Valkyria Chronicles Fares Poorly In U.S.

For the most part, gamers really do buy quality. But every once in a while, a top-quality title slips through the cracks, unknown to many a consumer and unfortunately ignored by even the most die-hard fan of the industry. Such is the sad situation of the recently released Valkyria Chronicles.

Despite averaging 87% at GameRankings with many scores over 9 - making it one of the highest-rated games of 2008 - Sega's strategy/RPG is selling very poorly in the U.S. The latest NPD numbers show the game only sold 33,000 copies in this country in November, and it had almost a whole month; Chronicles released on November 4. Admittedly, the timing was bad, as some of the biggest blockbusters of the year launched between October and November. This meant the game had to compete with the likes of Resistance 2, Gears of War 2, Call of Duty: World at War, Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour, Far Cry 2, and LittleBigPlanet. But even so, we would've hoped more RPG fans had discovered Valkyria Chronicles amidst the maelstrom of new releases. The NPD's David Riley told Edge that the game didn't even break into the top 100 game SKUs for the month, and that's just wrong. Obviously, such a title doesn't necessarily appeal to Western tastes, but even so, given the glowing reviews, one would've expected a better result. We suppose it just couldn't stand up to the big boys.

If you're wondering, it has fared much better in Japan, as expected. At last check it had sold 77,000 copies, although that number ought to be higher by now. It actually debuted at #3 behind Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G and Mario Kart Wii. Guess there's still a significant gap in gaming preferences between East and West.

Related Game(s): Valkyria Chronicles

12/13/2008 Ben Dutka

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Comments (Beta)

GoldenShadow
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:00:24 AM
Reply

Well I am proud to be one of those 33,000 people.

0 up, 0 down

shadowpal2
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:09:49 AM
Reply

NO ONE EVER KNOWS WHAT A GOOD GAME IS. I'll admit I didn't buy it - but that's only because I don't have a PS3 yet. I'll get one soon - and then buy this along with Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet, and Resistance 2.

I MEAN HELL I found this game to be a part of the BIG 4 games that really show the PS3 potential.

LOOK at IGN -

Metal Gear Solid 4 - 10/10
LittleBigPlanet - 9.5/10
Resistance 2 - 9.5/10
Valkyria Chronicles - 9.0/10

IT'S A GREAT GAME!!!! and one of the 4 that ranked among the highest exclusives for the ps3. I'm surprised that so many people are just skipping out on it especially when they complain "OOOHHH THERE ARE NO GAMES ON THE PS3, OH THERE ARE NO RPGS ON THE PS3" - god those whiners are possibly living in a cave. Oh well.

0 up, 0 down

MadPowerBomber
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:15:47 AM
Reply

This just happens. I remember Shadow of Rome from Capcom not selling very well, but I thought that game was fantastic.

0 up, 0 down

Riku994
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:18:44 AM
Reply

I checked out a few video for that game and it really doesnt look that good to me...

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:35:40 AM

This is why you should play it instead of going by video...

0 up, 0 down

ffrulez
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 2:15:52 PM

Its personal experience.

0 up, 0 down

King James
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:45:50 AM
Reply

Valkyria just came out around too many other hyped titles.

0 up, 0 down

rjmacready
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:52:37 AM
Reply

My first thoughts are that a big part of the lack of sales for this game is the characters look like anime.
IMO if the characters didn't look like anime, or 'cartoonlike' , then this game would be taken more seriously in the U.S. and sell better.
It's a shame if it's a good game and people don't take it seriously because of this, but I know in the limited time that I have to play games, I'm drawn to something like Fallout 3 (just bought it), not something that looks like this game.

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 2:34:00 PM

Gotta say I don't think that factored in, few people stateside have a problem with RPGs with anime characters. Ahem, FFVII, Star Ocean 3, Disgaea series, Dragon Quest series, Ben's avatar...

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 12/13/2008 2:35:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

Fatcat3788
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:18:11 PM
Reply

Been playing this game and I absolutely love it!!! It makes me happy...

0 up, 0 down

kreate
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:23:39 PM
Reply

i didn't like the looks of it. but cuz it had good ratings i am thinking about getting it. games like this should come out in spring or summer instead of november/december.

bad move on sega's part. who would release games on a presidential election day?
insomniac shouldn't of released it at that particular day either.

0 up, 0 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 1:55:20 PM

Stop thinking of getting it and GET IT! And get it new, so the sale counts. If you like RPGs even a little, you will love this game.

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

kreate
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:27:35 PM
Reply

RPG makers should look at final fantasy franchise and adopt their ways of games.
why recreate the wheel?

take a existing idea and make it better.
utilizing tanks and machine guns are not very RPG like to begin with.

i'd prefer swords and magic with hot chicks combo.

