Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, a tactical RPG gem, originally released in 1995, remained largely undiscovered by many until the rise of its spiritual successor, Final Fantasy Tactics. Now, Tactics Ogre: Reborn breathes new life into this classic, making it accessible to modern consoles and introducing a new generation to its intricate world. Coincidentally, its release aligns with a resurgence of the tactical RPG genre, spearheaded by titles like Triangle Strategy. However, the quality-of-life improvements and refined gameplay in Tactics Ogre: Reborn seamlessly blend the old with the new, making it difficult to believe the original predates modern entries by over 25 years.
tactics-ogre-reborn.jpgAlt: A screenshot from Tactics Ogre: Reborn showcasing the isometric grid battlefield and character sprites.
A Matsuno Masterpiece
The frequent comparison between Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics stems from their shared creator, Yasumi Matsuno. Both games share core elements, including turn-based combat on an isometric grid. However, Matsuno’s signature storytelling truly sets them apart. Tactics Ogre combines grounded fantasy with a complex, intrigue-laden plot, a hallmark of Matsuno’s Ivalice setting, which also features in Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story, and Final Fantasy XII. The narrative depth, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, predates even the first book in George R.R. Martin’s series. Tactics Ogre: Reborn further enhances this compelling narrative with new voice acting and refined dialogue, solidifying its position as a storytelling masterpiece.
Refined Tactical Gameplay
Known for their complexity, Matsuno’s games demand strategic thinking, and Tactics Ogre is no exception. Positioning is paramount on the isometric battlefields; a misplaced unit can quickly fall prey to the enemy, while strategic flanking maneuvers can turn the tide of battle. Equipment choices, item management, elemental affinities, and even moral alignments significantly impact combat outcomes. Tactics Ogre: Reborn streamlines this complexity, reducing the grind often associated with classic tactical RPGs while retaining the strategic depth.
Tactics Ogre Reborn gameplayAlt: A close-up of the battle interface in Tactics Ogre: Reborn, highlighting the character stats and available actions.
Revamped Class System
Similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre features a robust job system. However, Reborn introduces a significant improvement: character levels are now independent of class. Previously, switching classes meant grinding to bring a character up to speed. Now, a level 15 knight transitioning to a ninja retains their level, eliminating unnecessary grinding. This, coupled with the new party level cap, streamlines progression while preserving the depth and customization offered by the job system.
Branching Narratives and Replayability
The game’s branching narratives and multiple endings, often a superficial attempt at replayability in other games, feel genuinely meaningful in Tactics Ogre: Reborn. Experimenting with different units, classes, and narrative choices offers a compelling reason to revisit this rich world multiple times.
Quality-of-Life Enhancements
A welcome addition is the option to double the battle speed. This doesn’t affect the turn-based difficulty but significantly speeds up animations, making longer battles more manageable and accommodating shorter play sessions.
Visual Updates and Presentation
Visually, Tactics Ogre: Reborn retains the original’s pixel art charm, upscaling the sprites and environments to high definition. While purists might notice slight blurring around the edges of the upscaled characters, the overall presentation remains faithful to the original while enhancing its visual appeal for modern displays.
Tactics Ogre Reborn world mapAlt: The world map of Tactics Ogre: Reborn, showcasing the various locations and territories.
A Masterful Remaster
Tactics Ogre was a genre-defining title upon its initial release, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn elevates this classic to new heights. With enhanced gameplay, refined mechanics, and a captivating narrative, this remaster is a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs and newcomers alike. Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a masterpiece, a testament to the enduring brilliance of Yasumi Matsuno’s vision.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Tactics Ogre: Reborn is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC. This review was conducted on PlayStation 5 using a review code provided by the publisher.
