Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Preview
A Grand RPG Returns - Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Preview
Tactics Ogre originally appeared on the Super Famicom in 1995 and was later ported to the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation. The game, which is considered by many to be the precursor to Final Fantasy Tactics, is receiving facelift on the PSP. Set to feature improved graphics and new gameplay elements, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is en route for launch this month in Japan, with a North American date currently pending.
Decisions, Decisions
One of the most interesting aspects of Tactics Ogre is the ability to literally mold your character’s personality with the decisions you make. At the start of the game, you’re thrown into a tarot card reading. As cards unfold before your character, you must answer five questions. The way in which you answer these questions has a direct impact on your character. Because the questions are based on morals, your character will be seen as a respected member of society, a sneaky civilian, or a neutral individual.
As you play Tactics Ogre, you constantly interact with numerous characters. The way you talk to these NPCs will directly determine how they see you, what happens to them in the long run, and your overall relationship with them. It is very possible to make great friends and deadly enemies, and the end result usually has big implications as you progress further into the game.
Tactical Gameplay
The gameplay in Tactics Ogre isn’t anything particularly new. If you’ve played tactical RPGs before, then you should have no problem getting the hang of Tactics Ogre. You are placed on grid, and from here you engage enemies and take them on in turn-based battles. You can attack, defend, and use special powers while battling. You acquire new abilities by gaining skill points and leveling up, ultimately brandishing stronger skills.
The way your battles play out directly impacts the game’s ending. With two different conclusions, the enemies you kill and those who live all play a part in the unraveling story. This is where the game’s Wheel of Fortune element comes in. Barring all references to the game show of the same name, the Wheel of Fortune in Ogre Battle allows you to do some pretty interesting things. You can go back to specific points in the game and play in a completely different manner to see a different part of the story. Or you can go back in time by up to 50 turns if you’d rather change your strategy for a certain battle.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Preview - Not a Total Remake
Rather than create an updated remake to Tactics Ogre, Square Enix decided to make a reimagining of the original game. Though a lot of the key elements are still there, this is a fairly new experience. So fans who played the original or any of its subsequent ports will definitely get to see something new here. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together for the PSP releases this month in Japan. Stay tuned for more info on the game’s North American launch.
