Valkyria Largely Ignored by U.S. Gamers

Sega's Valkyria Chronicles was never expected to be a huge hit in the U.S.--Japanese tactical RPGs aren't exactly lighting up the charts these days.

Nevertheless, pockets of gamers admired the stylish PS3 exclusive for its unique look and interesting mix of real-time and turn-based tactics. Those fans might like to know that the game sold just 33K units in the U.S. during November, according to NPD Group.

NPD's David Riley told Edge the game didn't manage to crack the top 100 game SKUs for November, whose software sales roster was ruled by titles including World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, Gears of War 2, Wii Fit and Call of Duty: World at War.

Valkyria Chronicles released on November 4 in the U.S. The title first shipped in Japan in late April, where it performed much better, shifting 77K units in its first week. It debuted at number three behind blockbusters Mario Kart Wii and Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, according to Media Create.

But in a U.S. shopping season that included such commercial heavy-hitters, it's no surprise that this uncommon title was lost in the shuffle.

[N4PS3G]

wow..thats sad really :S

[Nathan Drake]

That the JRPG Strategy game from Sega has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide with no commercial advertising campaign?

Tell me what the numbers from Last Remnant are,since it's a Square Enix game placed exclusively on the 360,the numbers better be in excess of 500,000 otherwise you just made yourself look like a fool.

[callahan09]

It's one of the best games of the year. Easily the best strategy game of the year.

I'd say that it breaks the top 5 best in each of the following categories this year:

Graphics
Art Direction
Music
Voice Acting
Story
Strategy Games
Role Playing Games
Playstation 3 Games

Nothing short of an astonishingly well-executed computer game. Just brilliant all-around. The scenarios represent strategy at its finest, the depth of the game and its mechanics is purely brilliant, and I just love everything about it.

It deserves to sell well. But it won't. Oh well.

[Liquid Dust]

at this quality, i really hope they keep releasing games just like this one, cant wait till christmas to get it, only hearing and reading great things

COME ON PEOPLE GET THIS GAME!!!

http://ps3.ign.com/articles...

Im doin my part to support great software for the PS3, are you? Let loose those wallets a little! While youre at it pick up R2/Bioshock/LBP/wipEout HD, my 4 recent favs on my currently played list.

[N4PS3G]

Nathan really..don't try so hard

It says the game sold 33k in Nov and 77 k in japan

100k in in USA + Japan for a game with so many good reviews its really bad these days

as for The last Remnant ..It debuted at numbers 4 in japan with 100k in a system with less than a million consoles user base (360)

Also The last remnant wasn't critically well received like Valkyria

33k for this game is pitiful and sad.because im sure its a great game

So really don't make yourself look like a fool defending the undefendable.

[CrazzyMan]

Come on, japanese bought over 150k, are americans THAT tasteless???

The only bad thing Sega did, releasing this game in November and not in Septmeber-October. Too many great games were released in last month. Not many people can afford over 10 games in 1 month.
YET, i hope this game will have good legs and people will buy more, just like Uncharted, which started with ~200k first week, and after 1 year reached over 2 mln. in sales.
I hope this game also will reach atleast over 1 mln. by next Christmas. =)

However, atleast VC sold better then most jrpgs released in this gen. =)
Try demo people, and if you will like it, BUY it, you won`t be dissapointed. ;)

[umair_s51]

true true

[INehalemEXI]

yall keep pushing it though ...I eventually get it. Just got Fallout 3 and im broke due to xmas shopping too.

[miniduf1]

wow Nathan what is your problem, N4PS3 G didn't even say anything about the 360. Yet you had to start bashing the 360? Do you really want to start a flame war. Why so loyal to the company you bought a console from honestly its a little pathetic and sad. Dont drag the 360 in, its the fact that PS3 owners are missing a good game, its there fault and theirs alone.

[Nathan Drake]

Ahh,so it hasn't sold over 500,000?

It looks like The Last Remnant sales are sad really.

[evrfighter]

Compare that with the 200k in its first month "Sins of a Solar Empire" with the same zero marketing campaign (no publisher) on a platform (PC) that sees pirating run rampant with no DRM safeguards whatsoever. I'll also throw in a "ya that's sad"

I know they are of different genre. But it's largely at a disadvantage being a pc exclusive and pirates being able to download it with no drm.

