While many Square Enix fans watching Wednesday’s PlayStation Play event were hopeful for a look at the latest game from one of the publisher’s iconic franchises, they surely didn’t expect what they received. Instead ofFinal Fantasy 16orDragon Quest 12,Square Enixofficially unveiled the newest game in theValkyrie Profileseries, namedValkyrie Elysium. Further, the tactics-based action RPG is a confirmed release for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in 2022.
Before anyone grows worried that they’ll have to go revisit any decades-old RPGs to playValkyrie Elysium, the first thing that Square Enix confirmed after announcing the game is that it will be a stand-alone experience. It will still very much be aValkyriegame, as the visuals shown ofValkyrie Elysiummake clear. It also includes gameplay elements from the original games including recruiting Einherjar to battle with the game’s protagonist. It also wouldn’t be aValkyriegame without the music ofMotoi Sakuraba, who is confirmed to return.
RELATED:Square Enix Files New Trademark for Gex
The gameplay ofValkyrie Elysiumcertainly takes its liberties, however.Valkyrie Profilewas aturn-based JRPG, which is absolutely not whatValkyrie Elysiumis. The new game instead looks more like it’s inspired by theDark Soulsseries of action RPGs, with each foe posing a deadly threat with its own abilities and attacks. It leans into its action gameplay more than aDark SoulsRPG, however, and features a combo system that’s drawing early comparisons toNier: AutomataandDevil May Cry.
WithDark Soulsin mind,Valkyrie Elysiumframes its story and setting as a fantasy world on the verge of apocalypse. Ragnarok, the End Times, is nearing and the All-Father tasks a lone Valkyrie with a final sacred duty. As the story unfolds, the player will discover the secrets ofValkyrie Elysium’s apocalypse, its causes, and the truth of her mission.
As noted, few if any predicted that Square Enix would be announcing the next game in theValkyrie Profileseries. Only four titles have been released in it since the original game arrived in 1999, and the latest was a heavily criticized freemium mobile game.Valkyrie Elysiumwill have a lot of work to do to reintroduce the series to fans again.
It likely won’t be too long before Square Enix shares more information aboutValkyrie Elysium. The action RPG is tentatively planned for release in 2022, so it’s much further along in development than many may have thought.
Valkyrie Elysiumreleases in 2022 on PC, PS4, and PS5.
