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A handheld Tactics Ogre worthy of its console predecessors

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 42 / 44
Date: May 16, 2002
Author: Amazon User

OK. First off, Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis is a sidestory (the intro calls it an "excerpt") that's only tangentially related to the three games in the larger Ogre Battle Saga. It takes place 22 years before the events chronicled in those three games - Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, and Ogre Battle 64. It's not a GBA remake of the original Tactics Ogre (although that would be nice).

Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the game. Like the original Tactics Ogre, this game is a strategy/RPG much like Final Fantasy Tactics (which boasted many of the same designers, and which has been announced for GBA release). It's completely two-dimensional, and in graphics greatly resembles the original TO, though the colors are much more vivid this time around. What this means is that the graphics are about Super NES quality - not at all bad for a handheld system.

The difficulty has been reduced from the previous games. I consider this a good thing, as its predecessor especially had a tendency to be unbalanced. This doesn't, however, mean it's easy or simple - there's enough in this little cartridge to keep you playing for a couple of months, at least.

The sound is unfortunately tinny coming from the GBA speakers, but with headphones it should be better. The music is also nice, except for the aforementioned tinniness.

In this game, you play Alphonse Loeher, a young knight who has come to the island of Ovis with his commander Rictor. As in the other Ogre Battle games, eventually you fall out with your original group and must forge a new path of your own, determined by your decisions. There are two distinct routes (that I know of), each of which has its own special characters and sidequests. Two words: replay value. Lots of it.

This was the game that prompted me to get a Game Boy Advance, and I haven't regretted it one bit.

Battle strategy game that takes RPGs to a new level

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 41 / 43
Date: June 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is a surprisingly entertaining turn based battle strategy / RPG with a strong story. I'm not one for story so I will tell you about the game itself. You are a commander of a band of do-gooders, who set out to save a land from an evil empire and various quests along the way. So why is this surprisingly entertaining? This has to be one of the most realistic role-playing games in existence. With a normal RPG, you wander the countryside looking for a battle, when you find it, you have a choice, fight, use magic or run. With Ogre Tactics, when you battle you see an entire landscape of a battle area, trees you can hide behind, mountains, water and so on. Where you must then control each character of your army (up to eight can be in a battle at a time). Control them to move, fight, use spells, special abilities, items, and use real battle tactics! Maneuver a character behind an enemy and have them stab the enemy in the back! Have your archers take the high ground and bombard the enemy with arrows or you can fight the enemy head on! There are dozens of weapons, spells with dazzling graphics, armor and so on to equip to characters of your army. The reason why I am calling members of your army "characters" is because there are several character classes, such as knights, soldiers, magicians, clerics, archers, ninjas, beast tamers, dragon tamers and yes even monsters like octopuses, lions, fairies, devils, griffins and dragons can be a part of your army. You can either hire the characters in shops, or on the battlefield you can convince enemies to join your army!

Enjoy a challenge??......Here it is.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 14 / 15
Date: June 12, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tactics ogre for the game boy advanced is the fourth game down a long and great line of stragedy games, involved key game play elements from FFT (final fantasy tactics) and Ogre Battle( N64 & super NES). The great thing about this game is that is has the best mixure between the two. The fighing style for this game follows the same techniqe as FFT, but with a twist. Now when it's your turn to battle you can choose who moves at any time!! You can move you heavy steel weiding Knight first thing, or have your powerful wizard clear the way with his spells, choosing who moves and when is one of the key's to what make this a great game.

Graphics- The graphics are good for the Game boy advance, better than most 32 bit games out there. The toon style characters follow those from the playstation version of Tactics Ogre.

Sound- The dramatic sounds this little game puts out are good at creating the mood for whatver is happening, fighting sounds are also a plus.

Gameplay- The gameplay makes this game what it is...Wonderful!! You follow the life and times of one charcter, and make an impact to other unique characters lives. The ability to make choices adds to the fun factor. If you start over, you can never play this game exactly the same twice.

Highlights- Three battery save slots are available, plus a suspend option for those really long battles. Fun exicited and challenging.

Cons (Had to think of some)- This game is for ones seeking to use stragedy and their mind, not just simple games play. This is not for you if you just want to have some simple fun. It's too easy these days to get a quick walkthrough which takes away from the game play, and anticipation (use skill not cheats).

