Valkyrie Elysium details Armand, Einherjar Kristoffer and Taika, and battle system
New characters, summons, and gameplay mechanics introduced.
Publisher Square Enix and developer Soleil have released new information and screenshots for Valkyrie Elysium, introducing new character Armand, new Einherjar (summons) Kristoffer and Taika, and more on the battle system.
Get the details below.
■ Characters
Armand (voiced by Harry McEntire in English, Natsuki Hanae in Japanese)
“I’m out here looking for something, despite the world being in the state it is.”
A male human whom Valkyrie encountered in Midgard. He appears to be searching for something in the collapsing world, despite not knowing exactly what it is he seeks.
■ Einherjar
Einherjar
Einherjar are spirits that serve Valkyrie. In this title, the story revolves around the dynamics between Valkyrie and Einherjar. In battle, they fight alongside Valkyrie, and play a supporting role, assisting in combos and imbuing elements while summoned. By using Einherjar skillfully, players can gain the advantage in battle.
Kristoffer (voiced by Cassie Bradley in English, Maaya Uchida in Japanese)
“It is the duty of the strong to look out for those who cannot defend themselves.”
An Einherjar specializing in spear combat. Before her death, she was the princess of South Lucarda.
Taika (voiced by Safiyya Ingar in English, Saori Hayami in Japanese)
“It is me, though my mind is utterly lost, crippled by regret.”
An Einherjar who wields magic. She was once a Guardian who protected her motherland with magic.
■ Battle System
Summoning Einherjar
The soul gauge will fill up when the player collects items and/or blue souls. Use the energy stored in your soul gauge to summon an Einherjar. When summoned, the Einherjar grants their elemental properties to Valkyrie, strengthening her attacks.
—While the Valkyrie is under the effects of an Einherjar’s elements, the color of her body will change.
Divine Arts
These are special attacks learned by obtaining scrolls from treasure chests. Once these Divine Arts are equipped, they can be utilized by consuming charge out of the arts gauge, which fills up from items and landing combos. Each Divine Art has an associated element; using these to exploit an enemy’s weakness may provide an advantage in battle.
—While an Einherjar is summoned, Divine Arts with the same element will be strengthened as well.
—“Nibelung Valesti” is an ultimate attack only granted to Valkyries.
Fire
—Fire Storm
Conjures a fire storm from underneath the target.
Lightning
—Lightning Bolt
Fires a bolt of lightning at target. Also damages other enemies near target.
Ice
—Hail Shot
Fires five shots of magic-infused hail.
Earth
—Mortal Suppression
An earth magic attack that concentrates the caster’s power into a target, drawing nearby enemies towards it.
Holy
—Extreme Void
Creates a holy sword that strikes from below to launch the enemy into the air.
Void
—Heal
Restores the Valkyrie’s health gauge.
Darkness
—Punishment Blast
A javelin formed of darkness that rains down from the sky and explodes on impact.
Soul Chain
Soul Chain allows for the player to extend a wire to a point in the distance to travel quickly. Not only will this allow the player to go where a simple jump cannot reach, but it can be utilized to quickly move in on an enemy.
Combos
Landing an attack on an enemy will increase the combo gauge; land another attack before the gauge is emptied to maintain the combo. By continuously accumulating combos, the arts gauge will fill up, enabling the player to utilize Divine Arts.
—Aerial combos are great for attacking enemies without worrying about their counter-attack, plus there’s a better chance of item drops.
Weapons
Up to two weapons can be equipped simultaneously, and they can be swapped depending on the enemies you face or your personal playstyle preference. Players can raise the level of weapons by enhancing them, increasing the attack power and / or unlocking new attacks. Furthermore, once the weapon reaches a certain level, the player can attach runes to them, which will enhance offensive or defensive power.
—Alfodr (straight sword)
A sword bestowed by the All-Father Odin.
—Baleygr (spear)
A beautiful white spear imbued with the power of the gods.
—Bolverkr (rapier)
A slim sword which excels in attack speed.
—Herteitr (double-edged spear)
A long polearm that is good for continuous attacks or for throwing.
Acquiring Skills
Acquiring skills enhances and unlocks Valkyrie’s abilities and actions. Various effects, categorized as offensive, defensive, and supportive, can be customized to suit the player’s playstyle.
—If an enemy’s attack is guarded at the right moment, a slow effect occurs and a large amount of souls are dropped.
—Various skills can be learned.
Vingolf
At a training ground called Vingolf, Valkyrie can summon enemies that have been purified in the past and train against them.
Valkyrie Elysium is due out for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on September 29, followed by PC via Steam on November 11.
