Japanese video game publisher Square Enix has breathed new life into this PlayStation Portable remake of Tactics Ogre, subtitled ‘Let Us Cling Together‘.
First appearing on the Super Nintendo platform more than 16 years ago, this strategy role-playing game sets players as Denam, a teenage boy who is trying to save the leader of his people. The story rapidly escalates into an epic civil war as the three races inhabiting the country of Valeria go at one another.
And what a story it is. This game makes you want to sit back with a cuppa to take in the pages of backstories in order to grasp the intricate twists and turns.
The game also takes pains to point out how no action is truly evil or good. Do you remain lawful to your oaths and kill innocent civilians? Or do you stand by your morals and be turned upon? Which action you choose affects your ending.
The turn-based combat is deep and feels pretty realistic. For instance, wearing heavy armour or toting a bag full of griminess will make a character move slower.
This latest installment also has a few welcome tweaks. One is allowing entire classes to level up. This makes keeping all characters on an even footing easier, especially when death is permanent and enemies will target your weakest troops first.
Then there is the ability to replay battles and explore other storyline branches after the game is over, which help extend the game’s re-playability.
Gamers who are worried about infamous long loading times and crippling slow-downs of PSP titles will be happy to know that despite the fancy new spell animations, snazzy character portraits and reworked maps, everything runs smoothly.
My only gripe – and it is only a minor one – is the lack of true multi-player support. Players can only swop their army rosters with one another and face down AI-controlled opponents.
This game is not some half-baked remake meant to milk the money of nostalgic players. Far from it, the terrific updates – from the souped-up story to revamped equipment menus – make this game an almost perfect one.
More: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Official Strategy Guide
