Ogre Battle - The Best Strategy RPG Ever?

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

I wish they made another game like this for the Switch or PC. Ogre Battle and Tactics Ogre are in a class of their own when it comes to game design. The sprite work alone is a testament to art itself.

[@destroyermaker]

Fellseal might scratch that itch for you. I'm not a fan of the art design but it has great reception.

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

@@destroyermaker Thanks for the recommendation. Will definitely look into it.

[@destroyermaker]

@@thelegacyofgaming2928 No problem. There's also Trails in the Sky. There are more out now or on the way if you look hard enough as well, though I don't know how good they are.

[@rvfiasco]

Mistover for the switch might also scratch the itch for you.

[@Utubesuxmycock]

helll yeah!!! big ogre battle tactics and final fantasy tact fan its a pipe dream well ever see the like of those epics ever again!

[@TimBitten]

I loved all the little secrets in Ogre Battle! Hidden classes, buried treasures, random recruits, sequences of things you had to do to get this or that to open up-it’s all just a real joy to try to unravel. And you really feel rewarded for all your hard work when your favorite units start getting strong, or you find some wild little rare item or troop. That’s something modern games are severely lacking!

[@michaelbenti5383]

I totally agree. Games today do not feel rewarding at all like ogre battle. I remember finding the sky levels. Or just leaving my snes to gather gold. then finding the magic merchant that let you buy stat potions. Those potions were so expensive lol. This game had so much to it.

[@johndaniel21343]

I want badly a modern game exactly like Ogre Battle

[@christianeckert8573]

The complicated story, the tactics necessary, both building units, managing reputation, and keeping units strong enough to survive

[@_UPRC]

My favourite game of all time. I never get tired of listening to this game's OST.

[@DubiousByName]

I fell in love with this game when I was a kid. Such great memories. The lore is quite interesting and how it is slowly revealed to you through the stages was engaging and stirred the imagination.

[@bvbxiong5791]

same. the music...the music got me. the main theme was so grand it fit the game perfectly. my next favorite memory was the halloween maps and monsters. they did that segment so well.

[@DubiousByName]

@@bvbxiong5791 Oh! Yes! I wholeheartedly concur about the epic, sweeping music.

[@EdeDizon]

still my favorite game of all time.

[@EdeDizon]

@@lorddoomer7271 ok

[@chadgray5872]

@@lorddoomer7271 ok

[@retsz]

I got lucky with this title. I rented it often, but when I heard my local Blockbuster was going out of business, I snagged it and a few other titles. They spent about 2 months trying to collect fees for not returning it, until they finally shut their doors and the calls stopped. 18 year old me took a bit of a credit hit on that one.

[@michaelbenti5383]

I rented this game so much and hated it when I had to return it lol. I was a kid and no money to buy it.

[@johndaniel21343]

What a story ahah

[@bigassdummy46]

@@michaelbenti5383 if you would have saved a few months of renting, you could have just bought the game.

[@razenburn]

I approve of this guerrilla renting

[@johnromero7908]

One of the most memorable games I ever played. Although I was good at strategy as a kid, I didn't know the mechanics of the alignment system back then. I was wondering why my units were turning out evil and why the population hated me. Apparently its not good to chase and kill retreating enemies :D

[@Jack-Lack]

It can be good, but you should be discerning about how you do it. For example, if you have a Knight that is trying to become a Paladin, then you shouldn't have it go on a killing spree and become overleveled, or your alignment will tank. If you have a Wizard whose alignment is too high to become a Mage, then you should use that Wizard to get a lot of kills so that you can tank its alignment and make it a Mage. Therefore, your cut-off party that does all the chasing should be the party that has evil ambitions. Whereas, your liberation party should be your most holy party, and you should make sure that they don't get overleveled.

[@mortiss6]

Here how its work if your unit 2 level higher then the enemi unit and kill unit on it, character will lose Alignment. Set your strategy at strong with your good unit to soften up enemi and finish it with evil unit when they retreat. Same goes to get high Ali, put good lower level unit against high enemi unit and they will get more Ali.

