Segtastic-Cameos!
**SPOILERS!!!**
Anyhow, our friends over at Siliconera have noted that the recently released Sega title, Valkyria Chronicles, has cameos from the stars of Skies of Arcadia, another overlooked gem from Sega's vault.
You can get Vyse the Bold and Aika, his female pirate companion, to join your cause. That's pretty awesome and who knows -- this may mean the Skies of Arcadia franchise has more life left to live.
**END SPOILERS!!!**
Nominated "Best of E3 2008" by the following sites:
Best Strategy Game (Overall) by 1Up.Com
Quote taken from 1Up.Com Preview of Valkyria Chronicles posted 10/23/08:
"Even after 10 hours of play on a preview build, I can already proclaim this the best Japanese RPG I've played on PS3. But I'd almost prefer to not categorize it that way -- if you like good games of any genre, I'm confident you'll like Valkyria Chronicles." -- Andrew Finch of 1Up.Com
From the same preview: "Sega's anticipated PS3-exclusive alternate-reality WWII tactical-role-playing game from some of the creative minds behind cult Dreamcast RPG favorite Skies of Arcadia."
[ ^ Well, that explains A LOT! ]
Visit the Official Site here for more pictures, footage, story details, character bios and (eventually) press releases and reviews!
"It's absolutely stunning, visually speaking, with a lovely sketchy watercolour Miyazaki style that looks breathtaking in HD. The music, by Final Fantasy Tactics composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, is of a similarly high standard, alternating between martial urgency and plaintive themes with confident grace. The story is witty and well told, while the characters are memorable and blessed with surprisingly good voice acting." -- Eurogamer 8/10
"The presentation isn't just cIassy, it's unique — nothing on today's consoles looks quite like it. The rendering of the 3D soldiers, buildings, vehicles and armour goes beyond mere cel-shading; the watercolour effects make the game look like a painting that's come to life." -- GamePlayer 8.5/10 [Embarassing, poorly written review. With all the whining in the review you would think the author didn't like it! But still...]
"Valkyria is not what you'd expect; it does not immediately fall into any one genre. The mix of turn-based strategy, character management and first-person shooting action is appealing to gamers, such as myself, who enjoy a variety of games and are sick of seeing RPGs do the same exact things with gameplay and mechanics. If you're a fan of WWII styIe weaponry and combat and dig a more action-oriented strategy game with an anime styIe Valkyria is just the ticket." -- RPGFan 8.8/10
"...this strategy RPG from SEGA is one of the richest, most rewarding titles I've played in a long while."
"Valkyria Chronicles is a game that all PS3 owners should at least try out, especially considering its unique blend of genre forms. With such a robust collection of extras to back up an already impressive mission roster and gripping story, Valkyria Chronicles comes highly recommended. I strongly encourage you to try it out and see the beauty of Gallia and its people." --IGN.Com 9.0/10
"Valkyria Chronicles is a truly magnificent outing for Sega. It dares to be different, it scoffs at genre conventions and finds its own path, and in doing so succeeds brilliantly as both a deep strategy experience and a wonderfully story-driven RPG." -- IGN.Com (AU) 9.1/10
"This is, without question, the best tactics game on the PS3 -- and it's one of the best games on PS3, period."
"When you are controlling the action, though, you get an innovative blend of strategy, tactics, roleplaying, and action that rocks harder than Metallica. While the core of Valkyria Chronicles mirrors the rock-paper-scissors dynamic of games like Fire Emblem, the manner in which you access that core is radically different." -- 1Up.Com A-
[Another VERY poorly written review... Wow! I have been reading reviews of this game just to post them in this thread. I normally form my own opinion, but I can't do that if they game isn't out yet! Now that I have been paying attention, though, I find the average review(er) is sooo full of cliche and elitist criticism, that I actually get embarassed for them when I read their "professional" writing. Just like the first review posted in here though, there is a lot of harsh judgement going on in this one, yet he still gives it an A-! Doesn't make much sense, but hey... still a great game!]
If you liked "_______________" then you should play Valkyria Chronicles:
_______________________________________________________________
Ring of Red (PS2)
_______________________________________________________________
Skies of Arcadia (DC)
_______________________________________________________________
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GC)
_______________________________________________________________
Shining Force 3 (SAT)
_______________________________________________________________
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (NDS)
_______________________________________________________________
Front Mission 4 (PS2)
_______________________________________________________________
Dragon Force (SAT)
_______________________________________________________________
...and thus we have our verrry first Mega Topic! Awww...! 
