Valkyrie Elysium, the latest installment in the Valkyrie series, has a new trailer full of action gameplay, deadly enemies, and classic JRPG style.
PlayStation’s recent State of Play featured games from several third-party developers, most notably Capcom and Square Enix. One of the more alluring titles, Valkyrie Elysium, is the latest installment in an action JRPG series with its roots back in the original PlayStation. Along with an announcement trailer that featured plenty of gameplay, Sony released quite a few details about the game.
Though the last game in the Valkyrie series released not too long ago in 2019, the games have had mismatched Japanese and worldwide release dates, usually resulting in a game that’s past its prime by the time it reaches North American and European audiences. While it’s not as popular as some of Square Enix’s other titles, it has a dedicated fan base and enough attention to garner a PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam release. With 4K graphics, exciting action and beautiful music, Valkyrie Elysium attempts to bridge classic action JRPG tactics with modern strategy.
The announcement trailer for Valkyrie Elysium features epic music, lots of gameplay, and a few shots of cutscenes in the game. The All-Father can be heard throughout the trailer giving orders to his Valkyrie and explaining the dire state of the world. Also featured in the trailer is the protagonist’s recruitment efforts to gain the aid of fellow warriors in her quest. There are plenty of beasts and monsters displayed, and the elemental abilities showcased by the Valkyrie will most likely feature heavily in gameplay. Teammates and other heroes can be seen dashing in and out of combat to aid the Valkyrie as well, demonstrating at least a minor party system.
“In an unjust world, what will you choose?” asks the announcement trailer. “If the will to fight still lingers inside you, then accept my offer and join me,” states the Valkyrie. The trailer even features a surprise guest appearance at the end who may be the Valkyrie, Hrist, from the series.
The Valkyrie series has a history of making prequels, and Valkyrie Elysium is no different, taking place hundreds of years before any of the other games. The game is set during Ragnarök, the End Times, when the last of humanity is tested by death and chaos. The All-Father, the ruler of all creation, uses the last of his power to create a lone Valkyrie — the savior of the world.
Players will take control of the young Valkyrie on her quest to uncover the truth behind her decaying world and decide whether she’ll decide to save it or not. “Valkyrie, heed my words,” the All-Father says. “Ragnarök tears our world asunder. All we hold precious lies on the brink of annihilation. Become my tool of intervention and save this world from doom.” The announcement trailer shows the All-Father bestowing his blessing upon the Valkyrie, bidding her to save the world from destruction.
Valkyrie Elysium has no release date yet, though it’s said to be coming sometime in 2022. Hopefully, the game will have a quick turnaround. The currently brief time between announcement and release is a welcome change of pace for Sony, which often announces games years before they actually release.
Valkyrie Elysium will be available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as Steam. This makes it the first Valkyrie game to make the jump to PC. When running on PS5, the game boasts impressive 4K and 60 frames per second.
Writer. Gamer. Outdoorsman. Victor has written across multiple mediums with some of his works appearing in anthologies, magazines, and websites like Nerdist.com and SFFWorld.com. When not writing, he is usually gaining inspiration for writing from the library of video games he owns. Victor also practices adventure photography in remote places in America, and you can follow along at Authentiknature.com