[TheSadTruth]

I saw the video review for this.. it looked pretty interesting and unique, I would probably buy it if I owned a PS3. Unfortunately I think the cellshaded-esque graphics are a huge turnoff for the western PS3 fanbase, it certainly isn't the kind of art direction I like.

[Sarcasm]

Yeah it's a shame really. Valkyria Chronicles is an excellent game. SEGA Should also release it on the 360, as the game itself should be played by all.

[pain777pas]

I'm going to get it once this madness is over that my Jan game till KZ2 and SF4.

[SaiyanFury]

I got this game on day one and have been loving it. The sheer amount of thinking that goes into every turn is great. It IS too bad that it's not selling all that well, but considering the sheer amount of highly anticipated games coming to market this holiday it doesn't surprise me. Hopefully it will pick up after the new year.

[deeznuts]

N4PS3G, 77k in Japan was just for the first week.

[NinjaRyu]

That means 2 things to me. 1 it will get ported to the 360 or 2 when I get a PS3 nest year I can buy it for cheap. Hell maybe both will happen!

[Chubear]

Ofcourse it'll get ported. It was always going to be ported to the 360 later on. Did you see any "only on PS3" stickers on the box? ofcourse not, why? cause it's just a timed exclusive.

[v1c1ous]

all the ps fanboys were proclaiming from the top of their lungs that 360 users don't buy rpgs. that they only buy FPS and shooting games.

so, maybe its not the console, but the genre in itself that is having trouble finding an audience this generation?

[cp68]

Although i love sega, this game just sucks so bad. THat's just me though, i'm not into those types of games although i LOVE role playing games. THe little 'tactic' addition put me far away from valkyria. And well, i'll be frank with you, the cell shading is totally useless. Cell shading = lazy developers.

I bet you TRINE, the very recently announced PSN console exclusive game, will sell more on the first day than the amount of games valkyria sold until now. The TRINE debut teaser trailer has been watched over 30,000 times on day one, and EVERYONE loved it.

[Danja]

dude..lets be honest you've never really played the game..

hence you wouldn't be saying all this crap about it..

[Information Minister]

Just because you don't like a game, that doesn't mean it sucks. It just means it's not your cup of tea.

[UltimateIdiot911]

Wow, what did you play, just the demo?
The game is far better than the demo, the story is very good and the whole gameplay is great.
I've done my part and bought the game. Even though I didn't get my artbook and paid full price, I don't regret it. I love the game, it's on par with MGS4 on my favorite title list.

[Enate]

I'm getting it for Christmas an gonna love every minute of it.

[Sevir04]

on a budget.

[tatotiburon]

sorry SEGA, wrong system

[Keele]

Yup, they should've gone with the winbox360 but instead they made a bad move and chose suckstation 3.

Next time, SEGA, you know which console to choose.

[ViceKingz]

too bad the sh*tbox has a repellent that repels great rpgs

[FFXI101]

You talk as if all RPGs on 360 would sell. How well did they do? none of those Japanese RPG go over half mil and there're over 25mil 360s world wide.

[Araceae]

Yeah, cause all the JRPG's that were released on the 360 are AAA and sells millions... oh wait no they don't. JRPG's have never been major sellers in the US, with the Final Fantasy series being the only real exception.

[gambare]

"sorry SEGA, wrong system "

SquareEnix says HI

[Potty Scotty]

It would have sold at least 100k on the Xbox 360 in the USA. Probably 100k in Japan on Xbox 360.

[rucky]

I know I was one of the 33K and am proud of it. Only logical reason not much people went out and buy this game cause November was filled with heavy-hitting games. I love you Sega and I love the beautiful game.

[UltimateIdiot911]

Same here, I chose VC over R2 and other hype titles. I give my money to developers who make good game. VC deserved every penny + more.

[RememberThe357]

There are very few New IP's that do well during the holidays. Look at EA's sales this month. The only new IP that did well was Left 4 Dead.