[@johnromero7908]

​@@mortiss6 I already know that strategy, I used it immediately when I found out about the alignment system. I noticed as a kid that upon liberation of cities, the people tend to Boo instead of cheer, that was when I started to research and observe the ALI system. I finished the game with a max overall alignment to get the supposed Good Ending.

[@casedistorted]

I had no idea that was even IN the game lol

[@maskedbadass6802]

I will always remember this game as "that game I was too dumb to beat because as a 7 year old I had no idea what strategy was so I couldn't get past the first battle." After watching videos describing the battle system it's like, "Wow, I never had a chance."

[@dustineffler7658]

Don't beat Yourself up this is not an easy game! As much as I love it I still have never beat it! :D P.S. if It was such an easy game I'm not shure everyone would have such fond memories of it!

[@ValeVin]

Because the instruction manual was almost always stolen and most of us could only play it from Blockbuster (before it was stolen from there, too), there's an interesting effect where most people play the game not knowing the backstory. It's only in the last 20% or less when you're pushing into the highlands that you start to realize that you were the bad guys. I didn't beat it via 3 day rentals as a kid, so it wasn't until it came out on Wii virtual console that I got to experience this. Replaying Ogre Battle 64 later, it suddenly makes sense that *everyone* distrusts the Zenobians. To the outside world, you came to attend peace talks and then crushed the opposition in a surprise attack and made an empire out of the nearby ruined kingdoms you smashed along the way. Then when challenged by other sovereign nations, you just say "No, but there was like a magic gate with an ogre in it, honest." Honestly, I can't think of a series that's captured the epic fantasy feel better than the four Ogre games. I'm not sure I've played a series that's come close.

[@TheAgent0060]

Didnt it also have where all the hidden weapons chart and where to find them on the map? I remember that going to certain places on the map would reveal special weapons

[@ValeVin]

@@TheAgent0060 I don't know! I wonder if anyone has the full booklet scanned? I do remember that most items (not all) weapons you pick up off the ground are randomized, so you can grab a Princess Crown or lich ring from the second level. Or just tons of the stones to create an army of were-tigers.

[@ValeVin]

@@TheAgent0060 Found the instruction manual, at least! www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.9167

[@Jack-Lack]

One of the most tactical aspects of Ogre Battle is that there are class promotions (often multiple tiers), class promotions will make a character automatically much stronger (for example, the paladin deals 50% more damage than the knight), and class promotions have multiple stat requirements (level, charisma, alignment). If you don't carefully micromanage the evolution of your characters' alignment and charisma stats, they could end-up getting stranded unable to reach a higher tier of class promotion. Even if you power level a few characters, you will eventually hit a wall (perhaps 50-60% of the way into the game) where you just can't win if you haven't successfully promoted several characters to third tier classes. Therefore, the only way to win is to underlevel your characters to keep their charisma high enough to get class promotions. But manipulating their alignment is even harder.

[@gdgd5194]

There is nothing difficult lol. 1 group rushes bosses only the others fight to heart's content.

[@ghostmail]

Didn't get this game when I rented it as a kid. Picked it up 15 years later. Loved it

[@Xygor]

Supposedly, they only produced 25,000 copies or so in the US, making it incredibly rare. I didn't get it until later either.

[@razenburn]

A Front Mission game that possessed Ogre Battle's real time map movement and squad system, combined with FM's mech part customisation, would be divine imo.

[@anthonyambrose8783]

I love this game and rented it from my local Blockbuster. When they closed I bought it when they were selling their inventory. I had no idea so few made it to the US! I still have it and it works fine.

