Raise up a mech pilot and make sure she doesn't get Evangelion-level depressed in the sci-fi visual novel Valkyrie Iteration: Mecha Pilot Raising Pocket Simulator

Raising simulation games are not typically my cup of tea, mainly because many of them revolve around a father-daughter dynamic that doesn't quite appeal to me. Valkyrie Iteration: Mecha Pilot Raising Pocket Simulator, however, seems like a genre that aligns better with my preferences. Based on its name, it appears to deliver exactly what it promises.

In Valkyrie Iteration, you assume the role of a technomaster, a position that seems to draw parallels more closely with an Armored Core handler rather than someone producing beats.

The story has you tasked with nurturing Lana, an individual imbued with a sentient mech, the Valkyrie. The Valkyrie's power, however, poses a potential risk to Lana's very existence, a classic scenario akin to what we've seen in other mecha narratives. Balancing Lana's daily routine is key in Valkyrie Iteration. You must decide whether she should focus on training, resting, or simply chatting with her mech, all of which contribute to her skill development, mental wellbeing, and relationship with her mech.

The game also requires you to monitor her synchronization and strength to prevent her from becoming overworked or depressed. This could hinder her ability to undertake missions effectively.

The narrative feels like a typical sci-fi and mecha tale. In the distant future, an enigmatic, nature-defying alien race known as the Phantoms emerge to threaten humanity. As a response, humans decide to construct mechs, the Valkyries, each of which possesses its own soul. The resemblance to Evangelion is unmistakable, a series that has a penchant for raising simulators. The game provides a demo for potential players to try out, available on Steam. If you're short on time, you can always wishlist it.