Developer: Edia Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Edia Co., Ltd.
Genre: Acton, Platformer
Price: $31.95 (total cost for all games)
Release Date: Oct 29, 2024
Where to buy: Steam
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection is a compilation of the first three games in the Valis series, each offering a unique blend of action, adventure, and anime-inspired storytelling. The collection brings these classic titles to a new generation of gamers, allowing them to experience the captivating world of Yuko and her magical adventures.
The first game in the collection, Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, introduces players to Yuko, a young girl who wields the power of the Valis sword to battle against evil forces. This side-scrolling action game features challenging platforming sections, intense boss battles, and a captivating storyline that blends fantasy and science fiction. The game’s vibrant pixel art and catchy soundtrack create an immersive experience that has captivated fans for decades.
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier introduces us to Yuko, a young girl chosen by the mysterious Queen Valia to wield the Valis sword and protect the world from the forces of darkness. As Yuko embarks on her quest, she must navigate through a series of challenging stages filled with grotesque monsters and powerful bosses. The game’s side-scrolling action gameplay combines platforming, slashing enemies with the Valis sword, and casting powerful magic spells. A good way to start into the series, however not the best in my opinion. Later games really bring the franchise out.
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier is a classic action platformer that has aged gracefully. The game’s charming pixel art and catchy soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere, while the challenging gameplay keeps players engaged. Yuko, the protagonist, is a memorable character with a unique design and a wide range of attacks.
The game’s level design is well-crafted, with a good mix of platforming challenges and enemy encounters. The boss battles are particularly intense, requiring precise timing and strategic use of Yuko’s abilities. While the game can be frustrating at times, the sense of accomplishment upon defeating a difficult boss is incredibly rewarding.
However, the game’s controls can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when attempting precise jumps or quick attacks. Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve can be steep, leading to moments of frustration. Despite these minor flaws, Valis: The Fantasm Soldier remains a timeless classic that is well worth experiencing for fans of the genre.
Valis II, the second game in the collection, expands upon the original game’s formula by introducing new enemies, power-ups, and a more complex storyline. Yuko must once again use her Valis sword to protect the world from a new threat, and she must rely on her wits and agility to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. The game’s improved graphics and gameplay mechanics provide a more refined experience than its predecessor.
Valis II expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a more polished and challenging experience. Yuko, once again, is the protagonist, wielding the Valis sword to protect the world from a new threat. The game’s stages are more diverse, ranging from ancient ruins to futuristic cities, offering a variety of platforming challenges and enemy encounters.
The gameplay mechanics in Valis II are refined, with tighter controls and more responsive combat. The game introduces new power-ups and special attacks, allowing players to unleash devastating combos on their enemies. The boss battles are particularly intense, requiring precise timing and strategic use of Yuko’s abilities.
Visually, Valis II is a significant improvement over the original game. The sprites are more detailed, the animations are smoother, and the color palette is more vibrant. The game’s soundtrack is also memorable, featuring catchy tunes that complement the action on screen.
Valis II: The Fantasm Soldier is a worthy sequel that builds upon the strengths of the original. The game boasts improved graphics, smoother animations, and a more dynamic soundtrack. Yuko’s moveset has been expanded, offering a wider range of attacks and special abilities.
The level design in Valis II is more varied, with a mix of linear stages and more open areas to explore. The boss battles are particularly challenging, requiring precise timing and strategic use of Yuko’s abilities. However, the game’s difficulty curve can be steep at times, leading to frustration for less experienced players.
While Valis II is a solid entry in the series, it does suffer from some minor flaws. The controls can feel a bit clunky at times, and the game’s pacing can be uneven. Nevertheless, Valis II remains a fun and challenging action platformer that is well worth playing for fans of the genre.
Valis III, the final game in the collection, takes the series in a slightly different direction. Valis III takes a departure from the linear progression of its predecessors, offering a more open-world structure. This allows players to explore different areas at their own pace and tackle challenges in any order they choose. The game also introduces a new feature: multiple playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles.
In addition to Yuko, players can control Cham, a mysterious girl from the Dark World, and Rena, a powerful sorceress. This expanded roster adds depth and variety to the gameplay, as players can switch between characters to exploit their strengths in different situations. The game also features a wider range of enemy types and more complex boss battles, requiring players to master the nuances of each character’s abilities.
Visually, Valis III pushes the boundaries of the hardware, featuring stunningly detailed sprites and vibrant backgrounds. The game’s soundtrack is also a standout, with a mix of catchy tunes and epic orchestral pieces. While Valis III may not be as well-known as its predecessors, it remains a beloved entry in the series, offering a unique and challenging experience for fans of the genre.
Valis III: The Fantasm Soldier is a unique entry in the series, offering a more open-world structure and multiple playable characters. This allows for a more varied gameplay experience, with different characters offering unique abilities and playstyles. The game’s visuals are impressive for its time, with detailed sprites and vibrant backgrounds.
However, Valis III’s open-world structure can feel somewhat disjointed at times, with the different areas lacking cohesion. The game’s pacing can also be uneven, with some sections feeling too easy or too difficult. Additionally, the controls can be a bit clunky, especially when switching between characters.
Despite its flaws, Valis III is still a worthwhile experience for fans of the series. Its unique approach to level design and character customization offer a fresh take on the classic formula. While it may not be as polished as its predecessors, Valis III is a bold experiment that is worth checking out.
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection is a must-have for fans of classic action games and anime. The three games included in the collection offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences, from linear platforming to open-world exploration. The games’ engaging storylines, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay make them a timeless classic that continues to captivate players today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Valis, this collection offers a fantastic opportunity to experience these iconic games.