[@TirpitzLuminare]

Best game on the SNES. Bold statement I know. This is coming from a person who thinks FF6 is the second best FF game of all time (and no 7 isn't the best, not by a long shot), which shared that console. Once you learned how to manipulate the Charisma and Alignment system via the Tactics command you could get some of the best units in the game with relative ease. By this I mean by changing to "weak, strong, leader" multiple times in battle you can determine which character kills what and which doesn't. Very important for changing the aliment and charisma of characters. Though RNG also plays a role; hoping for an Undead Ring and Undead Staff to make a Lich out of Warren and Saradin was always nerve wracking. The plethora of special characters, classes and items always made each play-through enjoyable. With the 13 or so endings you always had something new to go for. I still remember the first time my cousin and I got the Galf ending, not like we didn't see it coming though lol. A few of my biggest complaints is that large units were more or less useless with the exception of a Griffin/Wyrm to move quickly across the map for a liberation team. Niche units such as water-based ones where pretty much useless as well. IIRC there was only one or two giant water maps, which is where you actually got most of the water units in the first place. Balance was a bit wonky as well. No reason to use many of the units if you got a Lich, Princess, Devils, and a few others. The Charisma and Alignment system was also a bit to obtuse as well. If you didn't know what ranges you needed or how to change them, you were completely locked out of units, or unit upgrades, like Knight to Paladin. It took me years of playing this game over and over to be able to do this. Countless notes, as well as hand drawn maps also for those pesky hidden treasures. As this was long before GameFAQ's or wiki's! The information was pretty much non-existent, outside the Nintendo Power hotline... I still remember the first playthough; Lans was badass, Lans killed a lot of stuff, Lans' Charisma and Alignment was 0, Lans never became a Paladin. The class marks system in Tactics Ogre was a much welcome change to the class change system. That said, this game is simply amazing, its really unfortunate it got such a limited release in NA. I actually traded my original SNES cart to a game store for a PS1, controller, memory card *and* the brand new PS1 version of Ogre Battle back in 97' or something. I would love to see a modern remake of this game like they did with Tactics Ogre, I know it will never happen with Quest going bankrupt and Square's re-release of Tactics Ogre on the PSP game not selling all that well. That's still one of, if not the best PSP title IMO,. Though the _One Vision_ mod is a must, properly balances that game out. As for Ogre Battle, there is just so much more they could do with this type of game. A RTS before RTS was a thing, mixed with RPG elements. It truly was innovative, especially for its time and the hardware used. Watching this video makes me want to revisit this game, I haven't played it in like a decade, might need to dust it off. I'm not sure why it popped up on my recommended videos, but I'm glad it did.

[@wildwest1832]

the most unfortunate part is we never saw a single game like this since. Probably never will again. I dont think an indie studio could do a game this size and scope

[@TirpitzLuminare]

@@wildwest1832 Well Ogre Battle 64 was a direct squeal to this in terms of game play, though I really never got too into it, as it came out in a time in my life when I didn't have time to play games. I need to revisit that game. As for an indie company not being able to do a game of this scope. Don't sell indie companies short, they are after all making the best games in the industry currently. Most "triple a" companies are shelling out crap these days. Just look at games like Path of Exile or Warframe. Grinding Gear Games and Digital Extremes are considered "indie companies". Or companies like Red Hook Studios making stuff like the Darkest Dungeon. Off the top of my head; Grim Dawn, Star Valor, Terraria, Children of Morta, Siralim, Kenshi, Dark Cells, It Lurks Below, Hollow Knight, Outward, Star Sector... I could go on for days. High quality games from small studios or in some cases a single person. I can't remember the last game I bought from a major studio. Indie companies are the future of gaming IMO. I feel the triple a studios are in the brink of a crash, it's gonna be 1983 all over again for them. A indie company could definitely make a game like this. Actually, I'd say that the only hope for a game like this would be a indie company. Since the "triple a" studios don't think people want to play single player games that aren't online 100% of the time, multiplayer, with loot boxes, and pay to win micro transactions.

[@CaptainQuo]

Even worse, we didn't get any release at all in PAL territories.

[@AndyGamezoldschool]

Ogre battle was awesome.Nothing like it even today.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

This game is 10x more enjoyable with a guide. There are tons of secrets and including unique party members that require secrets to recruit.

[@dr.hawkinsmax6623]

I remember playing this as a kid, all my friends were talking about it, I finally decided to rent it, it was the first game where I had to really use my noggin, but it was good training, because I was later able to play other strategy games, and rpgs way better than before, I have this game to thank for that, and the sequels are just as amazing, I hope they continue this with other games.😊

[@MidnightBlackandVictoria]

Man, that game is in serious need of a modern remaster. It really was one of the best. There is a game alot like it on steam called "Symphony of war"....An indie game that plays extremely similar to Ogre Battle, though I think it needs more variety with units, such as longer class tree's and more monster units (it only has dragons atm). Its worth checking out though.

