Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PlayStation Portable
- Developers: Media.Vision
- Publishers: Sega
Valkyria Chronicles 3: Unrecorded Chronicles: A Hidden Gem of the PSP Library
Released exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation Portable in 2011, Valkyria Chronicles 3: Unrecorded Chronicles is a tactical role-playing game (RPG) that tells a side story set during the same time frame as the original Valkyria Chronicles. Despite never receiving an official English localization, the game has garnered a cult following among fans of the series and SRPG enthusiasts alike, thanks to its mature themes, compelling story, and strategic gameplay.
A Tale of Outcasts and Redemption
Valkyria Chronicles 3 stands apart from its predecessors in its exploration of darker and more somber themes. The game follows the exploits of Squad 422, an unwanted and castigated unit of the Gallian Army. Led by the young and idealistic Lieutenant Kurt Irving, the squad is made up of soldiers who have been ostracized for various reasons, including their social status, criminal pasts, or unorthodox tactics.
As Squad 422 fights its way through the Imperial invasion of 1935, they must not only overcome the enemy on the battlefield but also the prejudices and discrimination they face from within their own ranks. The game delves into the psychological toll of war, exploring the themes of isolation, camaraderie, and the search for redemption.
Strategic Gameplay with a Twist
Valkyria Chronicles 3 retains the series’ signature blend of turn-based strategy and real-time third-person shooting. Players take control of individual units on a grid-based map, using a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemy forces. However, unlike previous games in the series, Valkyria Chronicles 3 introduces a new “Class System” that allows players to customize their units’ roles and abilities.
Each unit in Squad 422 belongs to a specific class, such as Scout, Shocktrooper, or Lancer. These classes determine the unit’s stats, weapons, and abilities. As units gain experience, they can level up and unlock new abilities, allowing players to tailor their squad to their preferred playstyle.
Another unique feature of Valkyria Chronicles 3 is its “Command Points” system. Instead of using a traditional action point system, players are given a pool of Command Points (CP) each turn. CP can be used to activate unit abilities, move units further, or call in support attacks. This system adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully manage their CP resources to maximize their effectiveness.
A Poignant and Unforgettable Story
While Valkyria Chronicles 3’s gameplay is certainly engaging, it is the game’s story and characters that truly set it apart. The game features a cast of well-developed and relatable characters, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. The story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences that are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.
The game’s themes of redemption and the search for purpose resonate deeply with players, and the story’s conclusion is both satisfying and emotionally impactful. Valkyria Chronicles 3 is a game that will stay with players long after they finish playing it.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Despite its lack of an official English localization, Valkyria Chronicles 3: Unrecorded Chronicles is a game that is well worth seeking out for fans of the series and SRPG enthusiasts alike. Its mature themes, compelling story, and strategic gameplay make it a hidden gem of the PSP library.
If you are unable to find a physical copy of the game, there is an unofficial fan translation available for the Extra Edition version of the game. While the translation is not perfect, it is still playable and allows English-speaking players to experience this incredible game for themselves.
Whether you are a longtime fan of the Valkyria Chronicles series or simply looking for a great SRPG to play, Valkyria Chronicles 3: Unrecorded Chronicles is a game that you should not miss.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
