Valiant Hearts: The Great War (2014)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Valiant Hearts: The Great War (2014)

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a 2D animated adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It was released on June 25, 2014, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game tells the story of four characters from different walks of life who are brought together by the outbreak of World War I.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player controls one of the four characters at a time. The characters can walk, run, jump, and interact with the environment. The game also features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a unique and moving experience that tells a powerful story about the human cost of war. The game’s beautiful art style and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for anyone interested in history or human stories.

Characters

The four playable characters in Valiant Hearts: The Great War are:

  • Emile: A French farmer who is drafted into the army.
  • Karl: A German soldier who is fighting for his country.
  • Freddie: An American volunteer who is fighting for the Allies.
  • Anna: A Belgian nurse who is helping the wounded.

Each character has their own unique story and motivations, and the player gets to see the war from different perspectives.

Gameplay

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a 2D side-scrolling adventure game. The player controls one of the four characters at a time, and can walk, run, jump, and interact with the environment. The game also features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

The puzzles in Valiant Hearts: The Great War are mostly based on physics and logic. For example, the player may need to use a lever to open a door, or find a way to cross a gap. The puzzles are not particularly difficult, but they do require some thought and experimentation.

Setting

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is set during World War I, and the game accurately depicts the horrors of war. The player will see soldiers fighting in trenches, civilians being killed, and cities being destroyed. The game does not shy away from the brutality of war, and it is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Themes

Valiant Hearts: The Great War explores a variety of themes, including:

  • The futility of war
  • The importance of friendship and family
  • The power of hope
  • The resilience of the human spirit

The game does not offer any easy answers to these complex questions, but it does provide a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience during wartime.

Reception

Valiant Hearts: The Great War received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and moving story. The game won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Story.

Legacy

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a unique and moving experience that tells a powerful story about the human cost of war. The game’s beautiful art style and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for anyone interested in history or human stories.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Valiant Hearts: The Great War

  1. The game was originally going to be called “Valiant Hearts: The Trenches.”
  2. The game’s art style was inspired by the works of Joe Sacco and Jacques Tardi.
  3. The game’s soundtrack was composed by the band Beirut.
  4. The game features a cameo appearance by the character Emile from the game Child of Light.
  5. The game was banned in China due to its depiction of World War I.
  6. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy.
  7. The game has been used in schools to teach students about World War I.
  8. The game has been adapted into a comic book.
  9. The game is available in over 20 languages.
  10. The game has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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