Square Enix has announced the arrival of action-RPGValkyrie Elysium,reviving an important seriesin gaming history. While theValkyrie Profileseries isn’t as widely known as other popular RPG series, it has a devoted fan base and has spawned several games across many consoles. Known for its Norse mythology-inspired storylines, beautiful soundtrack, and melancholic vibe, many players are excited to see the series return in 2022.
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New players can come to the latest in theValkyrie Profileseries with fresh eyes.Valkyrie Elysiumhas a unique story, so there’s no need to go back and play the other games to enjoy it. However, theValkyrie Profileseries is fascinating, creating some incredible games (and some misfires, too, most notably the no longer functionalValkyrie Anatomia: Origins). While not every game was a smash-hit success, theValkyrie Profilegames tend to havedeep lore, interesting characters, and emotive storytelling.
10The Valkyrie Profile Series Began Way Back In 1999
The first game in the series,Valkyrie Profile, was released back in 1999 in Japan, followed by the North American release in the year 2000. Since then, there have been several games in the franchise, with the most recent entry set to arrive in the latter half of 2022. It stands out among the wide range oflengthy 90s RPGsby having an unusually melancholic vibe, which continues through later games in the series.
9Valkyries Are Odin’s Handmaids
Perhaps unsurprisingly, gamers can play as a Valkyrie in theValkyrie Profileseries.According to Norse mythology, the 12 Valkyries are Odin’s handmaids, guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla. InValkyrie Profile, the original PS1 game, the main protagonist Lenneth has recently awoken, and it’s her job to help protect Asgard from destruction.
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In the first game, Lenneth is also a Goddess of Fate. She shares this role with her sisters, and the three of them share the same body.
8The Valkyrie Profile Games Have An Emotive Soundtrack
TheValkyrie Profileseries is known for having an incredible soundtrack. Composed by Motoi Sakuraba, the music enhances the melancholy present in each game, and it’s very effective at heightening emotions at key moments.
The music is so popular, in fact, that Square Enix released a double-disc soundtrack album on their own record label in 2008. Sakuraba has composed the music for the latest entry in the franchise,Valkyrie Elysium. He is incredibly prolific when it comes to composing music for games. His music can be found in games likeMario Sports SuperstarandDark Souls 3.
7You Can Play The First Game On Mobile
The first game in the series,Valkyrie Profile,was ported for the PSP in 2006 and given a new name (Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth). Later, in 2018, this version of the game was released on iOS and Android.
Gamers can playValkyrie Profile: Lennethon mobilenow. It holds up pretty well as anRPG for mobile, and it’s a great way for new players to experience the first game. However, many players are used to playing with a controller, and it can be frustrating to switch to mobile controls for such a large and complex game.
6The ValkyrieSeries Is Steeped In Norse Mythology
As well as the obvious Norse-inspired Valkyries working for Odin, the setting of theValkyrie Profileseries is packed with Norse influence. As well as Odin, players will encounter the goddess Freya as they prepare for Ragnarök, a series of events leading to a final battle between gods, demons, and giants.
This continues in the latest entry of the series,Valkyrie Elysium, with the main character battling the wolf Fenrir, which is again based on Norse mythology. According to legends, Fenrir (son of the god Loki) is prophesied to be part of the downfall of the gods. How closelyValkyrie Elysiumsticks to this tale remains to be seen.
5One Valkyrie Game Is Completely Unplayable
While there are a fewhard-to-playValkyrie Profilegames, one, in particular, is unplayable.Valkyrie Anatomia: The Originlaunched on Android and iOS in 2016 (Japan) and 2019 (worldwide). It’s an RPG with several missions to complete, but the reception wasn’t great. Players were not impressed by having to pay for basic features, like speeding up waiting times between attacks.
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While it sold well, it didn’t last long. Theservers were closed downin August 2020, citing ‘difficulties.’ The Japanese servers closed down later inApril 2021.
4There Are Several Manga Based On The Valkyrie Profile Series
Players can enjoy manga based on theValkyrie Profileseries, including:
There is also a manga anthology,Valkyrie Profile Enix Supercomic Gekijoh, which is based onValkyrie Profile: Lenneth.
They aren’t the easiest to get hold of, but eBay is usually a good source for them.
3The Valkyrie Profile Series Has A Subdued, Melancholy Tone
What makesValkyrie Profilestand out is the kind of dark, subdued tone. While they share common themes with theFinal Fantasyseries, they’re a little more serious in both the subject and the general feeling the games evoke. The muted color palette and incredible soundtrack combine to create a series that is quite unique.
The stories are melancholic and, at times, quite dark, but the narrative tends to be compelling, and the characters are just as interesting as those inFinal Fantasy. Fingers crossed thatValkyrie Elysiumcontinues in the same vein.
2Valkyrie ElysiumIs An Original Story
New players won’t have to worry about catching up with the rest of the series. WhileValkyrie Elysiumis very much part of theValkyrieseries, it isn’t technically a sequel, so brand-new players can still enjoy it without feeling left out.
Returning players will enjoy the familiar setting and themes, as well as the evocative soundtrack. Presumably, there may be references to previous characters and storylines, although there’s no way of knowing for sure until the game is released.
1Valkyrie ElysiumIs Set For Release In September 2022
Valkyrie Elysium’s official release dateis July 30, 2025 (for PS4 and PS5), followed by the Steam release on July 23, 2025.
Players can spend a little more to access the Digital Deluxe version, available on PS4, PS5, and Steam. The Digital Deluxe edition includesValkyrie Profile: Lennethand exclusive Valkyrie equipment (‘Svartaljr’) and is available for pre-order now. This is a good way for players that are new to the series to enjoyLennethfor the first time.
