Valiant Hearts: The Great War

This game shows you there is room for love and compassion even in the darkest moments of humanity.
If it doesn't make you cry, you're not human.

This game is historic, I remember watching playtroughs when I was younger and every single time I cried at the ending. Now that I bought it, the game is so well made, every single playable character feels human.

one of the coolest history games ive played not to mention how it pulled on my heart strings... alot of interesting facts about war i never knew... anywho its worth a play if you enjoy learning about history and simply controls <3

Story focused games like this always seem to be very good.
Obviously the gameplay is very "thin" but the story and charakters are very rich in comparison

🔹What is this?
Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a puzzle-adventure game from Ubisoft Montpellier, released in 2014. It is a clear departure from the company’s usual AAA grind-heavy titles. Yes, there was once a time when Ubisoft could still produce creative, story-driven games without padding them with unnecessary content. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the game tells the emotional stories of four characters and their faithful dog, Walt, as they navigate the horrors of war.
🔹How I played?
I completed the main campaign in 8 hours, focusing on the core storyline while completing a majority of the collectibles and reading historical notes.
🕹️ Gameplay
The gameplay revolves around puzzle-solving, exploration, and occasional action sequences. Each character has unique abilities, which you’ll need to use creatively to solve environmental puzzles, often with the help of Walt the dog. The puzzles aren't overly complex but are well-integrated into the narrative. There are also fast-paced moments, such as car chases and rhythm-based sections, which add variety. The game flows smoothly, though the simplicity of the puzzles may reduce replayability for some.
📖 Story
The story is where Valiant Hearts shines. It portrays the harsh realities of war through the eyes of ordinary people, creating an emotional impact that stays with you long after the credits roll. The narrative is split between four characters, each offering a different perspective on the war. It does a commendable job of intertwining their stories and emphasizing the futility and tragedy of conflict. However, the episodic structure can sometimes break immersion, as you jump between different story arcs.
🎨 Visuals
The art style is one of the game’s standout features. The hand-drawn, cartoonish visuals contrast sharply with the grim subject matter, creating a unique and memorable aesthetic. Each location is meticulously designed to capture the historical atmosphere of World War I. From the muddy trenches to bombed-out villages, the visuals perfectly complement the game's emotional tone, making the world feel alive and immersive.
🎶 Soundtrack
The soundtrack is an emotional mix of piano pieces and classical compositions, with sound effects that perfectly complement the game’s style. For a side-scroller, the audio design is surprisingly well-balanced and polished. The cues and hints scattered throughout the game add another layer of immersion, helping to enhance the overall experience.
🌍 Atmosphere
The game’s atmosphere is gripping and immersive. The combination of visuals, soundtrack, and emotional storytelling pulls you into the world, making you feel the weight of the war and the characters' personal struggles. Valiant Hearts mixes the atmosphere of war with the sense of a dangerous journey. The overall presentation is cohesive, offering a consistent tone that combines historical tragedy with personal tales of hope, fear, and sacrifice.
⚙️ Performance
The game runs smoothly on a wide range of systems, with no noticeable bugs or performance issues. It’s optimized well for both low and high-end PCs, ensuring a consistent 60 FPS even on modest hardware setups.
🔄 Replayability
While Valiant Hearts offers a touching story and memorable experience, it’s largely a one-time journey. Once you’ve completed the story and collected the historical artifacts, there’s little incentive to replay the game. However, the emotional weight of the narrative makes the initial playthrough a lasting experience. I will definetely try it 3-5 years later again.
💡 Conclusion
Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a deeply moving game that focuses more on story and emotion than complex mechanics. If you're looking for an immersive narrative this is a must-play. Even if you are not a videogame fan - you can try it as it not so long and friendly to newcomers. The gameplay, while simple, serves the story well, and the visuals, music, and atmosphere create a powerful emotional impact. It’s a game that will resonate with you long after you’ve finished it.
Gameplay: 35/40
Story: 18/20
Visuals: 20/20
Soundtrack: 10/10
Personal Enjoyment: 10/10
FINAL SCORE: 93/100 – Highly recommended for all, must-play.

VALIANT HEARTS: THE GREAT WAR 7/10
A highly enjoyable and unique game, coupled with an emotional journey.
Sadly a Ubisoft title without Steam Achievements but there are Trading Cards.
The puzzles do become a little samey and repetitive by Chapter 4, but otherwise definitely worth picking up especially if you have some respect for history.
Edit 15/4/2025:
As of April-25, Ubisoft have now retroactively added Steam Achievements which is a welcome addition.

The game is beautiful. The story really makes you feel how people felt in the Great War and how they change. You play as several characters, which they are all related to each other as family or as new friends that randomly met. The graphics may not be so good, but the art style and narrative makes it unique. Very good game even after 11 years. The only downside is that it is an Ubisoft game, and it makes you download their terrible launcher.