Having been out in Japan for quite some time already, the global version for Valkyrie Anatomia -The Origin-  has finally been released. Once again, you will take on the role of battlemaiden Lenneth, although this time around, we are going back in time, as this game is a prequel to the first two games. Here are our Valkyrie Anatomia -The Origin- first impressions.

Without spoiling too much of the story, which is a highlight of the game, Odin is in trouble and needs your help to recruit Einherjars, or fallen heroes. Yes, that’s right, everyone who joins your party is essentially dead, making the core concept of Valkyrie Anatomia perfect for a hero collector RPG.

The campaign is essentially one protracted recruitment drive as you delve one by one into the past of your heroes. The writing here is the game’s key strength, as you are provided with a better understanding of the motivation of your fallen heroes when they were still alive. By dedicating several chapters of the story just on the character, it makes the experience much more personal. Eventually, once you have a functioning party, the game goes back to the main plot and the story picks up from there again.

You move around the game world where every action taken takes up an action point which replenishes over time. Combat is fairly straightforward where you will be engaging in turn-based fights. Tap on your character and they will perform an attack. Swipe up on their portrait and you cast a skill. Build up your purification meter and you will unleash a very powerful attack.

Apart from the main story, you can partake in side quests, although these are mostly things you need to do anyway in order to gain materials. Said materials are necessary to upgrade weapons and characters alike.

Valkyrie Anatomia is a very competent game and a solid entry in the rather crowded hero collector RPG genre. Unfortunately however, there is not much here on offer that other games do not already provide. The graphics and in-game models do not exactly inspire, as they look rather dated. However, if you are a fan of the series, it might be worth checking out for a bit.