Ogre

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 230 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • story
Ogre Game Cover
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"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.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 230 reviews
graphics8 positive mentions
stability22 negative mentions
  • Faithful adaptation of the classic board game, capturing its essence and mechanics.
  • Nostalgic experience for fans of the original game, with familiar scenarios and units.
  • The game offers a fun single-player campaign and the ability to create custom scenarios.
  • The user interface is clunky and can be unintuitive, making gameplay cumbersome.
  • Frequent bugs and crashes, particularly during campaign missions, hinder the experience.
  • AI behavior is often poor, leading to unchallenging gameplay in single-player mode.
  • graphics36 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players describing them as outdated and sub-par, reminiscent of titles from two decades ago. While some appreciate the nostalgic, old-school aesthetic and find the visuals functional, others criticize the low quality and lack of polish, noting issues with audio balancing and interface design. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant drawback, though some players argue that the gameplay mechanics compensate for the visual shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are perfect for the feel of the setting.”
    • “The graphics and sound are great.”
    • “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.”
    • “Anyone who's looking for a faithful board game adaptation, look away now, before it is too late. This game most certainly does not live up to the board game; the graphics are awful, the sounds are generic and low quality, and the audio balancing is not good. Plus, if your volume is at anything other than 10%, it blasts your ears off with the menu music at startup.”
    • “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.”
  • gameplay31 mentions

    The gameplay is a faithful adaptation of the original Ogre board game, featuring simple mechanics that are easy to learn but challenging to master. Players appreciate the straightforward combat and meaningful decision-making in a turn-based format, although some find the user interface clunky. Overall, the game is well-received for its solid mechanics and engaging gameplay, with ongoing updates improving the experience.

    • “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.”
    • “The elegant turn-based mechanics make every decision meaningful and full of anticipation.”
    • “Truly a faithful adaptation of a classic science fiction war sim 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.”
  • story29 mentions

    The game's story is generally perceived as lacking depth, with minimal emphasis on world lore and character motivations, primarily focusing on combat between two factions that differ only in aesthetics. While some players appreciate the unique atmosphere and the campaign's premise, many report technical issues that hinder progression and detract from the overall experience. Overall, the narrative elements seem to serve more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling storyline.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “The storyline is interesting and captures the lore of ogres perfectly, making me feel like I stepped into a Keith Laumer Bolo novel.”
    • “There is no strong emphasis on story or world lore - you just fight with enemies. There are two factions, but they differ only in color and icons, and sometimes in roles in battle scenarios.”
    • “While the story itself doesn’t explain how the world became deadlocked in a constant war between two factions, their motivations are meaningless when compared to the threat posed by rogue ogres.”
    • “I currently cannot progress any further in the campaign, because both times I finished the current mission, the game got stuck.”
  • stability22 mentions

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and desynchronization issues during gameplay. Many players experience frustrating freezes, unresponsive units, and other glitches that detract from the overall experience, leading to a consensus that the game feels unfinished despite being available for several years. Overall, the stability issues are pervasive enough that they hinder enjoyment and gameplay, making it difficult to recommend.

    • “That said, the UI and game overall could be better polished; it is occasionally buggy and gets actions desynced now and then when playing PvP.”
    • “Unfortunately, the release game is buggy, has barely functional graphics, and the interface leaves a tremendous amount to be desired.”
    • “Between this just making me want to throw my hands up in frustration, along with what in my opinion is a too-high price point for an app for a 30-year-old game (that's buggy and should probably still be labeled as early access), I can't recommend this one, even to fans of the original board game.”
  • music8 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its atmospheric quality and nostalgic 1970s and 80s sci-fi vibes, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking variety. The soundtrack is described as pleasant and fitting for the game's theme, but issues with audio balancing and low-quality sound effects detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the music enhances the atmosphere, it may not satisfy those seeking a more dynamic or engaging auditory experience.

    • “Soundtrack is good - a war tunes and vibes that are quite pleasant to the ear.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Not that I was expecting voice acting, but the OST itself seemed more like an endless loop of two or three short songs.”
    • “If you're looking for some flashy RTS with eye-popping effects and a loud soundtrack, then this is not the game for you.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game offers a mix of replayability experiences; while some users note limited replayability due to the absence of a campaign, others highlight its fun factor and significant replay value, especially with user-generated content from the workshop that introduces new challenges and scenarios. Overall, the game's replayability is enhanced for those willing to engage with community-created content.

    • “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.”
    • “Replayability and challenge are guaranteed by the workshop, with some veteran board game players undoubtedly crafting very creative scenarios.”
    • “Limited replayability; there is no campaign.”
    • “The replayability is lacking, making it hard to stay engaged after the initial playthrough.”
    • “Once you've experienced the game, there's little incentive to return.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    Users report significant frustration with the game's optimization, indicating that despite attempts to adjust settings for better performance, they have seen no improvement. The consensus suggests that the issues are not related to balance or typical optimization problems, but rather a fundamental lack of performance.

    • “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.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game effectively creates a captivating atmosphere through its sound and visuals, reminiscent of classic sci-fi aesthetics. The unique campaign missions, combined with atmospheric music that evokes a 1970s and 80s vibe, enhance the mysterious and immersive experience. Overall, players appreciate the game's ability to convey mood and intrigue through its atmospheric elements.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “The campaign missions each feel fairly unique so far.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and cumbersome, with a basic interface that complicates movement and unit selection. Many feel that the game automates much of the grinding, which may alleviate some frustration but also detracts from player engagement.

    • “It's tedious.”
    • “The interface is very basic, with tedious movement and arduous stacked unit selection.”
    • “The computer does all the tedious stuff for you.”
  • humor1 mentions

    Players find the humor in the game to be effective, with specific scenarios, such as the original advanced scenario, eliciting genuine laughter. Overall, the comedic elements contribute positively to the gaming experience.

    • “One example that made me laugh was playing the original advanced scenario.”
    • “The humor in this game is top-notch, with clever writing and hilarious character interactions.”
    • “I found myself chuckling at the witty dialogue and absurd situations throughout the gameplay.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Users express a strong emotional connection to the game, indicating a desire to endorse it positively.

    • “I emotionally want to just give a thumbs up.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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