Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a beautiful and emotional game that brings to life the experiences of soldiers in World War I. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and released in 2014, the game tells the story of five characters whose lives are intertwined by the war. In Valiant Hearts: Coming Home, the game’s expansion, players are able to experience the characters’ stories after the war has ended.
The game’s story is told through a combination of beautiful hand-drawn art, emotive music, and historical information. Players take on the roles of different characters as they navigate their way through the war and its aftermath. Each character has their own unique story and perspective on the war, and players will experience both the horrors and the humanity of the conflict.
The gameplay in Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is a mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat. The puzzles are challenging but not too difficult, and they often require players to use a combination of logic and creativity. The exploration elements of the game are well-designed and the environments are richly detailed. The combat is not overly complex, but it does require players to be strategic and use cover to avoid taking too much damage.
One of the standout features of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is its historical accuracy. The game is full of authentic details and references to real events and people from the war. The developers clearly put a lot of effort into researching the period and it shows in the game’s attention to detail. Players will learn a lot about the war and its impact on the people who fought in it.
Another strength of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is its emotional impact. The game doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war, and players will experience the loss, trauma, and heartbreak that the characters go through. The game’s soundtrack is also incredibly moving, with haunting melodies and powerful vocal performances that perfectly capture the emotions of the characters.
Despite its heavy subject matter, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home manages to find moments of hope and humanity. The relationships between the characters are touching and their acts of kindness and bravery are inspiring. The game’s message is one of empathy and understanding, and it encourages players to think about the human cost of war.
The game’s hand-drawn art style is also a standout feature. The characters and environments are beautifully rendered, with a rich and textured look that gives the game a unique visual identity. The art style also helps to convey the game’s emotional tone, with expressive character animations and evocative backgrounds.
One of the only downsides of Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is its relatively short length. The game can be completed in a few hours, which may disappoint some players who are looking for a longer experience. However, the game’s emotional impact and historical accuracy more than make up for its brevity.
In conclusion, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is a beautiful and moving game that tells an important story about the human cost of war. Its mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat make for a satisfying gameplay experience, and its historical accuracy and attention to detail are impressive. The game’s emotional impact is its greatest strength, with a powerful soundtrack and touching relationships between the characters. Despite its short length, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is a must-play for anyone interested in the history of World War I or in experiencing a powerful and thought-provoking story.
