Valkyria Chronicles
ALTERNATE NAME: Senjou no Valkyria
I find it surprising just how many anime series are based off video games. Valkyria Chronicles is another one of those series. The following are the opening phrases at the beginning of the anime: Once upon a time, the land was fertile, and people all lived in satisfaction. However, a greedy one took all the fruits, seeds and livestock for oneself and people cried in hunger. Hearing their voices, a courageous one came forth, and with the spear clad in blue flame, pierced the heart of the greedy one. The land became fertile once more. The greedy one was a Darc, and the courageous one was a Valkyria. Those words are the legend of Valkyria.
The year is now 1935 and the stage is set in Europe. A neutral nation (Gallia) is under attack due to their great amount of ragnite ore. This resource can be made into a powerful fuel, and other nations want to get their hands on it. Hence, the series is predominantly about war and its hardships.
Of course, that would be totally boring...wouldn't it? To add to the entertainment, throw in a brilliant but sometimes air-headed lieutenant and his strong willed and determined 2nd in command. These and other characters suck in the viewer like quicksand. Add in the powerful and deadly, Blue Witch, and you have anime at its finest. This is a series that can and will appeal to both men and women for there is very little not to like. However, if you're looking for the quirky antics and fan service that so many anime present, you won't find it here. As far as I'm concerned, that is a plus.
