The Official Valkyria Chronicles Thread

Yes I am creating a thread where I can dump info on my most anticipated game this year. No one really cares about this one, but I know there is like ten people who will be kind enough to check up on this.

"My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori."
(Excerpt From Wilfred Owen's WWI Poem, upon which this game is based)

Battle Field Valkyrie: Gallian Chronicles is an upcoming Strategy RPG developed by SEGA for the PlayStation 3. It is set in the fictional world of Europa, in the country of Gallia. Because of its abundance of ragnite ore—which can be refined into a powerful fuel—it has come under attack from the East Europe Empire, which itself is engaged in war with the Atlantic Ocean Federal Organization. Players take control of an uprising of Gallian nationals, dedicated to repelling the invasion. The game's visuals have received a lot of attention, featuring sketch-style cel-shading of such high quality that it has attracted favorable comparisons to animations by Studio Ghibli.

Information:
Published by: Sega
Developed by: Sega
Genre: Strategy/RPG/TPS
Number of Players: Single-Player
Price: $59.99
Media: 1 Blu-Ray Disc
Release Date:
Japan: April 11, 2008
US: November 4, 2008
EU: October 28, 2008
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3

North American Boxart:

Gameplay:
Valkyrie of the Battlefield features a unique turn-based battle system called BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones). In-between turns players are treated to an overhead map view, but zoom in to control each individual unit on the battlefield. Movement and other actions are handled in real time, though limited by an AP gauge that varies for each character. This gauge can recharge even during the same turn as you operate other characters. Additionally, players are in direct control of the characters' aim, allowing for headshots and other advantages. The environment also factors heavily in combat. In an urban level, for example, snipers can be sent onto rooftops to eliminate unsuspecting enemies below while tanks and other units can outmaneuver enemy positions via the streets.

Environment:
Built upon the new "CANVAS" engine, Valkyria Chronicles' ground-breaking 3D graphics resemble a watercolor painting in motion. Imagine locations throughout Europe ranging from burnt out cities to sprawling hillsides. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Characters:
Each of the game's characters holds a unique role. The two girls in the game provide the short and medium range firepower, using an assault rifle and a machine gun, respectively; the rest of the group's members, who are men, fill out the sniper, heavy artillery, and tank commander roles. From the game's creator:

Gallia Platoon (You):

Alicia Melchiott - Scout