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Monday Aug 23, 2010
Valkyria Chronicles II Community BLiTZ – Day VI: Tank!Welcome to a new week, and to Day VI of the Community BLiTZ! Up this time is a detailed look at the many new Tank mechanics in Valkyria Chronicles II, including special detail about how all the new customization works. Our three signed Valkyria winners are also revealed, and we’ve got more DLC goodies going out again today. To top it all off, Valkyria Chronicles II also makes an appearance in this week’s episode of the Interactive Distractions podcast, an episode filled with all sorts of VC goodness, and some live Lady Gaga karaoke by one of their hosts. (This is why bets are dangerous.) On to day VI! Community BLiTZ – Day VI: Tank!A few of you might have already caught the reference hidden within today’s title, but generally speaking it’s also one of the first things that comes to mind whenever one of those poor non-armored Scouts turns the corner and runs headfirst into that bright, smiling, glorious enemy tank. (Some of you might also have other choice four letter words for that moment, but I figured HR would probably come talk to me if I titled it one of those.) Just as there’s nothing quite as scary as sending in a defenseless scout up against the gatling of an armored tank, there’s also little as rewarding as seeing the massive KA-BOOM and the ensuing fireworks show when your Lancer nails the radiator like a bullseye. In Valkyria Chronicles II, a lot of work was put into expanding the options and the freedom players had with their tanks. In the first game, the Edelweiss and the Shamrock offered a number of options, each with strengths in particular fronts. In VCII, you can now both name your own tank, and customize it completely – from heavy anti-armor behemoth to a light infantry carrier, and anything in between.
Here’s an example of a heavy, anti-armor based tank. Similar to the Edelweiss, it packs quite a punch, but it pays for it in mobility. That said, heavy tanks can also make excellent defenders for base camps, as the enemy will very often try to take it should the chance arise. The entire outfitting process is based on weight, so the heavier your base is, the more you can fit onto the tank. Besides simply meaning bigger guns, this also applies to certain shoulder pieces which can negate status effects: a lamp to increase allies’ sighting during nighttime missions, or a heater to help nearby units avoid the draining chill of snowy mountains. You can also fit additional armor, a constructor arm, and more to open up new paths or simply boost your tank’s performance. How you outfit your tank is entirely up to you.
Here’s an example of a much lighter tank, outfitted to take on infantry instead of other tanks. If the first picture would be comparable to the Edelweiss, then this is our Shamrock, respectively. You can actually choose to ditch the armor and cannons entirely, turning your tank into an APC. Using this, you can hide units inside and drive them across the map or through rough territory with ease – just make sure to defend it, as these kinds of strategies can be risky when there’s little armor and multiple people inside.
If you’re looking to take out an enemy tank, the radiator is always your best bet, just like in the first game. Most Lancers, if used well, can manage to get behind many tanks early on in the game for a quick kill, but do keep in mind that enemy Ace units can be tanks too – and they’re nothing to take lightly. As you progress further, charging in headfirst may quickly result in a whole lot of lancers in need of a medic, so keep an eye out for new paths or ways to use the map to your advantage. For those with patience and planning, there is always a way. Tanks can also be outfitted with new camouflage, making it harder for them to be spotted and hit by enemy units. On top of that, you can add special stickers to your tanks, which boost different stats. Besides being a fun addition, we’ve also added a few little bonuses to these stickers, with a number of them being exclusive to our western release. (Thank you to the dev team for being cool with our requests!) And then, we get to the finale…
Oh. Wow. Like the first game, some tanks might have notable advantages above the others. Like say, an extra five barrels worth of advantages. This tank is at the higher end of the challenge spectrum, but we won’t spoil all the details just yet. (When you come up against this one, you’ll know.) From personnel carriers to massive one-hit-kill barrages, the role of the Tank in Valkyria Chronicles II is just as important, if not moreso, than the first game. Customize your tank for the mission at-hand, or find ways to work it into your strategy, and you’ll be one step closer to that long-sought A Rank! Special ThanksToday’s special thanks go out to the guys at Interactive Distractions, first and foremost for supporting the series and showing VCII some love on their latest podcast, but second for making us laugh rather uncontrollably at the Lady Gaga karaoke. (Bravo, sir – that takes guts.) Travis – we hope you’re enjoying the first game! (Told you it was good!) Weekend WinnersWho won those signed copies of VCI over the weekend? The names have been drawn – congrats to the following!
