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The Sony PS3 has been seriously lacking in software support and as a consequence has had a rough go of the earliest stages of this generation’s console wars. Fortunately, all of that is about to change. After a series of executive changes and the format war victory, Sony can now concentrate on third party software support for their as of yet untapped console. Valkyria Chronicles from Sega will be one such title. Due sometime in fall 2008, the JRPG will help expand the PS3’s library while appealing to Sony’s core demographic. Development of the title is being done exclusively for the PS3. According to Sega, their new CANVAS engine, developed in-house, will take full advantage of the true power of the PS3. The visual style of the 3D graphics will give the impression of “a watercolor painting in motion.”
Additionally, a new tactical mechanic will be employed called “BLiTZ.” Sega says that “this battle concept gives players freedom to strategically move around the environment and attack enemies using real-time controls.” That means many of the JRPG conventions will be tweaked in order to improve pacing issues and appeal to a broader audience. As far as the story goes, the game is set in a fictional world similar to Europe in the 1930s. There are two dominant powers on the continent, the Federation and the Empire, and the latter has their eyes set on conquest and continent-wide unification. You’ll play the role of Welkin, a crack trooper in the Federation’s 7 th Platoon. Twists and turns await, including the Empire’s secret weapon, the Valkyria. Check back for a hands-on preview in the coming months!
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