It looks like SEGA is already gearing up to make their presence felt in 2018. We already know that Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is coming. A few hours ago, SEGA dropped a Thanksgiving treat! In 2018 we will also get a brand new entry in the Valkyria series. Titled Valkyria Chonicles 4, this game will take the series back to its roots in terms of gameplay. [UPDATED] SEGA gave us some info on the story and gameplay to share with you!

The beloved Valkyria Chronicles series makes its grand return westward in 2018 with Valkyria Chronicles 4, a new mainline chapter in the saga for PlayStation4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. Return to a continent ravaged by conflict with a familiar-yet-refined tactical RPG battle system, a vibrant and evocative art style that portrays a living canvas of watercolors, and a gripping World War II-inspired story full of momentous triumphs, heartbreaking loss, and unexpected hope for the human spirit.

It is the year 1935 EC…

The continent of Europa is engulfed in the flames of the Second Europan War between the Atlantic Federation and the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance. Although the Federation struggles valiantly against the Empire’s forces, the relentless imperial military machine threatens to consume them. With victory slipping away, the Federation executes Operation Northern Cross: a last-ditch attempt to capture the imperial capital and end the war.

Commander Claude Wallace and his loyal childhood friends in Squad E are sent to fight for the desperate operation’s success, but they will have to endure harsh bone-chilling elements, waves of imperial soldiers, and the terrifying Valkyria… and unravel a grave truth that will shake them to the core.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 Features:

A Coming-of-Age Story in a Time of War – Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes place in the same timeframe as the original Valkyria Chronicles, but focuses on a whole new cast of main characters. Players will take command of the eager, young Commander Claude Wallace, engineer/heavy weapons extraordinaire Riley Miller, hotheaded Darcsen Raz, ice-cold ace sniper Kai Schulen, and more. Together, they will experience the painful realities of war–but will the bonds of Squad E’s friendships survive the frozen battlefield?
The Next Generation “BLiTZ” Battle System – The part overhead turn-based strategy, part RPG, and part real-time 3^rd person shooter “BLiTZ” battle system returns to the field. New features include an explosive new class called the Grenadier, numerous offensive/defensive battleship support options, chances for a unit to have a “Last Stand” action before death, and more. Plus, fight the imperial threat with more units on larger-scale maps than ever before.
CANVAS Aesthetics – The series’ signature hand-drawn visual style is back and overhauled for the newest generation. Inspired by watercolor compositions, the CANVAS Graphics Engine blends visual elements of reality and imagination to create an expressive world filled with colorful emotions. Watch the journey of Squad E unfold like an interactive painting!
The Return of a Legendary Composer – The illustrious Hitoshi Sakimoto, original composer of the Valkyria Chronicles series and countless other emotional epics, returns to provide a sweeping orchestral soundtrack for the game.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 - key art — (l to r) Riley Miller and Claude Wallace

Valkyria Chronicles 4 will be available on PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and Xbox One™ platforms in the Americas and Europe in 2018. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. Please visit the official website for more information: http://valkyria.sega.com/new.

[EDITOR’S NOTE] The Valkyria games have always been beautiful, but for the first time, this title has a graphical fidelity that belongs on current gen systems! I hope all Japanese, anime-styled games follow suit.

Tags: R.A.G.E. Works Sega Slick Valkyria Chronicles Valkyria Chronicles 4