Valkyria Chronicles 4 takes place in a warring world — it seems heavily inspired by World War II, but is an alternate reality. The story takes place around the same time as the other Valkyria Chronicles, but if you haven't played the other games, it's fine. This is a standalone story, featured as a history lesson, based on the journal entries of Commander Claude Wallace of the Atlantic Federation.

He and his troops take on the Eastern Imperial Alliance during a campaign known as Operation Northern Cross. The whole game plays out in some long and short cut-scenes from entries in the journal, and while it sets the mood, you can skip them. Having said that, the game looks very beautiful; there is a nice hue to the colours that makes it feel like a painting.