[ButterToast]

I did the same thing passed up resistance 2 to get this game. more people need to buy it, but i think most people who planned to get this game knew it wouldn't do well sell wise. all the forums i was on about this game people my self included where promoting this game like crazy just so more gamers at least knew about it. I guess it will end up on a lot of "top 10 most overlooked PS3 games" similarly to games like ICO and pychonauts did on the PS2. heres hoping gamers give this game a chance.

On a side note despite all the great games that are coming out I'm really starting to hate this gen. it seems like the only games that are doing well are established IPs, Casual shovelware, and FPS games using the same formula. even mediocre FPS games are selling decently. I know that there have been a few exceptions and really we're not that far into this gen, but thats just the impression i have so far. oh ya I almost forgot gamers this gen get upset if the games don't hold their hands. the only genre of games that i can say have really maintained there challenge are the shooters and ninja gaiden. other than those i have yet to run into a game that has truly challenged me.

sorry thats really off topic I'll just end my rant here.

[panasonic23]

ahahahahahahahahaaah

[kvg88]

for good games. I'm getting it for christmas, I'm pumped. I think that it will still go on to sell a lot of copies, just needs some advertising is all.

[Darrius Cole]

The sales are the result of absolutely ZERO marketing. It hasn't even gotten a lot of reviews.

[demoneyeslaharl]

I'm also part of the 33K. Amazing game.

[sinny]

One of the best games of the year, im addicted to it.
It's sad to see crappy games selling well and not this game.

[Homicide]

Sad stuff but it was expected.

[HDgamer]

Others like me have spent over 200 for some games that came out in october, I really wanted a couple of other games in November but I just didn't have the money.

[RememberThe357]

All these games and most are going to be forgotten by the end of the year...

Publishers need to spread these games out a bit.

[OSIRUSSS]

I haven't even taken it out of the plastic along with Fallout 3 til the trophy patch is released.

[joebahrjoebahr]

and their excuses.
its liek a circus.

[Venomish]

the demo was boring for me. i more likely buying sonic unleashed than valkyria.

[Danja]

of all the games ur gonna buy Sonic Unleashed...?

it's not smart to base ur judgment of the game based on the demo this game is 40-50HRS worth of gameplay....the demo does this game no justice..

well to be fair the demo was the reason I actually bought this game XD

[Information Minister]

Please tell me you're joking. Because if not, then you're part of the problem.

[Menchi]

That's precisely the problem these days.

People who are more willing to lap up the latest pile of rehased crap, and ignore the real games of this generation.

There will come a time, when games will all be exact clones of each other, and people will wonder, what on earth happened to trying to be different.

[ultimolu]

I bought this game and I'm happy.
That's what matters to me.

[joebahrjoebahr]

what matters!

no excuses, im glad to see that!

[ultimolu]

This game is very underrated. I have never played a game like this and I was amazed by how quick it is to get into.

Underrated games will always sell like this because people will never appreciate them for what they are.

[PLAYSTATIONGENRATION]

zero advertising

[ShinigamiGirl]

Alot of gamers are missing out on a great game.

[RememberThe357]

I'm oping this game has those legs people have been talking about lately

[tatotiburon]

there is any PS3 game that didn't flop in sales?, everybody was saving money for The Dark Knight?

[air1]

lmfao...

[gambare]

you are not so far from truth, I didn't bought naruto ninja storm because I bought DK among many other PS3 and PC titles and my credit card said "STOP!"

[TheColbertinator]

F*** the people who didn't buy it.Its a great game and one of Segas best in a long time.Shame on you all.

[Danja]

well to be fair the public wasn't really aware that a game like this existed there was no promotions..ads...or buzz for this game...sucks..:(

[InMyOpinion]

I wish this game had gotten Microsofts marketing treatment instead of Sony's neglect and ignorance. It looks like a really solid title and I've always been a Sega fanboy so I want their games to do well =)

[ultimolu]

Amen Colbert.

This game rocks.

[air1]

im telling you ppl...

the ps3 sells only cause of blu ray.. thats great for hollywood..

not even in the top 100? lmfao.. maybe we shoould make a top 300 just to show some love for ps3 software..

what made sega think it will sell well on the ps3 anyway? dah well, lesson learned..

