"A disappointment for Ogre Battle/Tactics Ogre Fans"

Wow.. I was really expecting a lot from Atlus after Ogre Battle's rerelease on the PSX and Tactics Ogre. Well, this game.. Just doesn't really cut it as a quality strategy rpg.

Graphics (7.5/10)
The graphics were pretty decent. Also, the cut scenes (when two characters engage in battle, it actually cuts to a combat scene where both characters each deliver their hit)were a great addition and done pretty well. All in all, the graphics were satisfactory.

Story (4/10)
Lame. Although strategy games like this rarely do have very good storylines, this one definately isn't an exception to that rule.

Gameplay (6/10)
There really isn't a learning curve for this game. The idea of one human character using his rune power to control various monsters through battles is fairly easy to master.

Challenge (6/10)
Sometimes the computer nails you when you aren't ready with attacks, and those can be interesting. Overall, it isn't really that hard to just beef up your borders from enemy attacks and anihilate the leader, but this game isn't a pushover either.

Pros:
Another strategy game in an era where there are few.
Watching your characters and monsters get stronger can be fun.
The cut-scene fighting is pretty rockin'.

Cons:
Pretty mundane. It gets fairly boring pretty quick.
Nothing solid to keep you wanting to play.

The down-low:
Definately disappointing and a game that gets old quick.. I'd say, if you dig strategy games -A LOT- then give it a rent, or buy it if you can get it used and VERY cheap. It isn't really anything worth buying.. I'd hold out for something better, myself.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99