If you like strategy or tactical RPG's, this is it.
First off, let me mention that the battles in this game are very challenging. So if you do not enjoy being challenged, this is probably not a game for you.

Now, if you're familiar with games like Vandal Hearts and Final Fantasy Tactics, this is similar but it advances the genre quite a bit. Free movement, control over aim and positioning, a unique art-style, huge lineup of characters each with full back-stories, etc. is what makes this game amazing. Let me qualify that by saying there have been similar titles on PC, but console gamers often don't delve into PC games.

Anyone who's played Final Fantasy Tactics knows that it's really repetitive (though still addictive) due to the fairly streamlined combat (move melee in front, adjust ranged fighter, position healer, repeat). In Valkyria Chronicles, the combat itself is just as interesting as the movement, and that makes it feel a lot more involving and less of a meta game, while not bogging down the action.

If you're a fan of strategy, tactics, & anime then you cannot go wrong with this game.

quick delievery
The game was not what I had expected at first but non-the-less it was an excellent game. It was challenging and entertaining. It was definitely a surprise hit that I don't mind playing again and again.

A gem among rubbish
It's rare to find a strategy game on a console that just works. This is one of those games that just work. The gameplay is simple and intuitive yet challenging enough to keep the intensity going. The missions in-game are open enough you can play using your style of play, but provides enough difficulty in achieving A-ranks to challenge more hardcore gamers.

The story is somewhat simple. There's an overall story of the big guy picking on the little guy with two stories of romance underneath as well as the story of the underdog rising through the ranks. There are one or two twists which are easily expected if you're one to analyze a story. The two main themes which circle about the cast of characters (good and bad) you meet are loyalty and betrayal.

The game is filled with lore/information on just about everything. Each and every minor character has a backstory which unfolds in the game's character logs. Each location has a history and local lore surrounding it. The average gamer may not be interested, but for those interested in the world they play in, this game immerses you into a series of detailed logs on multiple aspects of the game's world.

The gameplay itself can be divided into three parts. The overall turn based "bird's eye view" gives you a commander's view of the field, but when you control an individual unit you enter the real-time third person shooter mode where the enemy will shoot back if you take your time in performing actions. However, the enemy stops firing when you go into the aiming mode, where you select your weapon/tool and aim the character at your target.

The 5 classes of shocktrooper (anti-infantry), scout (multi-role with high movement), lancers (anti-armor with heavy armor), engineers (support-role), and sniper (long-range anti-infantry) each have unique strategies and skills which the player can utilize (or not by never using them) on the field. Even more variety on the field is given through the attributes (personal talents) and potentials (class talents) which activate under certain conditions but may help or hinder you. A wide variety of scenarios also keeps things interesting at every turn of the game.

OVERALL REVIEW
This is a must have for PS3 owners who want a solid strategy game and though there are shooter elements, this game cannot be labeled as a shooter. The graphics are top-notch for the style which mimics watercolor paintings. The story is engaging but simple where gameplay is complex but approachable by anyone. 4 out of 5.

Best stragety game of all time!
look im going to make this short, theres no need for me to tell you why i myself feel this is the best strategy game of all time. just read the other 5 star reviews and they will tell you pretty much what i would type myself.

If you have a PS3 YOU NEED THIS GAME
Well this is a fantastic strategy rpg that has no grids like it's forerunners. In games like disgaea, advance wars or the old genesis shining force you played on a board moving troops via grid and were an armchair general but in VC
you move troops before battle and are able to freely roam the person you just positioned beforehand.

For the anime lovers out there you can select japanese with english subs and personally this is the preferred option-not to say the english actors arn't great but i prefer the original language always.

The graphics are fantastic and very anime like it's too bad there wasn't a skirmish online mode but if you have a psp around aug 31's VC II will arrive-i know i wish ps3 was geting more VC love but i did hear the next ps3 disgaea will arrive by now in 2011.

If you love being an armchair general strategy rpg's are for you.