The next Valkyria game introduces permadeath
Valkyria Chronicles fans better bring their A game to the next series entry.
Valkyria: Azure Revolution will introduce permadeath to the strategy RPG series.
In an interview with director Takeshi Ozawa and chief producer Youichi Shimosato translated by Gematsu, the pair discussed the decision to introduce a feature currently enjoying something of a renaissance among SRPG fans thanks to titles like Fire Emblem, XCOM and Massive Chalice.
"This time there is also the theme of death, and if a character doesn’t die, then there isn’t any fear transmitted to the player. So we’ve taken the plunge," Ozawa said.
"We’re preparing a story for everyone, like sub-character events and such, so we want the user to be motivated not to kill anyone," Shimosato added.
Although the main story will continue after a character death, all their individual event scenes will be closed off.
“However, similar to Valkyria Chronicles, you can try again," Ozawa said. "We plan on making it so, if you put in the effort, you can experience everything.”
I'm not sure what that means; perhaps you can repeat battles to try and keep everybody alive before proceeding. Ozawa also said an easy mode will be available, which is a comfort.
Valkyria: Azure Revolution was announced earlier this month alongside a PS4 remaster of Valkyria Chronicles. It's great to see this cult favourite series getting another chance to win your hearts - although it sounds like Azure Revolution has quite a different battle system. Better look for the demo bundles with the Chronicles remaster, I guess.
