Vazel, I am not debating because of ego. I am just saying everyone has their right to post their honest opinion even if they differ from yours. No name calling or mockery is needed.
I don't think different art mediums should be compared as closely as has been done in this thread. Different tools and cost-effectiveness of different mediums should be taken into account and most importantly the appeareance of how the finished work looks. Videogames look different from cartoons which look different from Pixar movies which look different from live action movies.
In my view, the anime quality has room for improvement. Afterall it's only average by your recognition too. It's supposed to be Valkyria Chronicles. If someone tries to do a game/anime about Naruto, everyone will judge the output vis-a-vis the original quality, design and style... not to mention both the game and the anime share an anime + watercolor art style here.
I do think the art style of Valkyria Chronicles deserves commendation but no I don't think it looks like a real painting. I understand the textures are supposed to be more simple and cartoonish but I still think it could've benefited from higher resolution. I also think the models could've been higher. An entire level's models and textures seem to load all in one go(you can see every model from overhead when you're in map mode deciding which character to move next) and you can see all the same textures across the landscape when in sniper mode so that should tell you something about the fidelity. Not that I think higher quality textures and models are all that's needed to make it look like a real painting. Maybe you people are too used to your Pixar movies but I consider myself a traditional animation enthusiast I know what goes into making animation and I know what it's supposed to look like.
It's already like a painting now. The hand-drawn anime doesn't compare well to the game even in its current form. If they can make the game more pretty, kudos to them. However some scenes are already wow worthy.
I've found the gameplay in the game enthralling. The story does have problems though it drags on at points and some cutscenes are unnecessary. The cutscenes could've been more dynamic. The presentation of the cutscenes is often composed of a background with characters popping up when their dialogue comes. Most cutscenes are set within the same limited space. And although I appreciate what the story tries to do the darcsen and band of brothers drama comes off as cheesey(a common problem in anime drama).
The gameplay has its flaws (e.g., easy to cheat/speed run once you "figure it out"). The story has its faults (e.g., Welkin may be too clueless sometimes) but they are minor compared to the entire package and flow. The Darcsen drama covers a major plot twist. Unfortunately, I didn't watch Bands of Brothers
I'd say that banding together is a strong theme in gameplay. Matching members in a squad is extremely important if you don't want to grind. I was only able to clear certain levels because I used compatible supporting characters in the squad.
I don't think the game is draggy. There are a few (reasonable) twists and turns in the story. Each one gives a setting for different gameplay opportunity (compare to how Bioshock drags on for too long towards the end but repeats similar encounters)
The book style presentation is limiting, but again they do not detract from the battles. People who expect a full 3D storytelling throughout may be disappointed. But where there're full screen cutscenes, most were satisfied or impressed based on the posts I read in multiple fora.