1 up, 2 down

Fane1024
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 3:40:42 PM

Please, no. The last thing we need is more companies failing to innovate.

I tried to play FF7 after playing FF10 and it was SOOOOOOO tedious. Not having played it in 1997-8, I have trouble seeing how anyone can think that game is excellent, but to each his own. I can't even imagine how it would feel after FF12.

FFT, on the other hand, still rocks.

I was going to have a separate post, but I'll just say it here:

I'll probably buy Valkyria at some point in the future. I love the art style and the concept of mixing third-person action/shooting with strategy very much appeals to me, but the WAY they have mixed them (as seen in the demo) rubs me the wrong way.

I don't like Strategy games where all the units on each side take their turn at the same time. I especially don't like how a single unit can run all over the field while everyone else stands around like idiots, even run into position, fire, then run back. Ugh.

IMHO, FFT got it right: give each unit a separate "initiative" value based on its speed and have them act in turn.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/13/2008 3:51:52 PM

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:04:20 AM

There have been quite a few rpgs to feature guns and other "non rpg" weapons, whatever the hell that may be

0 up, 0 down

ffrulez
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 9:00:33 PM

How can you mock the Final Fantasy series? It has some of the best games in history!
If you suck at a game, it doesnt mean that the game sucks.

1 up, 0 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 1:56:52 PM

Fane,

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THIS GAME THAN THE DEMO SHOWS!

Please, if you even just rent the full game, you'll end up buying it. It's THAT good.

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

bamf
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:31:39 PM
Reply

Well so many have moaned about the lack of JRPG's on PS3 and here comes a quality title and no one buys it. Good for the ones who did buy it or will buy it. I'm not a huge fan of RPG's but will play them and Valkyria Chronicles is one of them.
But saying all that does anyone know he game is even out? I mean I'm seeing 360 tv ad after 360 tv ad with so many different games making multiplatform seem to only exist on 360. Has Sony or Sega advertised the crap out of Valkyria Chronicles?
All I've seen for PS3 tv ads is LBP but it doesn't really show you what the game is about.

Last edited by bamf on 12/13/2008 12:35:26 PM

0 up, 0 down

Crono
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:37:14 PM
Reply

I guess this links in with the article about gamers needing to try out original concepts, in a way. But money talks in business, and with these kinds of dire sales we can't possibly expect platform exclusivity. It's not as if it would fare so much better off multi-platform, but it would be significant enough to warrant the action.

I haven't got this yet myself, I'm waiting for the prices to come down. But I've also held back from all the big titles for the same reason, except LittleBigPlanet which for me was too much to miss out on.

0 up, 0 down

Chaps
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 12:40:03 PM
Reply

I am in love with this game. I do not regret buying it, and play it over LittleBigPlanet. On a side note, I bought this game when Mirror's Edge came out and do not regret it one bit.

People should talk about this game to their friends. Btw, did Psxextreme ever review the game?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 1:06:16 PM

No, I'm sorry...as people have noted, the onslaught of games when Chronicles came out was insane. I had it on my list to review, but I just couldn't squeeze it in. I'll get to it eventually, but with 50+ games in a 6-week span of time, Arnold and I had to prioritize.

Such is the way. :)

0 up, 0 down

crapreviews
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 1:17:33 PM
Reply

Im not surprised at all that the sell numbers are low. You make a crappy boring game and what do you expect.

I played the demo with this and that didn't even last long of me trying it out. It was the most boring thing i have seen in awhile. The combat was tired to say the least and the story could put you to sleep.

I don't need to see big "PLAATT" "RATTTA" and whatever else they would put all over the screen while i'm attacking or being attacked.

No wonder Sega went out of business in the console market. Putting out stuff like this.

0 up, 2 down

cegmp
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 4:15:05 AM

How could the story put you to sleep when there wasn't much story in the demo? But I guess that it's not for everyone. The results are dis-heartening. As for me, I love SRPGs and I'll be sure to pick this game up when I get back home.

0 up, 0 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:03:09 PM

You fool! You foolish fool! Valkyria Chronicles is THE BEST game I have played on the PS3. And I own MGS4.

If you don't like this game, then you don't like RPGs. Period.

If you're judging based entirely on the demo, you're a fool who will miss out on a phenomenal title.

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 1:27:54 PM
Reply

Great game, but they should've made it a full out rpg.

Strategy rpgs(Japanese) aren't that popular in the US.

