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.
Mac OS
PC
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Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
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Reviews
- Faithful recreation of the original board game, capturing its mechanics and feel.
- Great nostalgia factor for fans of the classic game, with enjoyable gameplay and scenarios.
- The game allows for quick matches and easy setup compared to the tabletop version.
- Frequent bugs and crashes, making the game frustrating and sometimes unplayable.
- Clunky user interface that can hinder gameplay and make actions cumbersome.
- AI behavior is often poor, leading to unchallenging gameplay in single-player mode.
- graphics31 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The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players describing them as outdated and rudimentary, reminiscent of games from two decades ago. While some appreciate the nostalgic, old-school aesthetic and find the visuals functional for a tabletop adaptation, others criticize the interface and overall graphical quality as sub-par. Despite these shortcomings, a few players note that the graphics effectively convey the game's atmosphere and align with its board game roots, emphasizing gameplay over visual appeal.
“The graphics are perfect for the feel of the setting.”
“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.”
“I like this game, excellent graphics, excellent gameplay, an editor, & 'true hotseat'.”
“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.”
- gameplay23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 13 % 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 has been criticized as clunky, recent updates have improved the overall experience, and the game retains a strong focus on board game elements rather than flashy graphics. Players appreciate the depth of strategy available, especially for those familiar with the original game, though the campaign mode may require a steeper learning curve.
“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.”
“Relative easy to get started with and to understand the mechanics, but hard to master.”
“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.”
- story23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as lacking depth, with minimal emphasis on narrative or world-building, leading to a focus primarily on combat mechanics. While some players appreciate the unique atmosphere and flavor text that evoke the sci-fi themes of Keith Laumer's original works, many report technical issues that hinder campaign progression and detract from the overall experience. Overall, the campaign offers a basic storyline that some find engaging, but it is marred by gameplay problems and a simplistic approach to faction differentiation.
“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 Ogre 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.”
“I currently cannot progress any further in the campaign because both times I finished the current mission, the game got stuck.”
“Unfortunately, it doesn't look like (at least for the first few missions) you are allowed to pick your unit placement.”
- stability22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and performance issues such as freezing and desynchronization during multiplayer. Despite being available for five years, players feel it remains poorly polished, with frustrating user experience decisions and game-breaking glitches that detract from overall enjoyment. Many reviewers express disappointment, suggesting that the game feels more like an early access title rather than a fully released product.
“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.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, characterized by a pleasant and atmospheric soundtrack that evokes a 1970s and 80s sci-fi vibe, reminiscent of Ralph Bakshi's works. While it may not be flashy or overwhelming, it complements the game's aesthetic effectively without overshadowing the gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the experience with its thematic depth and appropriate sound effects.
“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 1970s and 80s mood like an alternative soundtrack to Ralph Bakshi's Wizards.”
“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.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits mixed reviews regarding replayability; while some users find it fun with significant replay value, others note its limited replayability due to the absence of a campaign. Overall, enjoyment can be derived despite graphical and UI 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.”
“The game lacks variety, making it hard to want to play again.”
“Once you finish it, there's little incentive to return.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % 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 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
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game effectively creates a rich atmosphere through its evocative sound design and visuals, reminiscent of classic sci-fi aesthetics. Players appreciate the unique and mysterious campaign missions, enhanced by a bombastic soundtrack that captures a nostalgic 1970s and 80s vibe, contributing to an immersive experience.
“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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect to be tedious, although some appreciate that the game automates much of the repetitive tasks, reducing the burden on the player.
“It's tedious.”
“The computer does all the tedious stuff for you.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative 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 spot-on, with clever dialogue and hilarious situations that keep you entertained.”
“I love how the game incorporates witty puns and funny character interactions that always bring a smile to my face.”