[heyheyhey]

meh, as if it would have sold much better on 360

it's a watercolour-styled SRPG with zero advertising and releasing close to games like Call Of Duty and Fallout 3..... it was never going to sell millions... not on PS3, not on 360, not on Wii

what do you care though dumbsh!t.... like you could ever appreciate the beauty of a game like Valk with you 1 and a quarter brain cells and Halo addiction

[heyheyhey]

overshadowed.... that's the problem with too many blockbuster releases... the little guy gets shunted

it's a great game though and i hope it reaches half a mil worldwide... it really deserves to

[PirateThom]

I'm waiting until after Christmas to buy it. Sadly, it came at a time when I have to think of others.

Still need to get that and Prince of Persia. Alas.

[TheColbertinator]

Screw Prince of Persia.That game is 8 hours.Valkyria is at least 60 and actually challenging

[tatotiburon]

the most beautiful 8 hour you'll ever see

[Araceae]

@ 6.2

I own both games and love the art direction of both, but think Valkyria Chronicles looks better and is the better game over all.

[InMyOpinion]

If you play the right version that is ;)

http://www.videogamer.com/v...

[PirateThom]

I heard Mirror's Edge was short too, got it for half retail price (£25) and it's definitely worth the cash.

Game are doing PoP for £25 this week... 8 hours for £25? I'm all over that!

[EastCoastSB]

And probably for a majority of Americans too. They just want blood soaked shooters or Western RPGS.

And before anyone jumps down my throat...I"M NOT SAYING THIS IS A BAD GAME.

[SRuN4]

People need to face facts, the mass market no longer lives for JRPGs. Japan is no longer the center of the video game industry. American developers are running circles around them and until they change it up it will continue. The way it's shaping up Final Fantasy 13 might be the first and last Final Fantasy this generation in the US or close to it. I know I'll get a lot of disagrees for this but it's the changing demographic of gamers, average teenagers and young men are not walking into Gamestop and walking out with a JRPG cause the look and style of the game does not appeal to them and therefore sales are on the low side.

[Menchi]

You act like it's a good thing that rehased shooter after rehashed shooter is able to sell in the millions, while games that take a different approach sell nothing.

In my opinion, it's one of the worst things in gaming right now, to know that quality is being ignored for the sake of "guns, guns and more guns"

That's not how it should be.

[khellendros1]

I'm getting this game sometime next week. I've been waiting for some time off so I can dig in.

[Bladestar]

ha! look at the game.. and ask yourself... do these characters look like something that Americans can relate to?

JRPG type of games are not a big thing the us.. and probably less now than before when Western RPG games like Oblivion, Fallout, Mass Effect didn't exist...

I love JRPG games... but I would rather play WRPG games...

And careful what you say, you will be insulting your PS3 fans (bother in arms) who are just not interested in this type of games.

[Gun_Senshi]

typical american

[Sprudling]

First of all, Valkyria Chronicles isn't a typical JRPG. It's got strategic gameplay somewhat like the UFO-series if you remember those (Enemy Unknown, Terror From The Deep, etc), and in addition it has lots of story. I believe the more correct term is SRPG.

Also, the characters in this game are easier to relate to than anything in an average shooter, I can assure you of that. That is, unless all americans walk around with machineguns constantly killing people. Why does it matter so much how the characters are rendered? (Are you really that shallow over there?)

And btw, there's a good amount of killing and destruction in Valkyria Chronicles too. The story is about war after all. The PEGI rating is 16+.

[Meus Renaissance]

Any non-first party exclusive that fails should go multiplatform. I'm a gamer, I just want great games to be enjoyed by masses.

[Tykis]

People need to buy this game! Hopefully it would be a word of mouth type of game! Spread the word and 12 yr olds who are saying its on the wrong console plz go away and SONY need to drop the price of the PS3... NOW!

[Araceae]

I don't really know what people expect from such a niche game that was released along side a bunch of blockbusters. Also the lack of advertising doesn't help either. However, if you part of the 33K (like myself) then you are know how outstanding this game is. Valkyria Chronicles is one of my favorite games in a VERY long time. Along with MGS4, Valkyria Chronicles are my two favorite games of 2008. If you haven't played it then you are missing out.