0 up, 0 down

NightHawk17
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 1:30:07 PM
Reply

Sega should've released it in september like they were going to at first, hopefully this doesn't turn them away from Ps3 exclusivity

0 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 1:45:02 PM
Reply

i couldnt stand the demo,i dont get why people go on about this one.

Last edited by Ultimadream on 12/13/2008 1:45:26 PM

0 up, 1 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:04:22 PM

The people who "go on about this one" are the people who have played the whole game.

You ever talked to anyone who played the whole game and hated it? Didn't think so.

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

Zaben
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 2:13:12 PM
Reply

Agreed with Ultima. Played the demo and found it more annoying than enjoyable.
Besides I have Prince of Persia which will satisfy far past Christmas. And I will be getting more games on Christmas that will satisfy me for an even longer period.

0 up, 0 down

ec0li
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 2:29:53 PM
Reply

I'm gonna pick this up after the holidays. I liked the demo. I know Sega published this but who developed it?

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 2:41:22 PM
Reply

Scarecrow hit the proverbial nail on the head, yes we are complaining to the gods (and SE devils) that we haven't got squat in the way of JRPGs, but (unless I am somehow massively uninformed) strategy games are a niche market and strategy RPGs even more so. I could see where strategy nuts would love this game but I couldn't hack it, I fell in love with huge plots and turn based battles. The only strategy I liked was when a war broke out in Suikoden games. And FFT wasn't that bad either (that's for you Ben) because it still had that engaging story that maybe didn't take 3 hours of mind numbing battles to get to the next scene. I liked Eternal Sonata as a warm up to WKC but some people still refuse to play ports. We have yet to see what a solid JRPG can do in terms of sales due to several factors.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 3:22:08 PM

Amen

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:14:42 PM

And another thing: When Last Remnant hits PS3, I wouldn't look to that for numbers either, the 360 made sure to that with the horrible reviews. I wonder how Square Enix is feeling about their defection.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 12/13/2008 11:17:38 PM

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BigBoss4ever
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:19:26 AM

I am with you. WorldEnds. :P Waiting for a true JRPG to come and shed light on the PS3 powerhouse. WKC might be that one.

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phantom93
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 3:43:05 PM
Reply

I have the game and love it. I can see where it may not appeal to a "mass" audience, but only 33,000? It is very disappointing and will be filed with other games I loved that didn't sell-Beyond Good and Evil, Psychonaughts, Oddworld:Strangers Wrath...RIP

0 up, 0 down

karneli lll
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 4:12:25 PM
Reply

i fear killzone 2 will find itself in chronicle's predicament as well, that is, if it comes out only a few weeks before resident evil.

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aaronisbla
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:07:40 AM

um.... no

0 up, 0 down

s360s
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 4:22:28 PM
Reply

If you played that game you'll know why nobody liked it.

1 up, 1 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:19:16 PM

Everyone who has played the game is in love with it. Hence the review scores averaging 8.5 to 9.5 across the board.

I hope you never procreate.

-Arvis

0 up, 1 down

s360s
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 4:23:04 PM
Reply

IT SUCKS !!!

1 up, 1 down

BigT_1980
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 5:13:25 PM
Reply

This is why were stuck with playing the same type of games all the time because nobody wants to take a change on something new and innovative. I hear it all the time, people complaining they are tired of playing the third, forth, fifth iteration of the same game that brings little to no innovation. Then when you offer new and fresh idea or concept you don't want to take a chance on it because it is different. I am all for innovation and I know that not all new ideas and concepts are successful, however to be perfectly honest I am sick to death of these hypocritical people out their that cries out saying they want innovation and when they are given something innovative they just pass it up for the next iteration of the same game they have played ten times before. This is the reason so many developers don't take chances on something new because of the hypocritical people that say one thing and do something else.

I am sorry about my rant but this is how I feel when I continuously read about great games and other media that is passed up because people are too ignorant to try something new and innovative, especially after they asked for it.

1 up, 0 down

phantom93
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 5:37:52 PM
Reply

Exactly how I feel. With the economy tanking, publishers are already wary of trying anything new and innovative. Then when a genre bending game like VC makes no money, it justifies their position.

1 up, 0 down

FallenClyro
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 5:47:38 PM
Reply

I played the demo and hated it, it seemed far too boring for me in my opinion. So the whole game was a turn-based anime war? No thanks. Never really been a fan of these kind of games anyway.

0 up, 1 down

Highbird
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 7:38:08 PM
Reply

If its not a shooter or music game, Americans shy away from it! 2 of my favorite games on PS3 are Valkyria Chronicles and Disgaea 3! I even had trouble finding Disgaea at Gamestop cuz most stores didn't even get copies of it!

