This is the game you have been waiting for rpg fans. It has everything to make it a quality game that you won't forget.
Where am I getting at you ask? Valkyria Chronicles, an SRPG released at the end of October, a game which I wasn't that much excited about and it got little buzz. That is, until I tried the demo out. Everything has changed since then.
The game is a true classic and truly brings new things to the SRPG genre. It changed the genre like how Mario 64 changed platformers and 3d. The game is very special and does everything right. I can't explain how it plays since you really need to play it in order to understand it. Let's just say it's a mix of FFTA, gears of war and real-time mixed with turnbased. Crazy, I know. Coupled with excellent graphics that looks like a painting, engaging story that puts huge emphasis on character development, great dubs in Japanese and English (the English dub is really good) and amazing soundtrack (You expect no less from Sakimoto) and you have the best HD (S)rpg released now.
There are 5 classes to choose from each with their pros and cons. It would be pointless to have an in-depth explanation about each class, do know that they are all very balanced and needed more in certain missions. You have your scouts, snipers, engineers etc.
Small things to mention that are special to the game. First of all all your recruits have the so called potentials. Special powers to each recruit and power granted to classes. For instance, it would be handy to have a scout who is able to dogde traps in places full of of them. That game is very deep personality wise.
There are recruits who like certain characters only. For instance you have a gay Lancer who loves a certain male. When that male is next to him, he will perform better. Speaking of gay/lesbie that game has a few characters in that department.
Character level-up and equipment is handled with each class instead of each character. That is a very handy way since it makes managing your 50 recruits very manageable and you can experiment with the characters.
You can combine attacks with other recruits if some are next to you. That is very handy if enemies are hiding and you can't kill them on your own.
As for how long it lasts. The main story takes about 18 story mission with 9 skirmish missions and a few special missions here and there. If you play the game without rushing it and playing all the extra stuff, it easily takes 40+ hours. After finishing the game, you can try new game+ with all your data brought over, difficulty select with skirmishes (for the hardcore junkies out there), the ability to replay story missions as much as you like, Data tab and music tab added etc. It's worth the replay.
If you're an rpg fan or a newcomer interested in the genre but think they are too complicated, this game is a must have. Go get it!