Valkyria Chronicles creators say the original series will continue

Valkyria Revolution will be available in Japan next month, but it’s already a polarizing release among fans. Many don’t like the departure from its predecessor Valkyria Chronicles’ strategy gameplay, and others don’t like the super weapons or art design. The game has yet to launch, so it might shock us all in the end, but in the meantime, there is hope that this is not SEGA’s only venture with the series.

Speaking to Japan’s PlayStation Blog, Director Takeshi Ozawa and Producer Youichi Shimosato both promised that the original Valkyria Chronicles will see releases in the future and that Valkyria Revolution is not the only focus using the name here on out.

Their interview suggests that they love the original series and want to expand on its established world, but they’re also stuck with where to go. Valkyria Revolution is the project they’re working on in the meantime. Ozawa suggests that the two will live on next to each other from here on out, mentioning Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series as an example of what he’d like to do.

But does Valkyria Chronicles really have to continue?

Maybe I’m just numb to losing video games franchises nowadays after how many have been shown the door, but I’m not sure I would want another Valkyria Chronicles game. The first PlayStation 3 is a beautiful masterpiece that tells a heartfelt story powered by fun gameplay. At the same time, it was also a product of its time, showcasing that games could very much look like anime with the tech of its age.

It’s no knock against the game, but those graphics were a huge part of why it became such a fan-favorite hit. Now, they would be unimpressive.

That leaves us with the story and gameplay. If we were to compare Valkyria Chronicles to an endearing Studio Ghibli classic like My Neighbor Totoro or Castle in the Sky, then its PSP sequels would be like a forgettable Saturday morning anime. The gameplay additions they brought were fine, but what I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t want another game unless they did it right.

And that means using the tech of the PlayStation 4 to grab me emotionally like the PlayStation 3 classic did. If SEGA can’t do that, then what’s the point? I’d almost rather not risk it, just like the two suggest in the interview.