The PlayStation 3 had a good year in 2008, and one of the most understated reasons for that is Sega's strategy role-playing game "Valkyria Chronicles."

"Valkyria Chronicles" is interesting both in look and feel. Its art style stands out, a moving watercolor painting.

The story follows Welkin, a likeable young man living in an alternate 1930. He gets pulled into conflict when his country, Gallia, is caught up in a war between the East Europan Imperial Alliance and the Atlantic Federation.

The story is organized as a book, with chapters and pictures. As you play through the "book," more episodes and battles become available.

The story unravels slowly, but once Welkin becomes commander of his militia, it really picks up. Then you can choose the individuals who will be part of the unit. These people truly are individuals, not random soldiers, as each has a name and a face, along with weaknesses and strengths.

Battle takes place on a grid, with each class of soldier having a different range of movement and attack. Shock troopers, for example, have a strong attack but can't move as far as scouts, which are weaker on attack.

Interestingly, once a soldier is in place, you then can aim your shot at an enemy body part of your choice.

Each battle has a goal, such as defeating the enemy leader or defeating all enemies. Along the way, your own troops will fall, and you have a limited number of turns to go "rescue" them before they're gone for good. A rescue takes them out for the rest of the fight.

Outside of battle, you can level up your troops - all units of each class level up together - or improve your weapons. You can recruit newcomers and fiddle with your unit's makeup. "Valkyria" has a number of other features as well, including an extensive background encyclopedia.

If I had to complain about anything, it would be some of the questionable moves by the artificial intelligence in battle. It'll often do something stupid that will needlessly throw one of its attackers to the wolves.

Most of the time, though, "Valkyria Chronicles" is charming, fun to play and one of my favorite PS3 games of 2008.

Valkyria Chronicles

By: Sega, for PlayStation 3

Rated: Teen

Cost: $59.99

Score: 9/10