Recent reviews by Syndil

Valkyria Chronicles is one of those rare anime-based games that truly does not suck. It's both a interactive novel and a turn-based strategy game. The story takes you along to points of conflict, then you must engage in the conflict yourself. If either of these elements had not been up to par, then the game would have suffered. However, to my surprise, both the story and the action parts of this game are very well done. Any anime worth watching will at some point make you cry, and this game accomplished that. As for the gameplay, it's also quite good, if you are a fan of turn-based strategy games like me (X-Com, Civ). Though the gameplay is a bit different than most turn-based strategies I have played, the basic concept is the same. You get X units of time to perform actions during your turn, then the enemy does the same. The way Valkria Chronicles implements this moves the action along at a faster, smoother pace than with games like X-Com and Civ.

Overall, this game surprised me at how good it was. I bought it on sale not expecting a whole lot, and it has ended up being the game I have played the most recently. Both the story and the gameplay keep me coming back for more. Terrific job by the developers.