Valkyrie Anatomia
A Valkyrie Profile spin-off for mobile devices.
Square Enix published this mobile role-playing game, which was developed by Dokidoki Groove Works for Android and iOS. It takes place in a different world than Valkyrie Profile. Japan got it first in April 2016, with a global release following in April 2019. The worldwide servers closed in August 2020, and the Japanese servers ended in April 2021.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Dokidoki Groove Works
- Publisher
- Square Enix
- Writer
- Bun-O Fujisawa
- Composer
- Motoi Sakuraba
- Series
- Valkyrie Profile
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Released
- April 28, 2016 (JP); April 4, 2019 (WW)
- Genre
- Role-playing game
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The player guides a valkyrie and up to three Einherjar through missions separated by story scenes. A map shows locations connected by paths; moving between them costs AP, which refills on its own or can be bought. AP also lets you heal after fights or freeze enemies during them. Each location is a 3D area where you battle monsters and open treasure chests. In combat, you tap a character’s portrait once their action bar fills, and swipe up with good timing to trigger special moves. A combo meter builds up to unleash stronger attacks. Weapons come from chests and defeated foes; you can merge and improve them. In-game currency, also available for purchase, boosts the odds of getting better gear.
Plot
Before the events of Valkyrie Profile, the goddess Lenneth Valkyrie is tasked by Odin with gathering human souls to become Einherjar for Ragnarok. Set across nine Norse-inspired worlds like Midgard and Asgard, the story follows Lenneth as she grows attached to these heroes, leading her to question whether the final battle should be stopped.
Development
Square Enix unveiled the game in April 2016. Graphics were developed by Visual Works, Square Enix's CGI subsidiary. The staff included producer Yoshinori Yamagishi, composer Motoi Sakuraba, and scenario writer Bun-O Fujisawa. It was released on April 28, 2016 for iOS and Android. Development began after ten years without a new Valkyrie Profile title and many fan requests. Square Enix wanted to use an intellectual property for a social game, and someone proposed Valkyrie Profile while retaining its charm. Yamagishi emphasized music and sound effects to draw out emotion and immerse new players while playing on nostalgia. The game uses a mix of franchise music and new compositions. After fan requests for more focus on Einherjar, and to avoid interfering with console game plans, Yamagishi created a story centering on an Einherjar from the series' beginning. Development was shorter than usual for a Valkyrie title. Yamagishi intended cliffhangers and lingering mysteries to keep players interested. Post-release, the team listened to player feedback to keep the game engaging. The worldwide server shut down on August 31, 2020; the Japanese server shut down on April 27, 2021.
Reception
RPGFan called the game a wasted opportunity, collect-a-thon, and genuinely bad freemium ideas rolled into one package, condemning it for selling basic features like combat speed. Siliconera noted the game's generosity compared to other freemium franchise games, as players start with two powerful characters, Sennah and Jeanne. Within two weeks of release, the game exceeded one million downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Valkyrie Anatomia released?
Valkyrie Anatomia was released on April 28, 2016 in Japan and on April 4, 2019 in worldwide.
Is Valkyrie Anatomia single-player or multiplayer?
Valkyrie Anatomia offers single-player play.
More in Square Enix Games of the 2010s
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