Dirk Gassenarl. First, he’s got spikes. You fire him from a catapult, and he’ll take out some forces. Even more dangerous though, he has no face. If someone kills him, it wouldn’t be hard for someone else to take his place. A commander that cannot die would put a lot of fear into his enemies.
“I actually think Audrey, I mean she doesn’t seem like it, but it would be a twist in the story. Like the whole don’t judge a book by it’s cover, though she is a “devout follower of Yggdism” so the Darcens are kinda bad in that light. There’s the whole thing about doing what your parents tell you to do, she seems like she’d listen to her orders and follow through with it. Maybe I’m thinking too hard…”
“What perfect Gallia can be built, except by the hands of her people?” Congrats you three! Let me know if you’d like them signed by the SOA team, and I’ll also know shortly if dev signings are available, too. Free stuff please!
We’re saving some of the best goodies for the end of the BLiTZ, so today we’re taking another dip into the DLC codes and figurines for those of you who didn’t manage to win one yet! Today, the winners can choose either -any- DLC code, or a figurine, for those who may already have all the DLC packs. To enter today’s random draw, hit us up here on the blogs with your answer to this question:
Also remember to check Facebook and Twitter for two more shots to win! On the next episode of VCII…Edy Nelson would like us to inform all readers – whom she addresses as ‘dear fans’ – that they should tune in tomorrow as we take a look at some familiar faces from the first Valkyria Chronicles, and where they stand now, two years later. Alicia also tells us she’ll be baking a special helping of bread just for the occasion, so we hope you’ll stop by! Until then – h-hey! Edy! No singing in the offices! EDY!
Posted by RubyEclipse in Valkyria Chronicles, Valkyria Chronicles II on 7:41:10PM Aug 23, 2010
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Comment # 1
Being able to transport around multiple units in a tank sounds pretty interesting to me, especially in the strategy dept. You know I barely used the Shamrock at all in the first VC, but it looks like the light tank in VC2 will be my tank of choice. At the very least it will be fun to play around with the multitude of options.
Posted by Dust on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Comment # 2
I’ll be using the heavy anti-armor tank the most for sure. While it lacks mobility, it packs the bigger punch.
Posted by Richie on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Comment # 3
I’ve always been more of an “offense is the best defense” kind of guy.
But. Why not do both?
Heavy tanks, packing heavy hitters and heavy armor. Lovely.
Posted by Jim on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Comment # 4
Going to go with the Edelweiss-like heavy anti-armor tank. The ‘weiss got me through VC1, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Posted by Hamblasto on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Comment # 5
I never really used the Shamrock so it’s Edelweiss for me!
Posted by Jason on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Comment # 6
I suspect that I’ll use the heavy armor tank more often like I did in the first game, but I guess this might change. I really like the 5 barrel tank! It’s awesome in a silly way.
Posted by Jerel on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Comment # 7
Going to have to use the Edelweiss-like.
Old habits die hard.
Posted by Wolfgang Wozniak on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Comment # 8
Anti-armor tank
Posted by holy_ on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Comment # 9
I’m intrigued by the mention in an earlier blog post about a tank with a flamethrower. I would build an anti-infantry tank around that concept alone if it’s an option.
Posted by Dan S on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Comment # 10
Something like the Edelweiss – loved that tank!
Posted by Will on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Comment # 11
I understand the benefits of having a lighter tank, but I’d rather have firepower. Who needs speed when I can one-hit-kill a TANK with my beloved Edelweiss.
