I've read that more than a few of you hoping that the upcoming sequel to Valkyria Chronicles II, aptly named Valkyria Chronicles III, would be a game bound for current-generation home consoles, rather than a handheld game. I myself have expressed such sentiment from time to time.
Unfortunately for you and for everyone who doesn't own a PlayStation Portable, Valkyria Chronicles III is a PlayStation Portable game. Sorry, guys. It's out in Japan on January 27th (both on UMD and PlayStation Network), so they won't have to wait too long, at least.
Once you're done wailing and rending your clothing in lament (or venting in the comments), know that Famitsu put out a ton of information on the game below, kindly translated by the fine folks at Andriasang.
The preview includes details about the story, characters, and even Sega's justification for their choice of platform. If you're concerned about spoilers, it might be best to hold off from reading it, though.
Its full Japanese title is Valkyria of the Battlefield III: Untold Chronicles. The story runs parallel to the original game (hence that "code1935" teaser domain), and follows Squad 422, a rough-and-tumble company made up of deserters, criminals and anti-heroes who conduct secret operations for the Gallian government. They're called "The Nameless", because they're referred to only by number. Sounds darker than the first game, and way darker than the second.
The protagonist is Kurt Irving, the dude in the center of the scan, known as "Number 7" (voiced by Kamen Rider Hibiki's Yuichi Nakamura). The only ranked officer in the unit, Kurt was once a rising star within the Gallian Army, but demoted to The Nameless due to an undisclosed incident. He hopes to fight well enough to leave this bad, "bad company" (ha ha, I made a reference).
Alongside Kurt is "Number 01", Imuka (far right), a Darcsen whose village was leveled by a Valkyria. Rescued by The Nameless, she became the unit's ace soldier and is still on the lookout for the original culprits. She's voiced by Masumi Asano (Marguerite from One Piece).
The third character previewed is "Number 13", Riella Marcellis (far left), an unknowing descendant of the Valkyur. The lone survivor of her unit's destruction, she was dubbed a "Goddess of Death" and shuffled off into The Nameless. Her voice actress, Aya Endou, also played Sheryl Nome in Macross Frontier.
The game's flow will be more directed, rather than mission-based ala Valkyria Chronicles II, and will not have wireless multiplayer. Producer Shinji Motoyama promised that the resources saved by cutting multiplayer options would be poured into making the single-player experience that much better.
Valkyria Chronicles III will have a tweaked command interface, and its real-time components will have more diverse actions to choose. The class progression will also be altered from Valkyria Chronicles II to reflect a "quality over quantity" approach and to better distinguish class roles. Maps are still be broken up into distinct "areas", but each area will be larger and more varied.
Expect a squad roster of about twenty-odd characters, though this number can expand considerably through guests, cameos, and secret recruits. Several characters will have "Super Modes" that unlock new strengths and abilities. Examples include Riella, who can transform into a Valkyria, and Imuka, who can power up her weapons.
So, what about the Big Question, then? Why the PSP? Motoyama acknowledged that many players wanted another PS3 release, but believes that a new HD entry would have to have some truly revolutionary ideas, ones that they haven't quite thought of yet. That, and there's room to expand and improve within the PSP space as well. He added that "In an era where everyone is busy, we felt PSP was best in order to make Valkyria Chronicles bigger."
Of course, a new PS3 release isn't off the books yet. The right idea just needs to come along.
A playable demo will be available at the Tokyo Game Show, featuring an original mission that shows off the game's new features. I hereby order anyone visiting the show (Hi, Dale North and Jonathan Holmes!) to fight their way to the booth and play it in my stead.
So, are you sad? Stoked? Both? Already preordering whatever "revolutionary" entry they'll eventually put on a proper console? In my opinion, having a Valkyria Chronicles game makes a much more convincing case for getting a PSP than anything Marcus could tell me.
Contest:
7:00 AM on 09.15.2010 | 
Off to pray for VC4 that has the hook that brings it back to the home console.
Word on the streets is that the 3000 is the best model to go for, with entertainment bundles. You can play PSP games on your TV, with the right cables.
