Battlefield Waltz review

Pacing is perilous undertaking in visual novels. If exposition occurs too slowly, a writer risks losing the attention of their audience. Conversely, swift storytelling can result in superficial characters and plot twists that don’t feel properly foreshadowed. While there are a few inevitable lulls across Battlefield Waltz’ six routes, the majority of the script moves at a commendable tempo. The only real downside is an abrupt shift in tone across some of the novel’s plotlines.

A Prodigious Prelude

Scenario writer Katagiri Yuma’s prologue is damn near perfect with the urgency of a first-rate shōnen. Unexpectedly, the tranquility of Auxerre village is shattered. After Lan is informed that her father has been killed, our protagonist’s home is besieged, and her mother and neighbor are abducted. When attempting to flee, her getaway is interrupted by a brilliant blue light, emanating from a cursed sword long assumed to be little more than a folk tale.

Gaining consciousness hours later, the protagonist finds herself being cross-examined by members of nationalistic military academy, who believe that the sword has immeasurable power. Naturally, they’re interested in harnessing the weapon’s capability. What follows are a sextet of branching storylines that detail Lan’s strong-armed stay at the Nirvana military academy, where she sharpens her skills and is courted by group of handsome bachelors. What’s remarkable is that two-thirds of Waltz’s endings deliver a somber finale.

Can Love Flourish on the Battlefield?

Given the backdrop of warfare, a bit of poignancy shouldn’t be too surprising. While Battlefield Waltz isn’t All Quiet on the Western Front, the novel intermittently examines how war and training for conflict can affect combatants, as we learn about each bachelor. Abel’s unrivaled fighting ability makes him a formidable opponent. But a preference for solitude has undoubtedly inhibited his ability to connect with others. Naturally, Lan’s affections might be the catalyst that fixes him.

Conversely, Lustin (the naming isn’t subtle) is the cast’s mandatory playboy, who’d rather make love not war. Pash is the requisite underdog. Initially lacking drive, it’s heartwarming to witness Lan arouse his motivations. Meanwhile, Tifalet is the charismatic older medic who lives outside of the Nivana academy. The alarmist hive-mind will probably refer to their relationship as ‘grooming’, even if the entire game is agonizingly chaste. And while I thought I might have had a chance for liaison with Lan’s roommate Yuriana (again, the naming), there was no sisterly waltz to be found.

Refuting Norms and Romancing Bishōnen

Waltz’ first six chapters sporadically tackle some weighty issues. Welded to an enraged sentient weapon, some desire for Lan to use the sword to mow down their enemies. But the protagonist resists senseless bloodshed, doing what Himmel the hero would have done. Just as noteworthy is the protagonist’s audaciousness. In Waltz, many characters believe that women have no place on the battlefield. Expectedly, Lan’s actions obstinately push back at their flagrant sexism.

Yet, juggling the rigors of armed conflict with the thrills of amorousness is a difficult tension. Predictably, Battlefield Waltz sporadically stumbles. For some routes, that means the war outside of Nirvana gets neglected, leading to a dissonance across some of the routes. Fortunately, this isn’t universal, making Pash’s arc thoroughly rewarding. One other misstep is that too many reveals are positioned in a single route. Typically, otome deliver balanced disclosure, with each branch providing a piece of the expositional puzzle.

One Alluring Waltz

Some contemporary VNs can be stingy with CGs. But Battlefield Waltz was originally developed for the PS Vita, amidst an era where the medium was especially generous. As such, readers can expect more than 240 illustrations between the 40+ hour main game as well as a robust selection of unlockables. Collectively, Takemura Yumiko’s character designs and artistry make this one of the best looking otome in recent memory. And when it comes to storytelling, Battlefield Waltz’ taut pacing and appealing personalities ensures delight.

Battlefield Waltz was played on Switch with review code provided by the publisher.