Valiant Hearts : The Great War

Valiant Hearts is an exceptional puzzle-adventure game where players are placed in the Western Front of World War I, following a group of soldiers and their canine companions on a perilous adventure. Valiant Hearts presents players with beautifully rendered, vibrant 2D hand-drawn illustrations. Players will experience the game from the perspectives of various characters, engaging with diverse items and solving puzzles, ultimately reaching a thought-provoking ending through a gripping storyline. The game offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to relive the history of World War I.

Excellent Features of Valiant Hearts

Graphic Novel Narrative

Valiant Hearts presents the war with hand-drawn visuals, vivid animation, and minimalist screen elements. The narrative focuses on themes of duty, separation, and friendship, rather than relying on sensationalism. Winner of the 2014 Game Awards' "Best Narrative" and "Most Transformative Game" awards, it is a testament to its excellence in script and visual presentation.

Intertwined Heroes and a Helpful Companion

You'll play as multiple characters whose fates intertwine in conflict, including a loyal dog named Walter who assists with various tasks. This structure allows you to experience the same events from different perspectives, maintaining a varied gameplay rhythm. Walter can retrieve objects, squeeze through narrow spaces, and help solve specific obstacles, adding continuous interactivity to each scene.

Exploration, Puzzles, and Stealth

Valiant Hearts blends simple exploration, item-based puzzles, and stealth elements. You'll need to find usable items, combine them to clear paths, and time your moves to avoid patrols or dangers. The gameplay transitions between these elements, allowing chapters to progress at a steady pace rather than in a constant barrage of action.

Historical Background and Learning

The game recreates important battlefields such as the Marne and Somme rivers and includes optional articles developed in collaboration with Apocalypse: World War I and Centenary 14-18. These articles provide background information on daily life, military equipment, and iconic battles of the time. Players can open these articles on the pause screen or in the collection menu to learn more as the story progresses.

Amazing Gameplay of Valiant Hearts

You will play as one of four heroes helping a young German soldier lost in a trench maze find his lover. These four characters are the Frenchman Émile, his German son-in-law Karl, the American soldier Freddie, and the Belgian nurse Anna.

In this side-scrolling puzzle adventure, don't forget your loyal companion—a dog named Walter. Interact with people, various objects, and Walter to find the answers to the puzzles. Progress, collect items, uncover the secrets of war, and infiltrate enemy lines.

Helpful Tips of Valiant Hearts

Open the game and select a save slot, then choose a chapter or mini-drama from the story screen. The opening animation introduces the game's background and the current character's objective.

Use the on-screen joystick or directional keys to move, and tap interactive hints to pick up items, read notes, or activate levers. Follow visual cues to traverse each area.

Once you find items, check your inventory and combine or place them as needed. If you encounter difficulties, pay attention to surrounding prompts, signs, or sound signals; they will guide you to the next step.

When objects are out of reach or switches are blocked by obstacles, call for Walter. Tap the dog icon, point at the target, and wait for the action to complete before moving forward, especially near dangerous areas.

In stealth levels, observe patrol routes, hide behind cover, and move when enemies are not paying attention. Between levels, you can open the collectibles or history menu to read optional backstory without interrupting the main story.

User's Comments of Valiant Hearts

It's an amazing game. I find it nostalgic. The gameplay is comforting and provides detail into how eerily subtle life would have felt like during and after the war. I watched a youtuber (Jacksepticeye) play Valiant Hearts: The Great War when I was 11, since then it has remained among my favorite games I've experienced. Thank you for bringing this to life. Excelsiorrr!!!

Amazing game that I thoroughly enjoyed playing. The controls were a bit sticky for me playing on my phone but that didn't take away from my experience. How unique and creative to have a game about WWI that carries a message we all can still learn from today. It's so much more than just a "war" game. It's about friendship, equality, courage, and love. I also liked learning things about WWI that I never knew before.

A great continuation of the story from the first game and a must play. I hope we get this ported to PC sometime where it will flourish and hopefully we can get a proper Valiant Hearts 2, set in WWII, was teased by the original game. The only complaint is the lack of achievements, no points to collect, and the 30fps feels laggy at times.

Final Words

Immerse yourself in the horrors of World War I! Help your hero survive the difficult times, solve puzzles, and traverse trenches and behind enemy lines. Your loyal assistant, Walter, will accompany you every step of the way. The game's story is fictional, but you can visit some real-life locations and witness important battles on the Western Front.