Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

"The latest installment in the Ogre Battle series, and one of the best."

I bought this game a while go, and after looking it over completely (3 files of 65 hours or more) I can say that this is a Great strategy game for your GBA, and one you should definitely look into. It is great n a number of ways, and I strongly encourage you to buy it. This is the first review I've ever given and I this game just inspired me to make this review.

Graphics: 8/10

Some fo the most enjoyable graphics I'e seen on the GBA. The spells looked good, The characters looked good. Weapons and shields are shown when the action is selected, and they actually change what they look like with what is equipped, It's a nice touch. The Faces in the text boxes have lots of detail as well which is great. Again, some of the best graphics you will find on the GBA, This is one of the games strong points.

Sound: 6/10

I never play with the sound on but this music is okay. It doesn't ruin the game, nor does it really enhance it. The music usually fits what you are doing though, (no happy music when someone des, Triumphant music when you win, etc.) It was sufficient, nothing more, nothing less.

Gameplay: 9/10

This is, if you ask me, the most important part of a game, and Tactics Ogre: The Knights of Lodis, has some of the best gameplay you will ever find. There are a lot of class choices for your forces (somewhere upwards of 20) which keep the action original. Combat is turn based, your opponents go, then you go ans so on and so forth. When you fight your enemies, the side from which you attack them is important, The back is easier to hit than the sides or the front. Out of battle you move along a map and go to the shop to recruit new troops and by more equipment. Also, a new feature to the series is emblems. These are rewarded to your soldiers for doing uncommon things, Such as hitting over 200 damage, or getting an enemy from full HP to no HP in one attack. You will feel compelled to collect them all for every character. Sound strategy will lead to results. The reason this game gets a nine out of ten is because you can win any battle with little work buy using a gang up on one enemy tactic. You will not lose if you just go from enemy to enemy. This would normally be fine, but since this always works, it takes a little bit of the challenge out of the game. This does little to hamper the strategic gameplay though.

Story: 8/10

You are a soldier of Lodis who is separated from his unit early in the game. As the story advances you begin to see that the purpose of your presence goes beyond quelling a feud. You are torn between sides, and your in game choices effect the story. It is pretty much the same story of any other rpg, but since it was told so well, 8/10, it will not bore you.

Replay Value: 10/10

This is one of the games strongest points. With all the different units, you are compelled to go through the game again, using a different strategy, and different units. Multiple endings also contribute to the replay value. I have beat the game at least seven times and I'm still playing it. A host of collectible emblems compel you to get all of them for every character. You will play through the game many times.

Pro:
-Good Graphics
-Great Gameplay
-Amazing Replay value
-Good Story

Con
-Low quality sound
-Gang up tactics work to well.

Buy or Rent

BUY!!! The game is long enough to keep you interested and has enough replay value to keep you coming back. A great game, even if you do not like strategy games.

Final score: 9/10 (Not an average)
Average: 8.2/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/10/05