Among the many memorable moments in the acclaimed RPG Valkyrie Profile, the skill known as Slanting Rain stands out for its visual flair and devastating effectiveness. This powerful attack leaves a lasting impression on players due to its animation, its role in high-level strategies, and the unique narrative context of the character who wields it. Slanting Rain is more than just a special move it’s a symbol of the game’s tactical depth and artistic presentation, contributing to the legacy of Valkyrie Profile as one of the most beloved RPGs from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The World of Valkyrie Profile
Introduction to the Game
Valkyrie Profile, developed by tri-Ace and published by Enix (later Square Enix), was first released for the PlayStation in 1999. The game follows the journey of Lenneth Valkyrie, a warrior of the gods tasked with recruiting souls for the coming battle of Ragnarok. With its Norse mythology setting, side-scrolling exploration, and tactical turn-based combat, the game quickly became a cult classic.
One of the game’s most iconic elements is its Einherjar fallen warriors Lenneth recruits and trains for Valhalla. Each Einherjar brings unique skills and techniques, many of which become crucial in battle. Slanting Rain is one of these techniques, tied to a specific character and notable for its high damage and dramatic animation.
What Is Slanting Rain?
Description of the Technique
Slanting Rain is a special attack used by the character Janus, a bow-wielding archer in Valkyrie Profile. This attack is classified as a PWS (Purify Weird Soul), which is the game’s version of a limit break or ultimate ability. When Janus uses Slanting Rain, he launches a flurry of arrows in a sweeping, diagonal motion, striking the enemy repeatedly in rapid succession. The visual is reminiscent of rainfall falling at an angle hence the name Slanting Rain.
- Type: Ranged, multi-hit PWS
- User: Janus, the archer
- Effect: High damage across multiple strikes
- Animation: Diagonal volley of luminous arrows
The technique is not only flashy but also extremely effective when combined with other PWS attacks in a combo chain, making it a favorite among players who rely on strategic synchronization during battles.
Character Spotlight: Janus
The Man Behind the Arrows
Janus is one of the recruitable Einherjar in Valkyrie Profile. He is characterized by his calm demeanor, tactical mind, and precise aim. As an archer, Janus offers long-range support and excels at initiating or extending combo chains with his rapid attacks. Slanting Rain serves as the pinnacle of his battle capabilities and plays a vital role in setting up high-damage sequences when paired with other characters’ PWS.
While not always included in every party due to the vast roster of Einherjar, Janus gains favor among players who value ranged attackers and efficient combo strategies. His presence adds variety to team composition, and Slanting Rain is often cited as one of the most visually satisfying PWS in the entire game.
Combat Mechanics and Strategy
Using Slanting Rain Effectively
To maximize the damage output of Slanting Rain, players need to understand the game’s combo mechanics. Each character’s attacks can trigger combo points, and when timed correctly, finishing moves (PWS) can be chained together. Slanting Rain, due to its multi-hit nature, helps fill the combo gauge rapidly and keeps enemies vulnerable.
Here are a few strategic considerations when using Slanting Rain:
- Use Janus early in the combo chain to build gauge quickly.
- Pair with characters whose PWS deal high burst damage after setup.
- Optimize equipment and skills to boost Janus’s hit rate and critical damage.
- Watch for elemental affinities and enemy resistances, as Slanting Rain is physical-based.
Players who master Slanting Rain often find themselves leaning on Janus for many late-game battles, especially against enemies with high defense who require sustained assault.
Slanting Rain’s Role in the Game’s Legacy
Memorability and Fan Appreciation
Over the years, Slanting Rain has gained a reputation among fans for being one of the standout moments in battle animations. Its elegant yet fierce barrage of arrows represents the careful balance of beauty and brutality that defines much of Valkyrie Profile’s tone.
In fan forums and retrospectives, Slanting Rain is often mentioned as one of the favorite attacks in the game, not only for its mechanics but for its presentation. The arrow barrage, sound design, and glowing trails all contribute to its impact. It stands alongside other memorable PWS attacks like Lenneth’s Nibelung Valesti or Arngrim’s Final Blast.
Technical Design and Animation
Crafting the Visuals of Slanting Rain
The visual design of Slanting Rain is rooted in the game’s unique artistic direction. Unlike many RPGs of its time, Valkyrie Profile emphasized fluid animation, sprite-based characters, and cinematic flair during combat. Each PWS was designed to showcase a character’s personality and fighting style.
Slanting Rain’s sweeping arrow pattern reflects Janus’s precision and calm execution. The arrows fall in perfect arcs, lighting up the screen with their trajectory and impact. It’s not just a battle move it’s a carefully choreographed performance, designed to leave an emotional impression as well as a mechanical result.
Legacy Beyond the Original Game
References in Other Titles
While Janus and Slanting Rain have not appeared as frequently in spin-offs or sequels as other Valkyrie Profile characters, the move remains a cult favorite. Mentions of it can occasionally be found in fan content, tribute videos, and unofficial strategy guides. The nostalgia tied to Slanting Rain serves as a reminder of how even smaller characters and lesser-used moves can leave a lasting mark when executed with care and style.
Influence on Similar Games
The idea of slanted, multi-arrow attacks has appeared in other RPGs and tactical games, perhaps inspired by Slanting Rain. It remains a model of how animation and mechanics can come together to enhance player satisfaction and game identity. Modern titles looking to blend expressive combat with strategic depth can take cues from how Slanting Rain was implemented.
Slanting Rain is more than just an attack in Valkyrie Profile it’s a testament to the game’s commitment to artistic storytelling, deep mechanics, and memorable character design. As players look back on the game’s legacy, this sweeping arrow attack continues to capture imaginations and showcase how even secondary characters can shine through gameplay brilliance. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Lenneth and her Einherjar, Slanting Rain is a move that embodies everything that made Valkyrie Profile a timeless classic in RPG history.