Complementing the host of gameplay innovations Valkyria Chronicles promises, there's no avoiding mention of how it harnesses the processing power of PlayStation 3 for destructible environments and gorgeous graphics. In a first for the genre, characters can take out walls and destroy certain objects on the battlefield. Take aim of a wall using a grenadier, for instance, and you can blast it away. Once it's been cleared, you can then move a sniper into position to zoom through the rumble at an opponent. This rather simple element radically changes how you approach battlefield tactics since you're able to now think more realistically about how to engage enemies based on real-world interactivity.

Of course, the game looks far from “real” with its beautiful illustrative visuals that appear like a cross between pencil sketches and watercolor painting. Even more, an absolutely flawless performance points to no delay in the game's scheduled autumn (November) release. While it won't garner a lot of attention as a mainstream title, there's no doubt that Valkyria Chronicles is on the forefront of reinvigorating the genre with a beautiful presentation and inventive gameplay. We can’t wait to see more.

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