Valiant Hearts: The Great War
A puzzle adventure game set during World War I.
**Valiant Hearts: The Great War** is a puzzle adventure game from 2014, created by Ubisoft Montpellier and released by Ubisoft. It came out in June 2014 for Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The story takes place during World War I and follows four characters as they aid a young German soldier trying to reach his love, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and friendship. Players solve puzzles by interacting with objects and people. A dog named Walt accompanies the characters and helps with puzzles. Hidden collectibles in each chapter unlock historical facts about the war.
The development team aimed to help players remember World War I during its centenary in 2014. They avoided making a war game or first-person shooter, instead focusing on the hardships of soldiers from both sides. For historical accuracy, the team studied first-hand accounts, read letters from soldiers, and visited preserved trench sites in France. Since the team had no prior experience with puzzle games, they drew inspiration from classic LucasArts adventure games and titles like *The Cave*. The game uses the UbiArt Framework, previously seen in *Rayman Legends*.
Upon release, *The Great War* received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its themes, visuals, animation, and music, and commended the developer for teaching players history through gameplay. However, opinions on the story and gameplay were mixed. The game was nominated for several year-end awards, including Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2014. Ubisoft later released it on iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia. A sequel, *Valiant Hearts: Coming Home*, came out in 2023 for Netflix Games and in 2024 for Windows and home consoles.
**Gameplay**
*Valiant Hearts* is a side-scrolling, puzzle-based adventure game set during World War I. Players control four characters: Frenchman Emile, his German son-in-law Karl, American soldier Freddie, and Belgian nurse Anna. The game is split into four chapters, each with several sections. Players must complete objectives to advance the story, often by solving puzzles that require obtaining specific items. Other sections involve surviving heavy gunfire, stealthily avoiding enemies, and rhythmic car chase sequences set to classic songs.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Valiant Hearts: The Great War
- Developer
- Ubisoft Montpellier
- Publisher
- Ubisoft
- Director
- Yoan Fanise / Paul Tumelaire
- Producer
- Bruno Galet
- Writer
- Gabrielle Shrager / Matt Entin / Ed Kuehnel / Gerard Barnaud
- Designer
- Julien Chevallier / Simon Chocquet-Bottani
- Programmer
- Stéphane Fricard
- Artist
- Paul Tumelaire
- Composer
- Jason Moran
- Engine
- UbiArt Framework
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4 / Microsoft Windows / Xbox 360 / Xbox One / iOS / Android / Nintendo Switch / Stadia
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The development team's goal was to assist players to remember World War I during its centenary in 2014. The team stayed away from creating a war game or a first-person shooter and focused instead on depicting the trials and tribulations of soldiers on both sides during the war. To ensure historical accuracy, the team listened to first-hand accounts, read letters written by enlisted soldiers, and traveled to the remains of wartime trenches in France. As the team had no experience working on a puzzle game, they took inspiration from old LucasArts adventure games as well as titles like The Cave.
The game is a side-scrolling, puzzle-based adventure. Players assume the role of four characters: Frenchman Emile, his German son-in-law Karl, American soldier Freddie, and Belgian nurse Anna. The game comprises four chapters split into several sections, each requiring the player to clear an objective. Puzzles involve obtaining certain items, and other sections include surviving heavy gunfire, stealth segments, and rhythmic car chase sections set to classic songs. A dog named Walt helps players solve puzzles by squeezing into small areas, fetching items, and activating switches. Collectible items hidden in each chapter reveal facts about the war.
Reader's Guide
Upon release, Valiant Hearts: The Great War received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the game's themes, visuals, animation, and music, and applauded the developer for enabling players to learn more about history while playing the game. However, reception to the game's story and gameplay was mixed. The game was nominated for several year-end awards, including Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2014. Ubisoft later released the game on additional platforms including iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia. A sequel, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home, was released in 2023 for Netflix Games and 2024 for Windows and home consoles. The game's legacy includes its use of the UbiArt Framework and its centenary-focused historical approach.
Did You Know?
- The development team had no experience working on a puzzle game and took inspiration from old LucasArts adventure games and The Cave.
- The game features a dog named Walt who can squeeze into small areas, fetch items, and activate switches.
- Valiant Hearts was nominated for Best Narrative at The Game Awards 2014.
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