Baldr Force
A hacker seeks revenge in a wired world of Simulacrum.
Baldr Force is a 2D action-shooter game and eroge visual novel featuring detailed sprite characters. Set in a near-future world where humans can dive into a network and fight using humanoid tools called 'Simulacrum,' the story follows hacker Tōru Sōma as he joins a military organization to investigate and avenge a friend's death. The game spawned multiple updated versions and a four-episode OVA adaptation.
- type
- Video game series
- first_release
- Baldr Force (original Windows version)
- genre
- 2D action-shooter, eroge visual novel
- notable_versions
- Baldr Force EXE, Baldr Force Standard Edition, Baldr Force Re-Action
- media
- Video games, OVA
- ova_title
- BALDR FORCE EXE Resolution
Lore & Background
The game's plot centers on Tōru Sōma, a member of the hacking group Steppenwolf. After a final hack into a military server turns out to be a trap, one of his friends is killed by an unknown Simulacrum, and most of the group is arrested. To investigate and avenge the death, Tōru accepts an offer to join the military organization FLAK. The story explores themes of reality and identity within the network.
Reader's Guide
Baldr Force is significant as a hybrid of action-shooter gameplay and visual novel storytelling, a hallmark of developer Giga's work. Its multiple updated releases—Baldr Force EXE for Windows, Dreamcast, and PlayStation 2—added features like new weapons, modes, and voice casting, while the PS2 version removed adult content. The OVA adaptation, licensed by Funimation, received a mention in Helen McCarthy's '500 Essential Anime Movies' for its well-crafted CGI action. The series also connects to the later title Baldr Sky, indicating a broader franchise. Its legacy lies in blending fast-paced combat with a narrative-driven cyberpunk setting, influencing later entries in the genre.
Did You Know?
- The PS2 version of Baldr Force EXE removed adult-only scenes and featured new voice casting, theme song, opening movie, and cutscenes.
- The OVA 'BALDR FORCE EXE Resolution' was released on October 11, 2006, and consists of 4 episodes directed by Takashi Yamazaki.
- Funimation licensed the OVA for North America on July 21, 2007, releasing it under the name 'Baldr Force EXE' on May 20, 2008.
- The Premium pack of the PS2 version included a mech figure, while the Dreamcast rerelease came with a telephone card, poster, and mech figure.
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