Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Adventure, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U
- Developers: Quest, Riverhillsoft
- Publishers: Artdink, Atlus USA, Enix America Corporation, Infinity, Riverhillsoft, Square Enix
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993)
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is a tactical role-playing game developed by Quest Corporation and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in Japan in 1993 and in North America and Europe in 1995. The game is set in the fictional world of Zetegenia, where the Zetegenian Empire has conquered the Kingdoms of Zenobia. The player takes on the role of a rebel leader who must fight to overthrow the Empire and restore peace to the land.
Ogre Battle is known for its innovative gameplay, which combines traditional SRPG elements with a unique tarot card system. Players control a group of units on a grid-based map, and can use a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat their enemies. The tarot card system allows players to cast powerful spells and summon creatures to aid them in battle.
The game also features a branching storyline, which is influenced by the player’s choices. The player can choose to align with different factions and characters, and their decisions will affect the course of the story. Ogre Battle is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a deep and engaging tactical experience.
Gameplay
Ogre Battle is a turn-based tactical role-playing game. The player controls a group of units on a grid-based map, and can use a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to defeat their enemies. The game features a unique tarot card system, which allows players to cast powerful spells and summon creatures to aid them in battle.
The player’s units are divided into three classes: infantry, cavalry, and archers. Each class has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must carefully consider the composition of their army before each battle. Units can be equipped with a variety of weapons and armor, and can also learn new spells and abilities as they level up.
The tarot card system is one of the most unique features of Ogre Battle. Tarot cards can be used to cast spells, summon creatures, and even alter the terrain. There are over 100 different tarot cards in the game, and the player can collect them by defeating enemies or finding them hidden throughout the world.
The player’s choices in Ogre Battle have a significant impact on the course of the story. The player can choose to align with different factions and characters, and their decisions will affect the outcome of the game. The game features multiple endings, and the player’s choices will determine which ending they receive.
Story
Ogre Battle is set in the fictional world of Zetegenia, where the Zetegenian Empire has conquered the Kingdoms of Zenobia. The player takes on the role of a rebel leader who must fight to overthrow the Empire and restore peace to the land.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The player will meet a variety of characters, each with their own motivations and goals. The player’s choices will affect the relationships between these characters, and will ultimately determine the outcome of the story.
Development
Ogre Battle was developed by Quest Corporation, a Japanese video game developer. The game was directed by Yasumi Matsuno, who would later go on to direct the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy Tactics.
Ogre Battle was originally released in Japan in 1993. The game was later released in North America and Europe in 1995. The game was a critical and commercial success, and has since been ported to a variety of platforms.
Legacy
Ogre Battle is considered to be one of the greatest tactical role-playing games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, branching storyline, and deep world-building have all been praised by critics and players alike. Ogre Battle has had a significant influence on the development of the SRPG genre, and its legacy continues to inspire game developers today.
Conclusion
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is a classic tactical role-playing game that offers a deep and engaging experience. The game’s unique tarot card system, branching storyline, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
9/10
