During the player phase, a command point bar appears at the top of the screen. To use a character requires one point; using a tank requires two. These points do not all have to be used in a single turn. They can be carried over into additional turns, up to a maximum of 20.

When targeting an enemy, a grid appears onscreen to inform the player how many hits have to land on an enemy before he dies. Fewer shots are required depending on what the player targets, the head versus the torso for example.

In addition to the turn-based elements of the game, there are some real-time reactions available as well. For example, when first running into sight and range of an enemy, the game reacts in real time and the enemy may fire a few shots before the actual battle begins.

Since the action occurs in a 3D world, as opposed to the traditional turn-based grid system, the player cannot observe everything the enemy does at any given moment. Characters can only see things that take place realistically in their line of sight.

Each individual character works together with certain other characters. If a preferred team member is under attack, other characters may respond with support fire. Knowing which characters like each other can be strategically helpful when planning an attack.GameSpot: Comic-Con 2008: Valkyria Chronicles Demo (Time: 6:52)