Overall- You MUST buy this game if have any RPG or stragedy blood in your viens!!

It's no FF Tactics, but it's still pretty good.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 12
Date: August 21, 2002
Author: Amazon User

If you love strategy RPG's, like your games easy, and can tolerate playing on a screen the size of a postage stamp, then you'll find many hours of enjoyment here. With over 40 hours of game-play, and multiple endings you could spend quite a while with this one. For me though, one time through was enough. It's just not on the same level as Final Fantasy Tactics, but then, few games are.

Tactics Ogre looks and plays almost exactly like FF Tactics and most other strategy RPG's. You place your soldiers on a grid and take turns with the computer trying to eliminate each-others units. Each unit will receive experience points for each attack, and will level up when they reach 100. Yada yada yada...if you've played other strategy RPG's, you know the drill. There's not much new stuff here, but that's okay by me, cause I can't seem to get enough of these games.

Really my only major complaint with this game is the complete lack of difficulty. To me, what made FF Tactics so great was the incredible level of difficulty, which forced you to learn all of the games' intricacies in order to survive. Tactics Ogre, on the other hand, is so easy you can pretty much charge haphazardly into any battle, with no thought or plan, and you'll still come through with all your units alive. There are really only two places in the game that present anything even remotely resembling a challenge; and that's just because they force you to split your party into two groups. However, despite this total lack of challenge, I still had quite a bit of fun.

You see, Tactics Ogre has this great little "emblem" system, which really adds a lot of depth to the game. (Though, not nearly as deep as the job system in FFT.) You are rewarded with these emblems for performing various acts during battle. For instance, if you charge in and attack the enemy from the front you will receive a "knights certificate", or if you attack an enemy from a long distance with a bow you will receive a "sniper emblem". These emblems are necessary in order to change a characters class. The characters attributes, alignment, and emblems received, determine which classes the character will be able to change to. (And in some cases amount and/or type of enemies killed are also a factor.) These emblems are what kept me playing the game. I had lots of fun trying out new tactics to see what emblems I could receive next, and then what new classes those emblems would open up.

I found the story in Tactics Ogre to be the usual Japanese RPG tripe. If you play these games for the stories, then I really can't say whether you'll find this one good or not, as I find the story-lines in almost every Japanese RPG to be poorly translated, cliché ridden, rubbish. Fortunately, the story doesn't get in the way too much here. None of the cut-scenes are terribly long, and the focus of the game is clearly on game-play.

Overall, I found Tactics Ogre to be a great little game. It's no FF Tactics, but it's a heck of a lot better than recent strategy RPG's such as Hoshigami and Saiyuki. It could have reached "great" status if they just would have upped the difficulty a bit.

Sound: 9/10
About as good as you can get on the GBA's tinny sounding speaker.

Graphics: 9/10
Looks just like FF Tactics. The only difference being that the map is not rendered, meaning that it can not be rotated.

Controls: 9/10
Not really a factor in a strategy RPG, but I had no difficulty navigating the many menus.

Game-play: 7/10
Too easy. Could have been great if they just would have upped the difficulty a bit.

Final Score: 8/10
Not as good as FF Tactics, but definitely worth playing.

An Addictive, Time-Consuming Cartridge Has Been Unleashed!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 14
Date: May 30, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Take heed and embrace this word of warning for an addictive, time-consuming cartridge has been unleashed! This is a monster of a game geared up to subtract the crux of your week, and have you relentlessly tossing and turning to continue the adventure. Because of their potential to cease human existence, Turn-Based RPGs should be treated like controlled substances, and Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis is far from being an exception. At its first skirmishes, TO conjured memories of Strategy champs such as Shining Force III and the unprecedented Final Fantasy Tactics (not to mention the Ogre Battle saga itself). However, The Knight of Lodis is no uniform clone that apes the past, and I`ll tell ya why, sonnie. As the GBA camped nights on the earth of my palms, palpable respect and joy slung on. The Knight of Lodis goes beyond a revision of its acceptable genre, supporting its own unique style. At the same time it resembles past episodes and defends its place as a new Strategy/RPG beaming with all the fantasy royalty.

