Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

"Putting the past aside, this is truly one of the best RPG's out there."

Valkyrie Profile being re-released for the PSP was something that needed to be done. With engaging characters, unique gameplay, and a story that must be unearthed rather than played straight through, this uniquely awesome title is one that any PSP owner should have. Unlike other iterations in the genre, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth takes Norse Mythology and infuses with it a sense of Japanese roleplaying, the result being a sort of "Divine Passion Play"...as stated near the end of the game.

Story: 9/10-if you can find it

Though it might seem a bit of a drawback, the fact that the best version of VP's story can only be unlocked by performing certain, completely unmentioned events lends authenticity to the idea that this game is truly a role-play. Instead of being handed a story and forced to play through it, you, as Lenneth Valkyrie, must find your past by doing certain things at certain points within the game. This is, I believe, what true "role-playing" is all about: Forging your own destiny.

Gameplay: 10/10

Though it may take some getting used to, the battle system is completely original and engaging, requiring actual strategy within an almost real-time environment. Different weapons grant different abilities, allowing sometimes for more attacks or single, powerful ones. Magic casting has variety and can be done in the middle of the other characters' moves, allowing for even more combo-variation. Outside of battle, there is a rudimentary system for getting to and from places, and to find new ones, all you do is press START. Excellent.

Graphics: 10, considering this IS a port...

Graphics are fitting, and able to convey a true atmosphere of the different regions, though they are dated due to this being a port of a PS1 game. However, they flow nicely and there is no sort of environmental shearing found in the recent 3-D PSP ventures. The new CG cutscenes are simply awesome; Square-Enix shows off their mastery of their software once more by adding these in place of the old anime cutscenes.

Sound/Music - 8/10

Sounds and music are good, though the voice-overs are hardly audible above everything else, and even so, some of them are hardly WORTH hearing. However, the story and gameplay are good enough to ignore such small problems, and the really important voice-over work is done with no BGM, so you won't miss out on any voices whilst the story progresses.

Overall - 9/10

A wonderful port of a wonderful game, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is by far one of the, if not the absolute, best RPG for the PSP system at this time. To not at least try out this game is almost like saying you are not a fan of RPG's at all. With an engaging story, real character development, and an ending far worth the trouble if you get it right, this game is a must-have for anyone who craves something new and interesting.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/09/06