Valkyria Chronicles

Sort of random, but I thought I'd point it out. For PS3 there is a game called Valkyria Chronicles (just recently made into an anime series) that takes place in a fictional Europe during the "Second Europan War," (wonder what war that could be!). Basically the Allies are the Federation and the Axis is known as the Empire. Though with a slight fantasy setting to it, it actually has some deepness and covers a lot of issues that are also present in "The Book Thief" and many other stories that take place during this time period. Though not in fictional version of Germany, it takes place in Gallia, a fictional country, that if located on a map, I believe may be Belgium or one of those close by ones. The point is, it takes place during what is basically the Blitzkrieg.

In the game, you control squad seven of the militia and drive back the Imperial army and win the war (remember, totally fictional). While it may ask the typical questions of "why must we fight?" or "is war really worth all this death?" it also covers themes of racism. The Darcsens, a race of dark haired (almost navy blue, in my opinion) are the Jews by proxy (if I messed up the use of the word "proxy," let me know. Been wanting to add that to my vocabulary). They are the ones who have taken the blame for almost everything in this fictional Europe, not just in Germany. Like during our WWII era, they were hunted and killed or when captured, taken to camps. This is pre-gas chamber though, since they're all work camps. The main character's father, who we never meet, was a war hero from the first Europan War, and his best friend, who died, was a Darcsen. After his friend's death, the main character's father adopted his friend's daughter (anyone reminded of Hans?). Throughout the game, the girl faces racism, but stubbornly stands up for herself and questions why people can say such mean things about her when they clearly know nothing about her people, only what they've been told. I don't want to spoil anything, but the barrier of racism is finally overcome, but at a great costs.

I think the game talks about important subjects while at the same time is very fun to play. It's a mix of RTS (sort of), Shooter, and RPG. You may ask "how does that work?" It works quite well for such a wierd mix. Also, I wouldn't describe the game as having "graphics," more like art. Everything looks as if it was drawn very well, and has sound effects as words, as if it was a moving comic book. For anyone with a PS3, I recommend it, but better yet, you can download the demo for free with PSN and try it out first.

(and for anyone who cares, my PSN is Ryuken1106, if you want to add me online)