If this was released on PS2, I guarantee people would buy it up. But for whatever reason since its on PS3, it doesn't sell. Boggles my mind and makes me a little sad in the pants. :(

1 up, 0 down

Fatcat3788
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 7:53:33 PM

Seriously though I agree with you. If more companys just made ps2 games on the ps3 then it would push the ps2 owners to get a ps3. Although I do find this good and bad, but I just hated how everyone complained about the graphics in disgaea three. It is the reason why we won't see games like that again on the PS3.

0 up, 0 down

Highbird
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 7:38:09 PM
Reply

0 up, 0 down

QuasarSquirrel
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 8:37:57 PM
Reply

This one came out after my self imposed game purchasing blackout for Christmas, so if I don't get it on the 25th I will be getting it shortly there after. The demo sold me on it!

0 up, 0 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:21:29 PM

Listen to the 100 year old squirrel people. This guy is smart...

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 13, 2008 @ 11:21:50 PM
Reply

Sega has the ability to make great games, for strategy fans this one is probably a must-buy, but if Sega wants to grab my attention (which they did a bit by including 'certain characters' in Valkyria) They are going to have to make a Skies of Arcadia 2.

0 up, 1 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:23:40 PM

You liked Skies but haven't played this game yet?

Dude, if you don't at least TRY and play through the first 8 to 10 chapters of this game, I will lose all respect for you and punch you. >:(

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:10:02 AM
Reply

I consider myself a hardcore and true RPG fan, but for me, I dont need a cartoonish strategy game, I need a full fledged next-gen 3D RPG -- a complete and classic one in every bit, i.e. WKC or FFv13. thats wut I want. Valkyria does not fit my type.

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:11:32 AM

its this gen, this couldnt be pulled off as well on past consoles

0 up, 0 down

ffrulez
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 9:01:43 PM

I think most people were put off by the terrible graphics.

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 12:10:27 AM
Reply

Its a much better rpg type game than the majority of craptacular rpgs this gen, on both sytems thats for sure.

I guess nowadays if a demo doesn't sell some people, it wont move copies, glad im not one of those types. The demo sucks ass compared o the game and does it no justice. Just like i hated the demo for Resistance, Uncharted, amongst others. If you are a fan of Srpgs, you owe it to yourself to play it.

1 up, 0 down

tanner1
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 4:49:43 AM
Reply

Is it me or is the U.S just 1 big let down 4 the ps3

0 up, 0 down

athos45
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 9:53:56 AM
Reply

I rented the game because of all the good reviews and user feedback i heard. People have to understand this game is not for everyone, just the way MGS4 isn't. After boring myself thru the first few chapters(where the battle movements and others are being taught), i find myself liking the game more and more. I Just don't mind the cheesy characters and love story and just focus on the innovative-if u can call it that- gameplay and strategy instead.

This doesn't deserve 33k sold, but neither is it game of the year.
My two cents.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 1:22:37 PM

Yeah, I'm no SRPG fan (I dig reg RPG)but I would have liked to see it's sales higher than that. It'd be good for Sony and it would tell Sega that a PS3 exclusive is a good idea, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I think they were hoping to snatch up all RPG fans that were waiting for something good. What can ya do.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 12/14/2008 1:23:00 PM

0 up, 0 down

Sr_Dogmeat
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 9:01:17 PM
Reply

I personally love this game. I really miss turn based games, lack of reflexes due to age :-) The demo really does not do the game justice. But if you do not like turn based games you will not like this one either.

1 up, 0 down

ffrulez
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 9:02:25 PM

Nor will you like the first 10 Final Fantasys for the record.

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 10:18:13 PM
Reply

I was sold on VC until I read that your characters don't level up. What the hell is that? Does someone care to enlighten me and tell me just HOW this game is an RPG ? It's a 3D Jagged Alliance with anime characters is what it is. I was really let down ... no leveling up ... BOOOOOO!

0 up, 1 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 10:44:26 PM
Reply

they do level up but in a different way. Each character belongs to a class. After each battle you are rewarded money and xp, but this xp is done differently. It goes into your exp pool, where you can then use it to train one of your classes at boot camp, therefore leveling up your classes. So when you increase the level of a sniper, they all benefit

1 up, 0 down

coverton341
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 11:27:52 AM
Reply

I blame it on bad timing and a faltering economic situation

0 up, 0 down

Arvis
Monday, December 15, 2008 @ 2:31:09 PM
Reply

This topic has me seeing red. I think I need to step away for a minute and take a breath.

ALL OF YOU NEED TO PLAY THIS GAME! It's my favorite PS3 game so far, and I can't praise it enough. Please give this game a chance!!

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

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