World War 1, one of the most significant and catastrophic events in human history. This war led to the most transformative era of the 20th century. Directly leading to the collapse of The German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. This would birth new nations, draw new borders and forever reshape the world’s landscape. The Great War changed the world forever. What’s interesting to note, despite all of this, this conflict is largely overlooked, especially in the world of pop culture and gaming.
I’ve always been fascinated by the history and impact of the First World War. Anyone familiar with gaming knows there is no shortage of WW2 games. Growing up I always wondered, why is WW1 always glossed over in the gaming industry? When I saw a preview for this game way back in 2014, I was overjoyed. It was not a AAA blockbuster like COD or Battlefield but I was still happy to take what I could get.
Valiant Hearts is not a fast-paced FPS. Instead, it tells its story as a side-scrolling puzzle/cinematic platformer. In fact, one might be disappointed to find you don’t even fire a gun at any point, but I’d say that’s actually its biggest appeal. The game presents itself as something more than just a mindless action game. It opts to show the world affected by the war and the people living in it. The characters are at the forefront of the game. The war is the cause and effect.
In Valiant Hearts, you play as several characters. Karl, a German living in France who is deported and conscripted. Emile, a French farmer, and Karl’s father-in-law. Freddie, an American soldier in the French Army. Finally, Anna, a Belgian medical student. Each one has their own motives and backstory. Karl wants to get back home for the birth of his son. Emile, to ensure his daughter and grandson are safe. Freddie, to avenge the death of his wife at the hands of German bombings and Anna to rescue her father who has been kidnapped by the Germans.
Valiant Hearts gameplay consists of puzzles, platforming and stealth. Whether its finding items to open doors or collecting pieces of a uniform to use as a disguise. Anna’s levels, in particular, offer her medical expertise and help those injured in combat. While there is a huge emphasis on puzzles and stealth, the game is not completely devoid of any action. On various levels, you will be storming the trenches and avoiding machine gun fire. The player will also collect explosives and use them to detonate bunkers and bridges. The game also lets you drive a tank in certain levels to shoot down planes and clear the battlefield. The game still offers some lighthearted moments during the cheeky musical numbers while driving a car and outrunning a tank. This game does a superb job of balancing these gameplay styles.
There are various items and collectibles to obtain. There is an emphasis on the historic aspects, offering an educational angle. At various points you will find objects scattered throughout the battlefield. Once collected, you can view and read about their purpose and significance. You will find everything from letters, helmets, bayonets or simply a crucifix dropped by a soldier. Each level will show the player various facts pertaining to the timeline. Facts such as taxis being used to transport French troops. Close to 20,000 British troops died in one day at the Battle of the Somme. WW1 was the first war to use tanks in battle. This game has much to teach you in its 5 or so hour duration.
Valiant Hearts is a somber experience. A game that shows the horror, tragedy and devastation of war when most games of the era were simply blasting enemies like no tomorrow. It’s very refreshing to have a game where the characters are more than just an unstoppable killing machine. Valiant Hearts is a game where story, presentation, and characters are all front and center. This is not only one of the best WW1 games; this is one of my favorite games of all time. This game will show why this war was called The Great War.
Verdict: 9/10
https://opencritic.com/game/242/valiant-hearts-the-great-war
Much obliged,
Fil Zahnko