Get on Steam"Ogre" is a turn-based warfare strategy game, where 1-2 players engage in mechanized combat in a split-screen local multi-player or single-player mode. Officially adapted from the classic tabletop wargame, players command hovercrafts, tanks, infantry, and the formidable Ogres in a battle for supremacy. Praised for its faithful re-engineering and immersive gameplay, it's a bargain for new and returning fans alike.
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Xbox Series X|S
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Reviews
- Faithful recreation of the original board game, capturing its mechanics and feel.
- Great for nostalgic players who enjoyed the tabletop version, with added convenience of digital play.
- The game offers a variety of scenarios and the ability to create custom maps, enhancing replayability.
- The game is plagued by bugs, including frequent crashes and unresponsive AI during gameplay.
- The user interface is clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult to navigate and manage units effectively.
- Single-player mode lacks challenge due to weak AI, and the game can feel tedious with slow animations and excessive clicking.
- graphics62 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players describing them as outdated and rudimentary, reminiscent of titles from two decades ago. While some appreciate the nostalgic, old-school aesthetic and find the visuals functional for a tabletop adaptation, others criticize the lack of polish and detail, noting that the interface and overall graphical presentation leave much to be desired. Despite these shortcomings, a few players highlight that the graphics effectively convey the game's atmosphere and align with its board game roots.
“The graphics are perfect for the feel of the setting.”
“I like this game, excellent graphics, excellent gameplay, an editor, & 'true hotseat'.”
“The graphics, the map, and models are true to the classic game, and the added music and sound effects are just right and appropriate without being overstated.”
“The graphics are embarrassingly bad and remind me of something that would've been put out 20 years ago.”
“Unfortunately, the release game is buggy, has barely functional graphics, and the interface leaves a tremendous amount to be desired.”
“Graphics, sound, UI, animations, everything are of the most rudimentary level.”
- gameplay46 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a faithful adaptation of the classic Ogre board game, featuring simple mechanics and straightforward combat that are easy to learn but challenging to master. While the user interface can be clunky, recent updates have improved the overall experience, and the game retains a strong focus on board game elements rather than transforming into a typical computer game. Players appreciate the depth of strategy available, although the tutorial lacks tactical guidance, and advanced gameplay features still require refinement.
“I do recommend this game - the gameplay, rules implementation, combat - all solid - and I have confidence Auroch is player-focused and will make some of the changes people are asking for.”
“Mechanically, this is a faithful adaptation of the Ogre board game (and that's a good thing!).”
“Truly a faithful adaptation of a classic science fiction war simulation from way back in the late 70s and early 80s, this game doesn't play fast and loose like other computer adaptations, but just keeps the basic simple mechanic and setting that made Ogre fun and playable.”
“The UI is clunky and gets in the way of the gameplay.”
“The tutorial teaches the basic mechanics, but no strategy or tactics; of course, since this is effectively the same game as the 40-year-old board game, the existing rich library of works about Ogre are just as applicable to the computer version as it is to the board version.”
“The campaign itself is tuned towards players with a feel for the gameplay; you're going to learn how to play the hard way.”
- story46 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as lacking depth, with minimal emphasis on narrative or world-building, primarily focusing on combat between two factions that differ only in aesthetics. However, some players appreciate the unique atmosphere and flavor text that evoke the lore of Keith Laumer's "bolo" universe, finding the campaign missions enjoyable despite technical issues and AI shortcomings. Overall, while the campaign has potential, many players feel it falls short of delivering a rich storytelling experience.
“As far as I can tell, the game includes all of the scenarios from the board game and also a neat little campaign with a bit of a story.”
“Storyline is interesting and captures the lore of Ogre perfectly, making me feel like I stepped into a Keith Laumer Bolo novel.”
“The campaign has a good premise to the story arc, and four missions in, it's pretty fun.”
“There is no strong emphasis on story or world lore - you just fight with enemies. There are two factions, but their differences are only in color and icons, and sometimes in roles in battle scenarios.”
“I currently cannot progress any further in the campaign because both times I finished the current mission, the game got stuck.”
“I cannot start a campaign or play a skirmish - the game won't show any missions.”
- stability44 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with numerous reports of bugs, crashes, and unresponsive gameplay. Players frequently experience freezing, desynchronization during multiplayer, and frustratingly slow AI turns, leading to a consensus that the game feels unfinished despite being available for five years. Overall, the lack of polish and persistent technical problems detract from the gaming experience, making it hard to recommend.
“Unfortunately, the release game is buggy, has barely functional graphics, and the interface leaves a tremendous amount to be desired.”
“Cons - buggy and crashes frequently, painfully slow AI turns, no experience gains in campaign.”
“It freezes up, gets stuck on turns, goes choppy, and other kinds of issues like this.”
- music12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as atmospheric and fitting, with a bombastic science fiction vibe reminiscent of 1970s and 80s soundtracks, akin to Ralph Bakshi's "Wizards." While some users noted the absence of music, those who appreciated the soundtrack found it to enhance the experience without being overwhelming, complementing the game's classic graphics and sound effects. Overall, the music is well-received for its pleasant war tunes and appropriate ambiance.
“The soundtrack is good - a war tune and vibes that are quite pleasant to the ear.”
“Music is very atmospheric, full of bombastic science fiction menace, capturing a 1970's and 80's mood like an alternative soundtrack to Ralph Bakshi's Wizards.”
“The graphics, the map, and models are true to the classic game, and the added music and sound effects are just right and appropriate without being overstated.”
“No music.”
“If you're looking for some flashy RTS with eye-popping effects and a loud soundtrack, then this is not the game for you.”
“The graphics, the map and models, are true to the classic game, and the added music and sound effects are just right and appropriate without being overstated.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game exhibits mixed reviews regarding replayability; while some players find it fun with significant replay value, others note its limitations due to the absence of a campaign and issues with graphics and UI. Overall, it seems to offer enjoyable experiences for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.
“Fun game with lots of replay value.”
“If you can overlook the graphics and the UI, the game is fun and has a fair amount of replay value.”
“Limited replayability, no campaign.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users report significant frustration with the game's optimization, indicating that despite attempts to adjust settings for better performance, there are no improvements. The consensus suggests that the performance issues are not related to balance or optimization settings, leading to a disappointing experience.
“I've tried messing with the settings for all kinds of different things, thinking it's some performance issue, but nothing works.”
“Zero points for zero performance.”
“These are not balance issues, or optimization problems.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game effectively creates a rich atmosphere through its sound and visuals, reminiscent of classic sci-fi aesthetics from the 1970s and 80s. Players appreciate the unique and mysterious campaign missions, enhanced by a bombastic soundtrack that evokes a sense of menace and intrigue. Overall, the combination of these elements contributes to a compelling and immersive experience.
“The game has a surprising amount of atmosphere, similar to how the Twilight Struggle PC game used sound and visuals to really convey a mood.”
“The music is very atmospheric, full of bombastic science fiction menace, capturing a 1970s and 80s mood like an alternative soundtrack to Ralph Bakshi's Wizards.”
“Normally, flavor text mission descriptions don't do much for me, but the weird far-off sci-fi atmosphere combined with the mysterious nature of what's going on actually feels kind of cool, and the campaign missions each feel fairly unique so far.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, noting that the computer automates much of the repetitive tasks, which may detract from the overall experience.
“It's tedious.”
“The computer does all the tedious stuff for you.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game particularly effective, with specific mention of the original advanced scenario eliciting laughter. This suggests that the game's comedic elements resonate well with its audience.
“One example that made me laugh: playing the original advanced scenario.”