Set in the general swords and sorcery theme, an all-out war is intensifying and its up to your party's decisions to let accord careen through the bleak roads ahead. The Empire of Holy Lodis has invaded lands in hopes to forcefully convert the masses with their religion. Particularly brutal and implying that Lodism is honorable vindication for their violence, their hidden intent is proliferation. They set their sights on the island of Ovis. Assuming the role of Alphonse, a member of the Order of the Sacred Flame of, its up to him to uncover the mysteries behind Ovis and end the empire. The Knight of Lodis keeps a solid translation. However, some of the story is distorted, plus recalling the origin of each character is impossible. Thankfully, in-game reference helps you recollect who and what transpired.

Tone down the regulations on mobility and classes from its predecessor, and wha-la the GBA incarnation is born. Up to eight of your warriors can populate the battlefield. Goals are highlighted before ensuing warfare. Majority of them are purely wiping the chessboard clean of adversaries. Played in rounds, you may command whichever trooper in any order during your turn. A bit disappointed that strategic performance was cut (no more speed or weight constraint), the battle is well executed for such a small gaming platform. Unlike most RPGs, there lacks an environment to explore, but is centered on a parchment with destinations. Consisting of three modes of play, the bulk of the game is in Story Mode. Obviously, there the story unfolds.

As far as the character classes go, I am content on how Atlus modified it. Uplifting the class restriction between males and females, choosing classes are employed prematurely. Character classes are achieved by certain acts, whether it be evading a number of attacks or providing the sickening deathblow on a number of targets. Classes include Soldiers, Amazons, and much more. Along the application of a class, the player must decide on the element he wants for his character. Diversity is best, such as having a fighter who is set on ice and another on fire. Many situations call for such differences. Weather and spells come with consequences on the map. Weather conditions can alter the terrain, such as a sheet of snow swathing the field which in effect fetters momentum. Though, to fight back players can reverse such nuisances by using specified spells such as fire to liquefy the aggravating ice, or sprout sunlight to vaporize the nasty rain. Magic is a consistent instrument of victory. Beasts like the dragons and golems fight alongside with you as well. With fairly good AI bequeathing a reasonable challenge, the enemies stick to their programmed data and sometimes take the terrain and their element to the advantage.

Players may access Quest Mode which offers exclusive battles outside the main course. These are adventures taken with only a single chance of victory. Be prepared to switch the on and off trigger on the GBA, because these battles are tough to the near-impossible. But the rewards are worth the perspiration The items are not found anywhere in Story Mode, such valuable goodies are perfect for battling in the multiplayer mode. The 2P mode is best to gain levels, test your brain-power, and see whose party's is the baddest of them all. An added aim to challenge a person is the extra treasures given to the victor. Based on tactical decisions, swift movement, and decisive actions, the champion will be given new equipment. The Knight of Lodis packs a great solo blast and a fantastic 2P mode. When excellence and phenomenal size unite in a game, you can`t help but feel the satisfaction of where you invested your money into.

The Knight of Lodis closely parallels to the PS1 atmosphere, but the GBA strangely ousts that installment with its day-glow fleece of decorative colors. Much improved, the fine-looking graphics are varied with backgrounds and most display bits of fluid animation, such as the choppy waters, swaying blades of grass, and the arc of swords. The simulated 3D environments during story sequences go against the SNES, fully imparting that the GBA is truly more powerful than that ancient, but predominant console. The crisp sprites and detailed characters also go well with the smooth glaze of music. Fitted with varied tracks that keep the traditional Strategy/RPG experience, nothing too grainy or beepy emits from the li'l speakers of the GBA. Now merge excellence, phenomenal size, and a satisfactory presentation together in a game, then you'll know that this game will go down in the pages of best handheld games.

I don't know if Atlus promised anything with this game, but when the curtains closed I did feel that they have delivered what, if anything, they promised. Simmered with a good dose of complexity, you throw Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis and Advance Wars in the pit, and the victor is. . .you decide

Finally a game worth mentioning

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 16
Date: May 29, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The other reviews say who you play and the basic story plot, so I will leave that be. I have played, at least started, "Golden Sun", "Breath of Fire" and an odd assortment of other GBA RPG games, and returned most of them.

"Tactics Ogre" is the first one I've sat down with, and played while at work, and enjoyed straight from the begining, and finished. Though the graphics aren't as spectacular as "Golden Sun", I have yet to find myself wondering "where do I go now?"

Working off my buzz from "Ogre Battle 64" (N64) and disappointment in "Final Fantasy Tactics" (PS1), I did have my doubts in terms of gameplay. Withen my first hour, I was glued, and have spent a small fortune in batteries already to keep playing.

