'Valkyrie Anatomia' news: Gameplay video released

Valkyrie Anatomia: The OriginSquare-Enix

"Valkyrie Anatomia: The Origin" is a prequel to the cult-hit PlayStation One game "Valkyrie Profile" and was released for the mobile market in Japan on April 28. Following its launch, a report from Dual Shockers reveals a lengthy 20-minute video that gives Western fans their first good look at the title's gameplay.

The first 15 minutes of the video showcases the game's art style and story segments. Being a prequel, it is speculated that the game will showcase the Valkyrie Lenneth before her soul in Asgard was asleep and before she was placed as a human named Platina. 

If the story rumors are true then the game would be set in the same timeline as "Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth" and not the alternate timeline that became the main focus of "Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria."

Just like previous titles, the main focus of the game is to stop a war brewing in Asgard although the gameplay footage does not reveal who the main villains of the game are. It is hinted that Odin or Surt and his fire giants may be the main villains. 

Players will take control of the Valkyrie and will focus on capturing the souls of soldiers that have died in the battlefield. They can then be used as party members and will aid the Valkyrie as she unravels the mysteries of the main plot.

Combat is reminiscent of the system used in "Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth" in which characters can be controlled simultaneously to perform special combos. Players can time their individual attacks by tapping on the character icons at the bottom of the screen. When a combo meter fills up, the player can then execut a special attack.

"Valkyrie Anatomia: The Origin" is currently available for mobile devices in Japan. As stated in the report, there are no confirmations yet that the game will see an English localization and be released in North America and Europe.