehehe...just to make Valkyria shine...whatever...don't mind me...hehehe...

Where am I? Okay. May I tell you something about the characters? I'm still on episode 14, so I do not know what's still gonna happen next, but from my initial observation, I could say that...WELKIN GUNTHER is totally KAKKOI!! **nosebleed** He's totally a weirdo, but of course, a genius in disguise. Who wouldn't like him? A very naive guy, but is totally an incredible man. He fights with a very sure-to-win plan! And even though, how great and smart his oppenents are, he, of course, outlasts them! Nyarhahahahahah!! (kinda fishy, he always wins no matter what)

Then we also have, Alicia. I was so happy that Marina Inoue voices her. My golly, Marina-san always receive good roles but I felt she was already typecasted with this kind of roles..but anywhoozz, so great of her! Back to Alicia, well, she's your typical strong natured female personality whose prowess captures the hearts of men..Bwuhuhuhu!! I am now being jealous of her..Argh..but I know Welkin-sama and Alicia would be a perfect love team, so I'll let them be.! So that means, noooooooooooooooooooo other partiesss!!! (but this makes the story more interesting..tee hee!)

Then we also have.. I won't tell it anymore. Since I felt my ramblings had been so out-of-town already. Gomen!

Over all, I am still keeping my hopes high! I know there are more happy episodes to come. I just hope that they don't disappoint. ! **always fingers crossed**


From someone-who-can't-get-over-with-the-romantic-affair-of-this-Anime-100%,
Me

^_^ read more

The anime is based on the game with the same name, and follows the same basic storyline, there are a few notable exceptions between the two though that make them different enough to enjoy both.

The story follows the Exploits of Squad 7, a Militia squad of Gallia whose ranks are filled with Average(or not so average) people who have volunteered or were called up to service to fight for their country against the Empire who has invaded their soil due to their rich reserves of ragnarite, It appears that there is no sex bias for recruitment, and all Gallians have had basic military training as part of their upbringing and education (IE at least knowing how to use a rifle)

The Main Characters consist of

Alicia Melchiott, an apprentice baker who was also part of the town watch in the town of Bhrul, she has no real family so Squad 7 is her family.

Welkin Gunther, Son of a military genius, he doesn't appear to be like his father at all, he enjoys bugs flora and fauna more than most, When he joins the Militia he is put in command of Squad 7 due to his Military heritage.

Isara Gunther, Adopted Sister of Welkin Gunther, Isara excels in engineering possibly due to her Darcsen Decent, who are also openly discriminated against throughout all of Europa, she also doubles as a Tank Pilot for their custom tank called the Edelwiess

Rosie (Stark Brigitte), she has a chip on her shoulder against Darcsens which she displays openly against Isara, she acts like a big sister to all of squad 7 and also eventually warms up to Isara.

Largo Potter, the oldest of Squad 7, he fought in the first Europan war and is very hard set in his ways, at least until he meets Welkin, He acts like a father to Squad 7.

The premise of the show is the fight between a small free nation against a repressive empire, but all the while uncovering of the secrets of an Ancient race that are called the Valkyrur who are talked of like legendary warriors, but it seems all is not as it seems, and the Victors of war also dictate how history is written.

The series is very well done, with quite a few twists and unexpected deaths that really get to you. I would recommend it to anyone interested in a well told war story that is not "all" about combat, and also you will enjoy it even more if you have played the game of the same name. read more

Where to stat without spoiling anything
for starters this is one of the best romantic military anime's I have ever seen.
I think its probably the only one of its kind....im not sure if there are more out there lol
The story anime starts off a bit slow but things slowly start to pick up after episode 10 and thats where all the real drama and action really begins !

THis anime rocks And so far after 24 episodes i was so glad that i stumbled upon it
it was 1 of 3 anime's that i have been watching since the spring season and it was the best out of all them by far
give it a go you wont be disappointed ! =) read more

If you have a PS3, you better buy the game! Wich is AWESOME! 30 to 40 hours of the best RPG so far in the PS3.. The anime, well lets just say that it's not what I expected; maybe because I played the game first.. So my review is for the ones who (like me) played the game before the anime...
Story, Hmmm.. It's not quite the same, but it's good...
Art, The anime tries to copy graphics of the game.. But It look weird.. Also Alicia gain a few extra pounds in the Anime.. hahaha..
Sound, sweet and beatiful as the game!
Charcter, They are the same, but sometimes Alicia its very annoying.. And Welkin kind of lame.. Also, Faldio has a lot more roll and i just hate him..
Enjoyment, I kept thinking the entire time "The game its better", so it didn't work up for me..
Overall 3.. Sorry.. If you don't have a PS3 nor the game. I think you will enjoy a lot more this Anime!!
I want to hear an opinion of someone who was seeing the Anime and then played the game!! Ciao.. read more