Valkyria Chronicles might sound like a hack and slash romp through nordic lands of yore, but it's actually a refined strategic role playing game (SRPG) that will set your brain tingling. It sets players down in the country of Gallia, a fictional little place set on a continent eerily reminiscent of 1930s Europe. It follows Welkin, a commander with a heroic bent, as he fights desperately to defend his small nation in the face of two invading contingents hell bent on war with one another. As battle takes hold of Gallia, yet another threat emerges: the Valkyria, an ancient race long thought legendary, and gifted with special powers. What follows is a deep RPG experience with combat taking the form of frenetic real-time strategy. Players can control the action from above, then swoop into the thick of it and get their hands dirty. The story is rich and involving, offering plenty to do on the battlefield as well as off it. Deft touches such as all characters of a certain class levelling up simultaneously (instead of having to grind away with one character so he can catch up) serve to set Valkyria Chronicles apart from its competition, such as Final Fantasy Tactics. What are you waiting for' Europe... sorry, Gallia, needs you!