Posted by Thunderclaww on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Comment # 12
Overall, probably the light. I know later on in VC, the Edelweiss spent it’s time not being moved cause at that point, compared to the start of the game, my Lancers were more than capable of dealing with Armor and only using 1 CP to boot. I kind of expect the same for VC2, but now the light-armor has the added benefit of becoming an APC so that’ll be a big plus.
Posted by SlashZaku on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Comment # 13
I’ll probably go with the heavy tank, since my strategy relies on brute strength most of the time, may vary depending on the mission, but I will definitively favor heavy anti armor tanks.
Posted by MetalCaveman on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Comment # 14
I think I’ll end up using a light tank most often. They make great mobile strongpoints against infantry, and if you make use of the mobility and end turns in the hull-down position you can make short work of enemy armor before they can hit you.
Posted by Jim Nanban on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Comment # 15
I like my tanks like I like my mecha: big enough to pack a punch. I see the tactical advantages of light tanks, but I can’t help but jump back into my old favorite, the assault me…er…heavy tank.
Posted by Max on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Comment # 16
I’m very interested in customizing and outfitting a tank to be an APC; to ferry my units across the battlefield. It would open up a lot more strategies by using a light-tank APC filled with infantry.
Posted by Alika Q on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Comment # 17
I might try using the light tank a bit more. The APC idea sounds interesting: I foresee some long-range CTF with an APC/scout combo.
Posted by Kelvin on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Comment # 18
i would go with the heavy tank. when i played VC 1 the tank was my shield for my shock and sniper units. I would park the tank in a big open area so when i made flanking moves or needed to get to part of the map, the ground units would have some cover to at least heal or hide behind
Posted by chun on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Comment # 19
I think ill probably use the heavy tank the most. Really interested in the constructor arm. Allows for a whole new way to play maps. Also more fire power and armor options will keep it in play longer.
Posted by Brian M on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Comment # 20
Heavy all the way! Maybe we’ll get another in-tank birth while we’re at it!
Posted by 71gamer on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Comment # 21
I’ll probably use the heavy, anti-armor based tank. I used the Edelweiss for offense as well as defense for my troops so this one will be used the same.
Posted by shane211 on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Comment # 22
I am gonna used the anti-armored tank because in VC 1 I used it has a shield for Marina and also because the Edelweiss in VC 1 was just to cool.
Posted by Draggon on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Comment # 23
I have a feeling I’m going to stick to what I’m used to from the first game and hit up the heavies.
The Light tank’s mobility is tempting though so I’m sure I’ll give that one a shot.
And thanks for the mention Ruby. We appreciate it.
Posted by Shino on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Comment # 24
i’ll stick with the heavy tank
Posted by Ga_Ming on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Comment # 25
Full on destruction for me.
Posted by ila on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Comment # 26
Light tank gives versatility for little CP. Probably gonna use that one more
Posted by KJ Mok on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Comment # 27
I’m a fan of light things that move quickly, and have no qualms about sacrificing damage to get that. Hence why I loved scouts in VC1 ad why I’d go for the APC to increase army mobility.
Posted by Aronyan on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Comment # 28
heavy tank pew pew pew
Posted by metrocard on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Comment # 29
Definitely the light tank. I love the idea of it being able to transform into an APC and it opens up a lot of different strategies for beating each level.
Posted by Sigrun on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Comment # 30
I will be using the basic Heavy tank. Its a proven tactic, considering how much I’ve come to love it from the first VC. But of course, ill be throwing some stickers on it!
Posted by Jake on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Comment # 31
Since customization is more robust in VC2, I will likely take a 70/30 approach for light / heavy tank. I want something different than VC1 offered and having more control over tank types will let me try different strategies and tactics.
Posted by Garnett on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Comment # 32
I assume that I will mostly be using the heavy tank, but I’m hoping that there will be some missions that can favor a light armor strategy. That is the great thing about VC: the many different paths to victory.
