Victory Belles: Shipgirls 12+

Though it may look like Kancolle and it certainly draws its inspirations from it, unlike the former, this game takes full advantage of a balanced approach towards history. I’ve always taken very serious problems with the revisionism and self pity Kancolle takes with itself in a sort of defense of Japanese actions in the second world war that goes so far as to model the abyssal fleets as representative of the USN and her moves during the war. This game, however, takes a stand in how its factions are conniving and while trying to defend against an extraterrestrial invasion, still self serving. There are Belles with political allegiances that as a modern viewer one would find problematic, but contextually make the world feel truly alive—there is no magical disappearing of less desirable leadership in countries like Germany, morally speaking, you can play the bad guys; however, the devs have given the players the power to shape the world around us, as we play these nations we may see opportunities for a change in leadership as situations either brighten or fall apart!

I know, I know. I looks like Kancolle. But under the Kancolle shell is a dedicated team who did not want a cash grab. They wanted a simulator game. Under the portraits and numbers popping is one of the most detailed naval battle sims of any game on the market, comparable to games like Rule The Waves. Under the cover of this book is a compilation of hundreds of thousands of words of story content giving each Belle a unique and often incredibly interesting personality. To bring that personality to life, they’re all voiced in their native languages. None of that silly “USS Iowa speaks the Yankii version of Japanese” stuff. I waited 7 years for this game, and it delivers everything it promised to be. Thanks for not being Star Citizen.

Victory Belles is a different breed of shipgirl game. Think of it as a spin-off but with more varied characters and historically-inspired story telling.

The characters are way more unique in every aspect. I can actually tell them apart whereas shipgirls in other games, are mostly the same. Long hair, bangs, tiny skirts, and other assets (to be polite). It begins to look all the same like you’re collecting clones. That’s fine if you’re into that and want purely assets. But there’s people who want more and VB is shipgirls with substance and assets. Also - and this might scare off some people - it’s one of the few games where I am learning something about naval warfare while having fun.

In terms of gacha, it is probably the least gacha-like in its genre and you have more control of who you want to recruit.

The War is especially fun since they have nation vs nation and alliance vs alliance. Devs have hinted that winning factions influence which characters and campaigns unlock - it’s too early to tell - but I hope this is the case. Go Allies!!