[@ChosenPlaysYT]

One of the top 25 games of the 90’s across all platforms. It was sooooo good for its time. Had to be there live in the mid 90’s to understand.

[@wildwest1832]

This is honestly a completely unique game 20+ years later. Not a single game ever like it was made again. Even ogre battle 64 was different they removed reputation, and made a bunch of other changes.

[@andywhite2337]

I love this game. I'm playing through it currently. I couldn't grasp what was necessary to succeed when I first played it at maybe 9-10 years old. Now I'm loving the depth and complexity of managing the maps and parties. Great review. Keep it up!

[@Titan360]

I saw this in a nintendo power magazine that I happened to buy. Along with Chrono Trigger. And the magazine's main draw, the Virtual boy games! .....I really liked the SNES section of the magazine.

[@michaelbenti5383]

If I had to choose one snes game it would be between this one and FF3/FF6. It has so much replay value. With so many secrets each play through felt different. I remember renting this game over and over. Even played it multiple times on PS1

[@casedistorted]

Man we had a copy of Ogre Battle at our local Woodman's video store.. if I had known they were so rare at only 25,000 copies in North America I would have totally kept it. I rented that game SO many times in my youth because it was such a fun game, but it would make sense why it's kind of obscure to most people then.

[@stevevondoom4140]

building an army of undead and vampires was alot of fun, until you realized you couldnt put a dent in the final boss with those kinda units....

[@alieninmybeverage]

I bet I still have the laminated class map from this game... I looked at that thing for waaay too long

[@Xygor]

The maps they used to include with games were just too cool. They sure don't do that anymore!

[@johndaniel21343]

I played a lot with friends younger. In this video, you put words on why I loved this game so much. Since then I'm just dreaming of a remake with improves, modern graphics and new characters 🙏

[@Xygor]

I would love a remake of this too!

[@johndaniel21343]

@@XygorGaming can't wait, please keep posting videos on this game, add keywords and tags on "turned base, tactic, RPG, final fantasy tactic, etc."

[@NotSoRetro]

The art style looks really good for this game, I think I'll give it a go when I have the time. Good job man.

[@totoro5527]

how anyone could argue there ever was a better video game than this is beyond me.

[@Mobscene_CDN]

I can remember restarting this game over and over to get the phantom attack for my main character, lol. Sitting there answering the questions for hours until I got it.

[@Xygor]

What was the most memorable part of Ogre Battle to you? Please consider supporting me at www.patreon.com/xygorgaming OR through KZbin membership by clicking the JOIN button above to subscribe!

[@patron7906]

I would not say this game is turn-based, it's clearly real time. Just slow and tactical real time

[@fightingfortruth9806]

I had this game pre-ordered at my local game shop. It didn't disappoint. I loved it. I actually prefer the more hands off battles, it made positioning and party building more important.

[@joshuaparsons5720]

One of my all time favorites, I still play it to this day but I play the ps1 version now

[@Xygor]

It's such a great classic!

[@IHeart16Bit]

For anyone watching in 2022 and beyond the superior Saturn version is now available in English :)

[@richardangelromero]

Why is your logo missing at the end of the tunnel in The intro?

[@Xygor]

I made this video before I changed the logo

[@pepsidoggo1598]

*insert sick opening riff from song*

[@unclejonnu1978]

“Once upon a time an old man told me a fable”

[@Operations1000]

This game was revolutionary and so fun to play for hours and again! So glad I found it and I am one of the 25k who owns a physical copy and 64 :)

[@the_beast_among_sheep]

Damned near impossible to collect all 12 Zodiac Stones without the Game Guide. Prima! LoL. Didn't have the internet back then

[@dustineffler7658]

Still My favorite Strategy Game! :)

[@Xygor]

Good pick for it!