In battle you get to use 8 characters, but I suggest you keep at least 16 fairly strong characters for when you have to split your forces for certain battles. Always save before battles in case things go wrong, or if you think you can do better. To defeat the bosses, many tactics can be used, and many tactics will be used against you. As you play, you'll begin to recognize the enemies strategy, and be able to counter accordingly.

This is deffinately a good investment for both RPGers and STRATEGY goers.

Strategy RPGs don't get better.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: June 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is one of the best RPGs I have ever played.
1) The cool emblem system. This is one of the best features. Some emblems give you more power, others allow you to change to a different character class, others take away stats for bad things you do, and others are there just to say you have.
2) The story is very good. There are multiple endings that can be affected from when you first start the game, to the very last stage.
3) It is one of the better battle system styles. While most RPGs have you play in the small unmovable parties, in Tactics Ogre you move around to different squares. Think Final Fantasy Tactics and you have it.
4) The special characters are cool because of how they directly affect the story.
All in all this is a very good RPG. If you liked FFT then buy this game, if you like RPGs buy the game, anyone else? Rent it and see, you never know...

SIMPLY AMAZING!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: July 04, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This game as I said, is simply amazing! I was a big fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, which is the first game I played of this type, and I find this game very much like it which is a plus. I still play FFT once in a while. Well back to Tactics Ogre.
I just love this game and I am truly addicted to it. The storyline is great which you must read (i do not suggest skipping cutscenes) to get into the depth of the game.
The Battle System is easy to learn after a few minutes of gameplay. The Classes available provide variety in your combat squad. Although the system is not as in depth as FFT (ie purchase skills through exp points) there is customizable spells and emblems/medals to acquire for different class availability. I just started the game so I dont know the details within the game. One thing this game could have had was a thief class ( me being a FFT fan), but that does not really matter. Using the persuade action is great to recruit, I use it to recruit the enemy and sell the weapons for quick money, then dismiss the unit afterwards.
The graphics are great for the little handheld! Once again It really reminds me of FFT. The musical score adds a nice touch to the game.
If you loved FFT this is a must have! I suggest you purchase this game ASAP! There is Quest Mode Option for treasure hunting and even a 2 Player VS Link Mode! This game will provide countless hours of pure enjoyment and I believe that the replay value will be great! I heard there is, I believe, 6 different endings, so pack your batteries and thumb away!

PS. I just found out that FFT is based on Ogre Battle. Now I see how FFT got it's greatness. Im still playing 99 hours and 59 minutes on the clock and the clock stopped there. 10 Stars!

tactics ogre

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: May 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

this is the best strategy game for gba. it even competes with golden sun.

it has a pretty so so storyline (you are this guy who starts in the ranks of these special troops, and you break up to find this item and you basically run around a map killing enemies). it is fun, because not only can you persuade people to join your party, but you can hire people in towns.

*pros*

fighting

moves

persuasion/hiring

quest mode

*cons*

graphics (they are ok, not anything special)

storyline

no-save period during enemy's turn

no-save period during long conversations that can take up to ten minutes if you bother to actually read what all the idiots are saying

allinall i think this is a great game, but if you sense a conversation, start htting (A) at like ten times a second. most of the conversations are irrelevant.

buy this game if you like strategy games, but if you like rpgs go golden sun :P

Tactics ogre again!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: November 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I have always loved the series. It's the only true role-playing series out there. You start off with the hero, of which you can name if you want, and you pretty much are asked questions that will outline your main character! The battles are great, it is not a 'mimic' of any other battle system out there (For all of you who'd like to argue, i want to put my~~~nevermind, the creators of FFT accually made this battle system far before FFT for the original tactics ogre), Having to plan where to put your characters, what they will do, the consequence of your action. On top of the original combat, the story is a very non-linear one, unlike FFT or any final fantasy or even chrono trigger. You are given many a choice as to what to do, and it effects what you can and can't do, making it a whole new experience each time!! If you play a game solely for the purpose of it being flashy(shame on you) this game has plenty to offer. The graphics are high on my "this game looks cool" list, and the music is great too. if you like a good strategy game, this is also for you. and last but not least, those of you who are true role-players, this game(with it's 12 possible endings) offers upwards of 600 hrs of game play...

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