Posted by Josh C. on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Comment # 33
I’m still drooling over the thought of being able to name my tanks…I’ll probably stick with heavier tanks, but I can’t wait to see what options I’ll be able to choose from to try to come up with something nice and deadly.
Posted by evaunit6 on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Comment # 34
Anything similar to the Edelweiss. Am already proficient at using it, why stop?
Posted by Mark on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Comment # 35
Heavy all the way!
Posted by Morgan on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Comment # 36
I used the Edelweiss as a protective barrier for my troops mostly, and base defense, but I used the Shamrock in the front of my squad, great mobility, and the huge FLAMETHROWER were all what I needed to take out most enemies in the front lines, the only problem where the other tanks, but that’s were Jann comes into action ^^
I will make sure to try all the possibilities in VC2, I wouldn’t like missing an awesome configuration because I didn’t try it, just like a lot of VC players didn’t try the FT in the Shamrock and its awesomeness!
Posted by landman on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Comment # 37
I am a big fan of the heavy tank, so I will use that.
Posted by gscott on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Comment # 38
The Light Tank hands down. Mobility is key for flanking attacks and a heavy tank simply can’t get into the places a light tank can. Enfilade the enemy and he’s done, but just keep in mind the cover or he’ll turn it around.
Posted by Will L. on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Comment # 39
I will probably stick to the heavy tank as well like many others. It’s a comfort zone after playing the first VC. xD Though I’ll probably try out some options and mess around before I stick to something.
Posted by Noxie on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Comment # 40
Edelweiss, she packs a punch and works as a great barrier against enemy fire
Posted by kursiub on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Comment # 41
Gotta go with the ol’ reliable with the heavy, anti-armor tank, Edelweiss!
Posted by D4rths1D on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Comment # 42
I’ll go with the Heavy Tank. Extra firepower is always welcome in the battlefield.
Posted by Andrey Coutinho on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Comment # 43
woah woah woah… I won? That’s unexpected, now I’ll have 3 copies of the same game except one will be more special.
Though to stay on topic, I’ll be using that heavy tank. Why? Well it looks the most like my beloved Edelweiss. It looks a little lighter than it, possibly letting it move faster, but man that color scheme on it looks really nice. I always did have a thing for the color blue. I just hope it won’t let me down in VC2.
Posted by Krystian on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Comment # 44
Psh, who needs a tank?
Learn to scout rush, noob (lolz)
Posted by Darkpen on August 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Comment # 45
I feel the lighter tank may end up being more useful strategically than the heavy tank.
Posted by navi02 on August 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Comment # 46
It’s funny that you mention the shamrock, because I got a lot of use out of it in the first game, so I’ll try to use the light tanks more often than the heavies. Why mess with what works? Hook a big flame thrower on that thing, park it sideways, and let units use it as mobile cover from snipers. S-Rank here we come, again!
Posted by Ying Ma on August 23rd, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Comment # 47
Based on my experiences with my Japanese copy of the game, heavy tanks are monsters, but they cost three CP to use, so I won’t be using those. I might use medium tanks more since they’re just like the Edelweiss in the first game. But overall, I rarely use tanks anyway. However, like Ruby said, patient flanking can get your around those with your Lancers.
So I’d probably stick with APCs the most. They only cost 1 CP, can carry two to four units, and have an insane amount of AP. Plus, since they can also use support equipment, it’s doesn’t cost a lot of CP to take advantage of them.
Posted by UNIT0918 on August 24th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Comment # 48
In VC1, I would always use the Edelweiss as cover in heavy fire fights, so I imagine I’d probably rely on that strategy in VC2. Then again, if the tank is customizable, I could imagine it’d just be a case of switching to whatever setup would benefit that level best.
Posted by Persona on August 24th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Comment # 49
None hopefully. Because I rarely ever use the tank in VCI. Only when a mission call for a tank till then it all ground units
Posted by E. Miller on August 24th, 2010 at 2:55 am
Comment # 50
I’ll probably use a light tank. In VC, my strategies were usual infantry based, so The Edelweiss would usually just sit as cover. I actually want to use the tank this time.
