Ogre Battle is a very challenging game that (if it gets you addicted) will keep you locked to your TV, trying to get the best endings. End up being the good guy, or the bad guy with 13 different endings! Your reputation depends on how much the people like you. If you go defeating units much weaker than you, your reputation will go down. To get your reputation up, fight stronger or equal units. (Other things determine reputation also.) Alignment is the one attribute that you don't always want to be high (or low for that matter). Characters with high alignment will be weak, but the people will like them more. Charatcers with low alignment will be strong, but the people won't like them as much. Best of all, the plot is completely non-linear! Anyway, it's hard to mention everything good about this game, so off to the plot!

In the kingdom of Zenobia, Sage Rashidi, unknown of his reason, killed his former friend King Gran Zenobia and joined with the Empress Endora, leader of the Northern Highlands. Together, they waged war on four kingdoms. There military took only a year to take over the takeover the continent. That was the start of the Zeteginean Empire.

The Empire reigned with terror. The loyal survivors would suffer to merciless persecution. The people became troubled, and there violence was everywhere.

It is now the Imperial Year 24. The last survivors of Zenobia were planning to fight back. You, as their leader, will send the Zenobian troops to take back the lands, and rid of the Zeteginean Empire. Be ready for a surprise final boss! Remember, even if you do beat the final boss, then depending on your stats, the ending may be really good, or really bad...

+ Completely non-linear game. 13 different endings that you have to work at to get (except the worst ones). Time changes from day to night. Re-release on PSX provides good additions from the SNES version. Tarot cards allow you to do "summon" type spells in battle. Many "jobs" to get, like in Final Fantasy Tactics. Surprise boss!

- May be too challenging for some players. Aspects (attributes, reputation, etc.) of game may be confusing to some players. Battles may seem too long. PSX version has noticeable loading time. Allies cannot be directly controlled in battle.

What do I say? If you can handle a challenge, then buy the PSX version, or get it as a gift if possible, but only if you don't have any other games in mind.