Square Enix has announced the arrival of action-RPG Valkyrie Elysium, reviving an important series in gaming history. While the Valkyrie Profile series 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 the Valkyrie Profile series with fresh eyes. Valkyrie Elysium has a unique story, so there's no need to go back and play the other games to enjoy it. However, the Valkyrie Profile series is fascinating, creating some incredible games (and some misfires, too, most notably the no longer functional Valkyrie Anatomia: Origins). While not every game was a smash-hit success, the Valkyrie Profile games tend to have deep lore, interesting characters, and emotive storytelling.

10 The 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 of lengthy 90s RPGs by having an unusually melancholic vibe, which continues through later games in the series.

9 Valkyries Are Odin's Handmaids

Perhaps unsurprisingly, gamers can play as a Valkyrie in the Valkyrie Profile series. According to Norse mythology, the 12 Valkyries are Odin's handmaids, guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla. In Valkyrie 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.

8 The Valkyrie Profile Games Have An Emotive Soundtrack

The Valkyrie Profile series 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 like Mario Sports Superstar and Dark Souls 3.

7 You 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 play Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on mobile now. It holds up pretty well as an RPG 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.

6 The Valkyrie Series Is Steeped In Norse Mythology

As well as the obvious Norse-inspired Valkyries working for Odin, the setting of the Valkyrie Profile series 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 closely Valkyrie Elysium sticks to this tale remains to be seen.

5 One Valkyrie Game Is Completely Unplayable

While there are a few hard-to-play Valkyrie Profile games, one, in particular, is unplayable. Valkyrie Anatomia: The Origin launched 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. The servers were closed down in August 2020, citing 'difficulties.' The Japanese servers closed down later in April 2021.

4 There Are Several Manga Based On The Valkyrie Profile Series

Players can enjoy manga based on the Valkyrie Profile series, including:

• Valkyrie Profile
• Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
• Valkyrie Profile: The Dark Alchemist

There is also a manga anthology, Valkyrie Profile Enix Supercomic Gekijoh, which is based on Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.

They aren't the easiest to get hold of, but eBay is usually a good source for them.

3 The Valkyrie Profile Series Has A Subdued, Melancholy Tone

What makes Valkyrie Profile stand out is the kind of dark, subdued tone. While they share common themes with the Final Fantasy series, 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 in Final Fantasy. Fingers crossed that Valkyrie Elysium continues in the same vein.

2 Valkyrie Elysium Is An Original Story

New players won't have to worry about catching up with the rest of the series. While Valkyrie Elysium is very much part of the Valkyrie series, 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.

1 Valkyrie Elysium Is Set For Release In September 2022

Valkyrie Elysium's official release date is September 29, 2022 (for PS4 and PS5), followed by the Steam release on November 12, 2022.

Players can spend a little more to access the Digital Deluxe version, available on PS4, PS5, and Steam. The Digital Deluxe edition includes Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth and 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 enjoy Lenneth for the first time.

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