Posted by Lucas Moody on August 24th, 2010 at 4:08 am
Comment # 51
In VC, I was able to get a lot more usage out of the Edelweiss versus the Shamrock. The Shamrock’s mobility advantage didn’t quite offset the fact that it couldn’t take out multiple units given the same CP. I am hopeful that I can customize a Light tank that would give up the variety in armament options and armor, but still have a decent mix of defense and the capability to eliminate multiple units in a somewhat mobile fashion.
Posted by Wes R on August 24th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Comment # 52
Hey Ruby! Will this and PSP2 be available on the Playstation Store for Download when released?
Posted by DeVeAn on August 24th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Comment # 53
Hmm if it was VC1 I’d kill for ability to get resonably armored tank armed with flamethrower/mortar to get infantry out of cover and carring few soldiers on board but with splitted maps of VC2 I’ll probably find most usage in heavy tank used as tank destroyer and proving cover to advancing infantry behing it’s hull.
But till i see stats in game nothing is set in stone
Posted by mk on August 24th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Comment # 54
Would go with the heavy, anti-armor based tank. If they run as well as the Edelweiss would work out great that tank got me out of some tough spots
Posted by Wuvein on August 24th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Comment # 55
Heavy Tank.
Because now I can use the units the moment I deploy them, I can put a heavy tank near enemies for quick, “massive damage”, without having to worry about movement too much.
Posted by maskeXD on August 24th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Comment # 56
I would go for a “medium” tank, like a Gallian Panzer IV. Something completely average in all respects. A “jack of all trades” tank… called Jack, seeing as VC2 will let us name our own tanks!
Posted by Vielwerth on August 24th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Comment # 57
It’s hard to say; I barely used the tank in the first game. I’d probably stick with the heavy tank to hit enemy tanks.
Posted by Tenton on August 24th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Comment # 58
If the tank types all cost the same amount of CP… then probably the heavy anti-armor tank. But I greatly welcome the ability to fully customize your tank in VCII, as the all-around inferiority of the Shamrock to the Edelweiss in the first game caused me to neglect the former. Even if you can only have a single tank in this game… nothing beats rolling up t o behemoth Tank Killer and showing him who’s boss.
Posted by Gerard Checchia on August 24th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Comment # 59
Gotta go with the Heavy Tank.
The large area mortar, anti-tank shells, and machine gun are just too convenient to not use.
Posted by Brennan on August 24th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Comment # 60
I’ll probably have to go with the heavy tank especially if I can eventually also got five barrels to shoot from. Rain death and destruction with that baby anytime.
Posted by SirusRiddler on August 24th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Comment # 61
Definitely going to be using the lighter model. Turning your tank into an APC has a lot of possibilities.
Posted by Zero on August 24th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Comment # 62
Heavy heavy heavy
Posted by James on August 24th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Comment # 63
Light tank!! I didn’t like using tanks much at all, but if I had to use one it would be light. Infantry are more fun to use
Posted by Pangya on August 24th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Comment # 64
Definitely going for the heavy tank.
Posted by Nor on August 24th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Comment # 65
pretty sure i’ll use the heavy tank the most. i loved it and used it a LOT in VC1 so… i guess its just “the feeling of home” type of thing.
Posted by superespeo on August 24th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Comment # 66
I would go with the Edelweiss tank model. Although it’s movements are limited. the tank still packs a punch and can act as a temporary wall for units who can’t take heavy cross-fire like scouts snipers, and engineers.
Posted by Jonathan Louie on August 24th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Comment # 67
Edelweiss because it’s simply the best. I’ll try them all out, but the nothing beats the Edelweiss, which I have very fond memories of using. The Shamrock is cool, but I only use tanks to in the early stages of the battle, so I’m not really in need of the extra distance it would provide.
Posted by Zack on August 24th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Comment # 68
I’m going to give the APC version a workout.
Posted by Kelly on September 4th, 2010 at 8:41 am