Baldr Force

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 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.