When I actually finish Valkyria Chronicles (soonish), I'm pretty much resigned to scoring a PSP. If that's what it takes.
Jerks.
Translation of corporate statement on PSP choice: "we're too lazy to make a ps3 sequel when we can just make money off a cheap PSP sequel that reuses 75% of Valkyria 2"
I hate this obsession with the PSP and Hand-Held systems, cant people just release it on PSN for the PS3 as well, Ill take shitty graphics to be able to play it with a controller.
I don't say that at all, Magnalon, but I appreciate I'm in the minority.
The second game is gimped compared to the first.
Five unit cap per area and weak area transition mechanic because the PSP can handle a decent sized map or full squad? Check.
Areas that are HEAVILY recycled? Check.
Playing through 3-5 pointless missions before being allowed to advance the story? Check.
Annoying time sink grinding mechanics that focus on random drop item collection for character advancement? Check.
More empty, peripheral characters than you can shake a stick at? Check.
I don't know why I was hoping for any more than this from Sega, considering they sent the first game which was an absolute gem out to die without marketing it. Now they are churning out the third one reportedly to where it hits Japan in 2011. Sounds like Sega is turning VC into empty, annualized husk IP to me.
RAGE.
They're cutting down massively on Item collections, They're making the Areas bigger, and they're probably going to make your teams slightly bigger too. They're reducing the number of classes to make it so characters are closer to their VC1 counter parts, like Engie's being healers and minesweepers
They're going to do their best to make 3 better than 2. And 2 is the best PSP game available anyway.
Don't write it off yet buddy.
VC2 isn't as good as VC1. But gameplay wise it's just as good, other than being scaled down. The mechanics are all there.
Oh well, I’m gonna go drown my sorrows in alcohol and play VC1 now.
I still need to buy part 2 and show my part that the series is liked. I wish I hadn't bought part 1 used. This game could have really used the sales.
I hope your confidence ends up being justified, because that sounds a hell of a lot better than VCII.
Yes, all the mechanics are there from the first game, I don't disagree with that. Its all the crap they attached to them that got my goat. Hopefully they can deliver on those claims, but a January 27th Japan launch? Thats a little more than 4 months away. Even if they started working on the 3rd game right after they shipped the first in Japan, thats a 12 month turn around, at best. Sorry, call me a cynic, but this has sweatshop title written all over it.
For what its worth, I hope I'm wrong, but Sega's handling of this IP has not inspired my confidence.
Well...I mean sold. They already have my money.
But...::sigh:: I really wanted it back on the PS3.
That must be a new record of some sort.
So the reason this is on the PSP is because they couldn't think of anything new to do with the series. Well...points for honesty, but this doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the development team's ability. I was disappointed in VCII (for reasons that have already been stated in this thread) so SEGA needs to step it up.
Can I haz a Wii vershun? /stupidhumor
Stoked that the series has such a good following that it can continue into more sequels. Could VC be the new Yakuza (Sega flagship title)?
No seriously, I am quite disappointed. What is it with Sega? Seriously, it's like a curse for them. They always create these really interesting new games, but then through some sheer fuckery of complete idiocy, they decide it'd be better to run them into the ground of mediocrity after the first one.
I mean really Sega? I'll be straight with ya, the reason I ended up interested in VC1 in the first place was its gorgeous artstyle. I can't believe that there are gamers dumb enough to try and justify VC2's art shift and overall visual downgrade. Or the limited units. Only 5 (and a tank)? You can't be fucking serious. And since you need the CP, you're pretty much required to field Avan ("I'll do it!") which knocks it down to 4. Unless VC2 becomes AMAZING in the 2nd half, I just can't see how anyone could consider VC2 to be a better game.
I'm honestly a bit depressed to hear this news. I'll buy the game anyway because I want to support Valkyria no matter what, but I just wish I could support it in its best form, ie. on a console.
The only thing for me to do is get over the inital disappointment of it not being console based. I am however greatful that they said why it was not on a console and it sounds like a legitamate reason to me.
Oh well, I'll play it anyway.