[@Mephistopholies]

The one time I saw this game was in highschool like'93-'96. I ate some "magic mushrooms" with some friends. We walked in woods and my ex found us. I ditched everyone TRIPPIN BALLS! Went to my homie Eric's place crawled in his window at like 2AM. His bedroom was lit red from a darkroom bulb. He was sitting on floor in front of a giant fake wood veneered CRT television playing this! His little bro was sleeping on top bunk his girlfriend sleeping on bottom bunk. Eric tried to explain the game. I watched him play till morning.

[@roguerifter9724]

March of the Black Queen is my favorite console SRPG even though I didn't get to play it until the summer of 1999. I wish Square would remaster the Ogre Battle games instead of remaking Tactics Ogre (part of the same story but very different in gameplay) every decade or so. I might have preferred Person of Lordly Caliber but I only knew one person who owned a copy and he sold it while I was midway through my first run.

[@voxkine9385]

What is: the one Ames game I think needs a sequel today!

[@eagleriver900]

that game was epic to play when i was a young lad

[@Viper-sn5cx]

That sweet outro tune...

[@zacharyhorn1426]

Underrated game.

[@Xygor]

Yeah it is man!

[@RichardHannay]

What was Ogre Battle’s influence in Fire Emblem?

[@fortvalor]

What system was this being shown on?

[@ralpharambe163]

Biggest regret is not getting this on the Virtual Console, especially since it's been discontinued. Hoping it's released for the Switch soon... Or hell, completely Remastered/Remake!

[@Thorn99855]

I loved that terrain affected unit speed and viability in battle. I actually think they could've made the game a bit harder though. The tarot cards off balance things a bit too much.

[@Jburneyjr]

Great review

[@ThoughtformsOfTheSubconsciousM]

Nice video, though a huge blunder not mentioning the Saturn version, especially since just like Tactics Ogre on the Saturn - it's easily the definitive version of the game. The PS1 version, again just like Tactics Ogre - is easily the worst.

[@PlanetOfTheApes999]

You can easily get Ogre Battle on a free emulator.

[@andrewsegers7942]

Ogre Battle always reminds me of Herzog Zwei.

[@BigJoe6669]

Liberation !

[@princevaliant]

It's coming!! The remake will come soon... Tactics Ogre Reborn!

[@captawesome42]

I like Ogre Battle 64 but couldn't get into this one. I loved the spritework in combat but bounced off the rest of the visual design pretty hard. I can look past that pretty easily but I had a hell of a time getting to grips with the actual gameplay. I felt it was really dense and complex but it did a horrible job of actually explaining any of its systems. I felt like I had to play along with a guide, let's play or do a ton of research prior to playing in order to actually progress and actually understand what I was doing. There probably is a really good game here and I could see the beginning of something special, it's just too obtuse and requires too much pre-work to actually get into

[@WarrenReport]

This is a very underrated game saga. On my channel I explain the story and how it should be better known.

[@the_beast_among_sheep]

Played this on & off for over 10 years

[@BashMN]

One of the best strategy games ever created.

[@cennon]

I always ended up going the evil route no matter what I did. It was annoying. Great game besides that.

[@ogre27kain]

Lans!

[@SilentVinyl]

nice

[@flawlessstrategy9972]

420th like. :) Yeah, probably my favorite game.

[@michaelluciano1980]

LIBERATION

[@vmac8200]

Yes... I can't tolerate the N64 version and I was heavily into the SNES version. The 64 version is just not visually as good and very boring layout

[@enymetouche2558]

This isn't even a review. For the most part you're just reading the manual and giving off the most basic tidbits of info about the game.

[@darklordoffirex7777]

First

[@Xygor]

You win.

[@darklordoffirex7777]

yes!!!!! i win lol

[@falksi3182]

Never the best SRPG ever, nowhere near.

[@travtuck7646]

Yes. I bought this without playing it first in '93 after seeing it in Nintendo Power. It takes a minute to get rolling, but this game is deeeeep.

[@Xygor]

Sure is! Glad you loved it too!

[@osirisgem]

No it's not. The title of your video is a question, that is the answer. No it's not.