I think it's easier just to list the good and bad for this game. If you've played the first valkyrie profile you should go for this one as well.

Good: Amazing graphics on the ps2. The environments are 3d in 2d side scrolling style. This does not tarnish the atmosphere, and you can see from some of the screenshots the graphics engine is consistent with alot of impressive effects. There is very little in the way of FMV, so if you're a final fantasy newbie who likes his FMVs spoonfed often, this game isn't for you!

Great Gameplay System, with a combination of turn based and real time action. Plenty of character development, and battles are always satisfying, whether you're a button masher or a more strategic player.

Some Bad:

The story isn't going to make you go wow. If you're looking for a strong story, Valkrie Profile 2 doesn't offer it, although it does have its nice share of twists.

The item system is alittle clunky, and requires patience, but is no big deal.

This game rewards a second playthrough best, or if you're attentive you can be rewarded on the first playthrough as well. VP2 employs alot of little things like timing in attacks, sealstones, what your equipment is and what your skills are and how and when you release einherjar ALL contribute to whether your next boss battle will be very hard or a walk in the park. Investment reaps rewards. VP2 rewards gamers who are prepared to go that extra mile and actually THINK about their strategy.

The final fantasy series is a solid series but VASTLY overrated, so if you want a new direction but still want some JRPG goodness, VP2 is a great choice for the experienced and/or old school gamer. Newbies to gaming…Perhaps its better you stick to final fantasy.

I played the original, Valkyrie Profile Lenneth, first (cos I'm like that when it comes to sequels, even though these stories are by and large unrelated) and got drawn in by the combat system and indepth storyline of that game. Then I came to this game.

I was disappointed by a few things. The storyline is not as gripping. The main characters are not as interesting. The secondary characters have no character, unlike the first installment, where EVERY character had a background. I know that could occasionally get annoying in Lenneth, but here I found I actually wanted to have it. I'm not saying that I thought the story and characters sucked. If I can discuss it in terms relative to Final Fantasy (bear with me here), the level of storytelling was a bit better than FFXII, but not as good as FFVII or FFX. It was in between, so I'd say pretty average for an RPG. It's got all the classic elements though, kings and queens, knights, sorcerors etc.

Another disappointment reared its ugly head as I played on. I got increasingly frustrated with the accessory system. It was even more annoying than FFIX (sorry for all the FF comparisons, but hey, this is a Square Enix game, so surely you must have played some FF to be reading this?). I wasted a lot of time changing accessories around to learn skills that in the end you don't even really need!! The techs in this game are sadly quite pathetic in my opinion. Very few are worth our while :(

I also personally feel like there is no great reward for training and freeing your einherjars as there was in the first game. Halfway through the game I was so disillusioned with the system that I just stopped training them and focussed on my mains. Not always the best choice, but hey.

Up till now my review has been very negative. Don't be fooled. If you ignore the pitfalls I have mentioned before, this is actually a very good game.

• The storyline is very streamlined, and you will not be easily confused, but you will be shocked and amused. There are some good twists, but also some VERY predictable ones!
• The music is pretty good.
• The graphics are OUTSTANDING. Seriously. Some of the best you'll see on the PS3. This is actually reason enough to give the game a go.
• The battle system has retained some of its charm from the first game. You still press the four auxiliary PS buttons to make each character attack, but some of the awesomeness of the original battles from Lenneth is lost. For example, you don't make exceedingly awesome hits anymore (which some of you might like anyway, as that presents a challenge). But some of the battle techs that work passively, such as First Aid, are LAME compared to what you had in Lenneth.
• Also good for all you RPG fans out there is the different system of encountering foes. No more random battles. You actually have some choice as to who you fight. Plus the whole freezing the monsters/souls thing leads to a whole lot of interesting puzzle solving. It can be incredibly complex but I think that works to the game's advantage.

I think if you are an RPG fan you should get this game. If you're not, maybe stick to the mainstream a bit more because the accessory system in this is complex. But if you're up for a challenge and a very unique (but ultimately flawed) gameplay experience, try this game out.

Ok so i bought this game a year ago and played 30 minutes or so. After i seen the short move i feel like that it is going to be a good game. But as you start in the town you feel like its not even a 3 dimensional game. Im not saying that Square Enix who used to be called Square Soft can't make games. I prefer their Final Fantasy series 7,8,10. So if this game is turned into a turn based RPG it would be better since it feels like an old NES game. Still to make points even worse on gamespot one of the worlds top game review site its only rated 8 out of 10. Most of the Final Fantasy series are rated at least 9.0 since the seventh generation, except IX, X-2, and XI.