Edit: Oh noes! I was beaten out by the rodent... I mean hamster... I mean the Raven... Wah! 
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Tell me to get back to rewriting this site so it's not horrible on mobile
Wait, wait, where do I belong? The Empire or the Federation?
...is that a good "wow" or a bad "wow"...?
You, Iga, will be the shadowy double agent who will play both sides against each other until finally revealing himself in the final hour of the final battle.
K?
phantom_leo said:...is that a good "wow" or a bad "wow"...?
That's a, "Holy crap 11 separate posts by you for all the topic content" wow
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Tell me to get back to rewriting this site so it's not horrible on mobileYou mean like a Iga Ninja?! Or I could just walz in and start killing, like the guy(s) in my sig and avatar.
P.S. I was making fun of the story of the game. Which takes place in Europe. I live in Holland so I was wondering where I belonged. Do you have a map of the fictional Europe?
Hmmm... Judging from this map of fictional Europe, I would say...
...i have absolutely no idea!
My guess would be you are part of the Atlantic Federation...
...and so, instead of the double agent, you will be the questionably fruity character, skipping amongst the windmills and offering tulips to place on the lost soldier's graves! 
Done! Next question?
phantom_leo said:
Hmmm... Judging from this map of fictional Europe, I would say...
...i have absolutely no idea!
Atlantic Federation! Should be right around Sedan. Empire-ical bastards!
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Tell me to get back to rewriting this site so it's not horrible on mobile
Shipping to stores 11/04/08.
STORY
In 1930s Europa, tensions rise to an all-time high between the continent's two distinct military powers - the Empire and the Federation. In the struggle for ultimate supremacy, the Second Europa War (E.W.II) erupts, and Gallia, the small independent nation situated between the two super powers, now faces attack.
The Empire's Imperial Army is first to strike Gallia, forcing the young lieutenant Welkin Gunther to pull back his small platoon. As the invading forces charge toward the capital city, Welkin discovers that not only are they outmatched in scale and weaponry, but the enemy army also has Valkyria, an unusually powerful race, in their ranks. As the war rages, the capital city is about to fall to the enemy, but Welkin's unique battle strategies bring hope to his homeland...
There may be a chance for Gallia after all. This is Welkin's story.
Political State of Europa (1930's EC)
IMPERIAL ALLIANCE
A conglomerate of nations united under the rule of an emperor. These nations retain customs and practices from medieval times, and its people are known to harbor conservative views including a strong hatred towards the Darcesen race.
ATLANTIC FEDERATION
Nations that seek republican form of alliance to preserve mutual security. The Federation is ahead of the Empire in terms of national power, yet it often takes more time to consolidate their treaties due to its political infrastructure.
THE PRINCIPALITY OF GALLIA
A small nation geographically surrounded by the Empire and the Federation. The nation is a constitutional monarchy, characterized by policies of armed neutrality and universal conscription. All citizens 15 years old and above are eligible to be drafted into service in times of war.
CANVAS Graphics Engine
The "CANVAS" graphics engine, created exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3, brings a never-before-seen styIe to life.
Breath life into stunningly unique visuals similar to hand-drawn illustrations, and immerse yourself in real-time battles in environments resembling a watercolor painting in motion.
BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zone) System
Combining turn-based RPG gameplay with 3rd person action games, the "BLiTZ" battle system allows players to battle with direct control in action sequences just as in action games, while also maneuvering through the vast world with strategic moves typical of tactical RPGs.
"From just the short bit of Valkyria Chronicles' gameplay that we could get our hands on, it looks like this could be one of the cult or surprise hits of the fall since it's already being buried by the hype of the other big PS3 and Xbox 360 games that are coming out in the next few weeks. Strategy RPG fans haven't really had much of consequence to play so far this generation and the innovations with the battle system and intuitive controls makes this one of the most exciting entries in the genre in a long time. Anybody that's looking for a new strategy RPG to play or a unique experience amongst all of the shooters and such should keep an eye on November 5 for Valkyria Chronicles' release." -- Gamer 2.0