[pansenbaer]

Can someone give me an idea of what this game is like/about? Maybe compare to a more mainstream game? I've thought it looked interesting, but I don't think I've ever played a game like it.

[monkey602]

It reminds me of Hogs of war on the PS1. Although there is a LOT more to this game. There is a demo out on the PS Store

[Light Yagami]

Its sad that an interactive sells more than this. Stupid droids for not buying this game.

[Gue1]

mention one jrpg on the X360 that the sales go beyond the 500,000 mark....

[ViceKingz]

the only one that comes to mind is lost odyssey. and thats been out for 10 months, a year if you count japan

[Magic_The_Celt]

Lmao Yeah and JRPG's on the 360 are no better, there GOD AWFUL man, like 50-60 on average on Meta, how sad.

All JRPG's this year for the 360 have flopped which is pretty sad

but then again JRPG's suck anyway.

[Doctor Strange]

I wish it would have come out at a different time, I bought it and loving it by releasing this in November wasn't a good idea. This is one of the best rpgs I've played in a while and having Aika and Vyse from Skies of Arcadia made this an instant buy for me.

Has this released in Europe yet if not I hope it does better over there and wish this titles magically grows a pair of legs, we need more games like this.

[DiabloRising]

Can't wait to pick this up. Got plenty more to finish first though.

Sad when games like this are overlooked but titles like 50 Cent sell IMHO.

[kewlkat007]

I did just pick-up Disgaea 3 yesterday. I know this game reminds me of that Advanced War game on the DS but it weird I didn't like the DEMO much

I'am into GRID focused RPGs, Traditional turn-based and maybe this game haven't warmed up to me yet, it looks good tho, well the art style.

Question Why is it not Selling?

All I hear is I'm waiting for WKC and factor 5 the new Square(Right)..and this and that it's almost like PS3 fans play one franchise from every Genre while quality rpg games like this is not selling.

Even after seeing that new SQUEENIX Trailers, everyone is back on Square sack. I blame the PS3 community. So biased against certain devs they have limited themselves box with less games to like or buy, then blame it all, on Sony and marketing, when most live on the Internet and know more than anyone about these games..

[air1]

@heyheyhey

hhmmm, i been hearing that excuse lately. bu bubu, it had no advertising. is that a surprise? we all know sony doesnt advertise..

what do i care? mofo, i would of got the game if sega would of made it for the 360, im sure we will get a port then you will see how sales are done for good games.

halo is a great online game, mad cause r2 failed? you have no brain, teh cell fried it, crack head..

[lelo]

Maybe SEGA should of put this multiplatform....

[interrergator]

yea every game is good for sega but they cant make sonic good

[Baka-akaB]

Where's the surprise ? its a tactical rpg for starters .... even with disgaea's success , it's still a niche genre...

Ask anyone if they knows whats a tactical rpg and they'll talk about FF tactics if you're really lucky .

Here we got a well reviewed but fairly obscure t-rpg , in wich sega itself doesnt believe (maybe with good reasons) ...
Basically no advertising , for yet another little rpg only afficionados will care about . Hell even in japan it didnt do that much ... 70k for one of the only ps3 exclusive of the genre , and the only good one so far released (aside from disgaea 3) is a success by a mitigated one .

There was little chance to see suddenly the title becomes a major us or eu seller , and quite frankly sega doesnt deserve it ...
Thats what you get for taking so long , and releasing it at bad periods .

Even as a major jrpg and t rpg fan , i just can't get the title right now , even if i plan to .
I just bought a complete guitar hero world tour pack , and the rock band 2 disc , Little big planet , Naruto ultimate ninja storm , my resistance 2 is shipping right now , i'm waiting for FF dissidia on psp and a few DS title , and of course i'm sleeping right now in Persona 4 ...

