‘Valkyria Revolution’ takes a wrong turn

“Valkyria Revolution” isn’t exactly the follow-up fans of the franchise are expecting. It still carries elements that have been at the core of the series, but they’ve been remixed into a game that’s different.

On the surface, it looks like a direct follow-up. “Valkyria Revolution” takes place in Europa, a fantasy world loosely based on Europe. The game focuses on a war between countries and features weapons based on a magical mineral called ragnite.

But looking closer, fans will notice that the gameplay is starkly different. Battles are no longer turn-based and focused on firefights. “Valkyria Revolution” is an action role-playing game, in which most damage is dealt through melee attacks and alchemy spells. It resembles titles such as “Star Ocean,” “Xenoblade” or the latest iteration of “Final Fantasy,” rather than tactical strategy games like “Fire Emblem” or “XCOM.”

The changes are jarring for a franchise that has had one of the most forwardthinking combat systems in the genre. Initially, battles seem to be mindless exercises in button-mashing. It’s not until players advance in the campaign and face tougher enemies that the tactical nature of this action RPG comes through.

That also happens to be when “Valkyria Revolution” squeezes the most out of its elaborate plot. The narrative is presented as a flashback to a young historian discussing the hidden history of the Five Traitors. This circle of friends came from an orphanage that was attacked and burned down by the Ruzi Empire.

Fast-forward a few years, and the surviving orphans have reached powerful positions in their respective fields within their adopted country, Jutland. Solomon Kahlenberg is a leading politician, Fritte Eriksen the leading voice at the newspaper. Violette Szand has become a top-notch spy, and Basil Sabancci dominates industry. The group’s ringleader,

Amleth Gronkjaer, is a captain in military.

Together, they orchestrate the Liberation War against Ruz to avenge the deaths of their orphanage friends and free Maria Schmeichel, the woman who cared for them as children and was kidnapped during the attack.

Though dripping with international intrigue and complex plot threads, “Valkyria Revolution’s” story lacks the emotional resonance of the original. The campaign is mired in politics and big-picture drama, which overshadow the supporting cast — the 11 members of the Vanargand, Jutland’s elite special forces.

These forces were formed to counteract Ruz’s military trump card — the Valkyria. Dressed like Death, she possesses supernatural powers and is dominant on the battlefield. The developer, Media.Vision, gives each soldier in the squad a personality and history, but they aren’t as engaging as the heroes in “Valkyria Chronicles.”

Part of the reason is the combat system, in which squads of four usually tackle missions. They usually follow the character that the player is controlling, but they don’t have the creative banter that made the original cast so charming.

But as “Valkyria Revolution” grows more difficult, the tactical elements begin to shine through. Adversaries become tougher, and tasks more demanding. Players then must capitalize on their advantages. Cover becomes necessary when facing down squads and tanks, and players rely on grenades to take out enemy squads.

“Valkyria Revolution” adds up to an unsuccessful attempt to broaden the franchise’s appeal. The effort to make it more actionoriented ruins the charm inherent in its slower-paced gameplay.