Valkyrie Profile is simply one of the best RPGs I have played. Probably its most dominating feature is its very intricate plotline, for which it won the Japanese Playstation 2000 Award for Best Story/Scenario.
The story begins as the main focus and continues strongly throughout the entire game. It literally takes over one hour to begin to actually play Valkyrie Profile. A cinematic prologue (which can be selected from the opening menu) sets the mood, following the events of a young girl about to be sold into slavery. After beginning the actual game, Odin and Frei summon Valkyrie into the great hall and explain that they need Valkyrie's help in collecting warriors from the souls who have died for the coming of Ragnarok and the war to end all wars.
The actual adventure portion of Valkyrie Profile takes a different approach than the typical RPG. The action takes place in towns or in dungeons in a view that is best described as an incredibly detailed 2-D platform title. The player controls Valkyrie as she runs and leaps from ledge to ledge. She can also climb ladders and travel into precarious canyons. Using a special ability to form crystals or freeze opponents, the player can literally build stepping-stones to reach hidden areas. Combat is initiated by coming into contact with enemy monsters, which are visible on each level, thus eliminating "random" encounters.
Fighting is done with a modified action point system that allows each of your characters to attack as the 4 face buttons on the Playstation controller are hit (One for each member of your party). Using this system and properly timing the presses, "Combos" can be initiated. Just like the latest fighting titles, one character can start a combo by connecting, juggling the enemy into the air. A second, third, or even forth character can then join in the attack and hit them while they are in the air or after they have smashed back to the ground. By perfectly executing a combo, the gamer is rewarded with one of two different stones, one that boosts Experience Points and another, which restores CT, which helps to execute finishing moves and powerful spells.
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