With so many major title to comtemplate in every genre , anyone relasing a game like Valkyria like Sega did deserve the kick in the groins they're getting .
The only annoying thing , is they'll use that as a excuse for :

- still no new real shining force title (and by that i mean tactical ), especially on next gen console ... since the "genre doesnt sell"

- no valkyria 2 , at least not on ps3

- further delay in translation of japanese games (remember yakuza kenzan , 2 , and 3 ? among other things)

[Menech]

I bought a PS3 just for this game and forced 2 friends to buy the game also. I have to say though I love the features the PS3 has to offer but I cant ever see myself buying a multi-platform game for it. I found the PS3 plenty useful for lots of entertainment. But when it comes down to games they play better and easier on my 360 and there more enjoyable with party chat.

I will most likely pick LittleBigPlanet and I already own MGS4 got it with my system. But I don't really see myself buying any more PS3 games until the Sony exclusive J-RPG's are released. After all playing games like COD4 on the PS3 would be an utter nonsense if you own a 360. Lets face it you have to buy a 3rd party head set and because it didn't come with one almost nobody speaks on the PSN network.

I like the idea of home but as always Sony's putting its middle finger up to Europe. I haven't been able to access it for the past 2 days almost. The main reason behind me buying a PS3 though is because of FF13 versus and I guess White Knight Story. Although am a little of put by the raving Sony fans here throwing it in the 360 owners face. Like its going to beat all the 360 J-rpg's combined.

My biggest WTF moment has to be mandatory installs I get my PS3 set up put MGS4 in and what happens. I get health warnings and silly nanny nation advice launched at me for about 6 minutes.

[Ogrekiller]

Serves them right for shifting development onto the SH!T@SS3 form the 360. BURN SEGA BURN!!!

[Figboy]

i didn't get a chance to buy the game, because i just couldn't afford it at the time, and games like Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, and Fallout 3 took priority for me. i even bought Fable 2 over Valkyria Chronicles (mainly so me and my fiance had another game to play, since there isn't much we can play on the same console these days).

it'd be nice if Valkyria would sell more over time, but it's a shame that so many gamers just DON'T WANT something new and different. it's like they recoil away at the sight of something different, yet get on their pulpits and preach about "teh lack of innovashunz in teh gaming industry!"

i'm going to buy VC as soon as i get some money to do so, and i regret that i didn't buy it sooner, because of my OWN failings (ie, going for big games like Resistance 2, Fallout 3, and Little Big Planet, instead of supporting a niche effort like VC).

[kewlkat007]

Lack of this and that but won't try something new...

Sony have built monsters over the past 2 gens...

[40cal]

It would sell a lot better is the general public actually knew about it.

[Gitaroo]

I believe the game is also under ship, Sega only shipped 20K copies in the initial shipment in Europe.

[ButterToast]

actually i think you might be right I remember hearing a lot of people not being able to find it when it was first released.

[LeShin]

It is very sad to hear as this game is brilliant! I've bought it (currently on chapter 8) and it's one of the best games I have in my collection.....though I'm from the UK so maybe I can appreciate it more j/k

Seriously, if all games that got churned out were fps's, I'd stop buying new systems, play my old systems or just stop gaming altogether. The PC market got too saturated by fps's at a point for my liking so I concentrated solely on consoles. It better not go the same way! Of all the fp's out this year, I only plan to get Resistance 2 because I like were the story of the first one was going and the weapons were bloody fun. I know there are some Americans out there who don't just enjoy mindless shooting of bots/players (just in different environments), to those people...... GET THIS GAME! lol It's brilliant! I do think that it unfortunately launched in a busy period.

[Shinro]

cause stores near my place are all sold out. :P

[patterson]

I bought this first week it was out and it exceeded all my expectations. Has a good cast of characters, a good story, and a very fun battle system. No other game like it!

I guesss it's true that all American kids want anymore are straight up shooters. Jeezus

[Gun_Senshi]

For me its the Best RPG This Gen.

I'm not in US but in EU. So I am not with those 33k

[monkey602]

Valkyria chronicles is an amazing game. I got it last week and i'm only as far as chapter 8 but I've been dying to play it again. Definitely one of my favourite games this year

[Asurastrike]

I guarantee 33k is about what Sega expected.

[maxx1223]

Told my mom to pick me this up for xmas, so i can spread out my purchases.. she told me she wasn't able to find it at the local gamestop (sold out), toys r us (not in stock), target (not in the computer..wtf? ).

guess i'll be buying this myself off amazon after xmas.