Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen

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Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen
Developer(s)	Quest
Publisher(s)	JP Quest (Super Famicom) NA Enix (Super NES) JP Riverhill Software (Saturn) JP Artdink (PlayStation) NA Atlus (PlayStation) JP Square Enix NA Square Enix (Virtual Console)
Designer(s)	Yasumi Matsuno
Composer(s)	Hitoshi Sakimoto Masaharu Iwata Hayato Matsuo
Platform(s)	Super NES, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Virtual Console
Release date(s)	Super NES JP 1995 Saturn JP 1996 PlayStation 1997 Virtual Console JP November 11, 2008 NA March 2, 2009 PAL July 3, 2009
Genre(s)	Strategy game
Mode(s)	Single-player
Rating(s)	ESRB: K-A (Kids to Adults); E (VC) PEGI: 7+
Media	12-megabit cartridge
Input methods	SNES controller

Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (伝説のオウガバトル, Densetsu no Ōga Batoru^?, "Legendary Ogre Battle") is a strategy video game for Nintendo's Super Nintendo Entertainment System, directed by Yasumi Matsuno with artwork by Akihiko Yoshida. It is the first installment of an episodic series (although it is supposed to be the fifth episode, the previous episodes have not yet been produced), and was originally developed by Quest for the Super Famicom system (and subsequently Sega Saturn in 1996 with vocal acting) in Japan.

Enix of America only distributed twenty-five thousand copies of the Super Nintendo version to North America, which made it one of the rarest critically acclaimed video game titles to date. As such, it can be difficult to purchase a copy of the game. It was rereleased by Atlus as a PlayStation game (along with Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together) in 1997 with the name of Ogre Battle: Limited Edition. The PlayStation version of the game is not as difficult to procure as the original SNES cartridge but still sells for more than $50 used.^[1] Ultimately, the Super Nintendo version was re-released in North America on the Virtual Console on March 2, 2009 for 800 Nintendo points ($8).^[2] It has also been released as an import in the PAL regions on July 3, 2009.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Gameplay 2.1 Modes of play 2.2 Tactical map 2.3 Battle 2.4 Alignment 3 Classes 4 Cast 4.1 Playable characters 4.2 Notable villains 5 Ports 5.1 Sega Saturn 5.2 Sony PlayStation 6 Subsequent games 6.1 Ogre Battle 64 6.2 Ogre Battle: Legend of the Zenobia Prince 7 Reception 8 References 9 External links

[edit] Overview

The series originator Yasumi Matsuno was inspired by the rock band Queen's second album, which contained two songs titled "Ogre Battle" and "The March Of The Black Queen", to name this game. Even the "Rhyan Sea" in the Ogre Battle world is named after "Seven Seas of Rhye".

The next game in the series, the 7th episode, Let Us Cling Together, was similarly named after a song in the album A Day At The Races. The other Ogre Battle games in the series were not developed by Matsuno and do not have Queen songs in their subtitles. These include Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber, Ogre Battle: Legend of the Zenobia Prince, and Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis.

Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is often referred to as Ogre Battle. Four other games in the series have been released, of which Ogre Battle: Legend of the Zenobia Prince is most similar to the original, with Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber also being in the vein of the first offering. The other two titles, Tactics Ogre: Let us Cling Together and Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis, have much more in common with Final Fantasy Tactics and other related video games.

[edit] Gameplay

Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen begins in the outskirts of the Zeteginan Empire, twenty-four years after the founding of the empire through conquest. The main character is leading a revolution against this empire, which has turned to evil through the use of black magic by the mage Rashidi.

The game begins with the seer Warren using tarot cards to ask a series of questions to determine your suitability as leader of the revolution. There are several questions out of a fixed set which are randomly asked, each of which is associated with one of the twenty-two Major Arcana cards of divinatory tarot. Each question has three possible answers: one righteous, one evil, and one neutral. After the player finishes answering the questions, Warren wishes luck for the revolution and the game begins. The player's answers to these questions determine the Lord's (main character's class) abilities and starting units.

Ogre Battle mixes movement elements of a real-time strategy game with the character development and combat of a role-playing game. The game consists of a series of battles in which the player deploys units to fight against enemies and liberate occupied towns and temples. A variety of character types can be recruited, ranging from common to rare, many of whom can change class with experience points. As a result, the character will either evolve or become an entirely new soldier with different abilities. Potential recruits consist of several historical and mythological figures, including knights, ninja, wizards, angels, griffins, witches, and others. The player is free to organize multiple units of five fighters or less, with the limit being lower when larger characters are present. Additionally, time passes on the tactical map, alternating between day and night. In accordance with this element, vampires and werewolves will only be seen in the evening, with the former appearing in coffins during the day, and the latter appearing as normal men.

Each stage has a boss whose defeat signals the completion of the mission. Both during and after the stage, towns and temples can be visited to gain information or items. The game also features an alignment system, both for the revolution as a whole (reputation) and for individual characters (alignment and charisma). These parameters are influenced by how the game is played.

There are twenty-five main stages in the game, with some variation possible in how the stages are played. There are also four hidden stages accessible through the main game with an additional stage as an easter egg. Note that the game can be completed without finishing all the stages. There are twelve different endings to the main game, depending on the conduct of the player during the course of the game.

[edit] Modes of play

Ogre Battle has two main modes of play, the world map and the tactical map. On the world map, the player can manage his characters changing their class, re-ordering them into different units, and erasing them. The player can also save and load the game, as well as manage items. In addition, the world map is where the player chooses the next stage, which can either be an already completed stage or a new stage.

[edit] Tactical map

Once the player has selected a stage, action shifts to the tactical map. Here, the player can deploy units and move them around. Each unit has a cost associated with it which must be paid to deploy the unit and every day at noon thereafter. There is a limit on the number of units which can be deployed at one time. Characters with high alignment fight better during the day while those with low alignment fight better at night. There are also towns and temples which can be liberated by units. Upon liberation, a random tarot card is drawn which can affect either the liberating unit's statistics, the statistics of all units on the battlefield or the reputation parameter. In addition, liberated towns provide income every noon which can be used to buy items (some towns have shops which can be used when a unit is stationed there) or pay for unit costs. In addition, there are often hidden towns, temples, or items which can be found by moving a unit close to the appropriate location.

[edit] Battle

Each stage has a number of enemy units which attempt to re-capture the player's towns and temples. If a player's unit gets too close to an enemy unit, a battle ensues. During a battle, the view shifts to a close up view of the two combatant units. Characters alternate taking actions with the battle ending after one round of combat (many units can attack multiple times per round). The unit which caused the most damage is the victor and forces the other unit to retreat.

During a battle, a player does not directly control their unit, but selects a tactic for the unit to follow (Best, Strong, Weak, Leader) which the characters follow when choosing who to attack. The player can also use stored tarot cards, which can cause damage or have a special effect. The Lovers card will cause all affected enemies to fight for the player; the Moon card will change the formation of the enemy unit, causing them to attack differently; the Fool card will remove all enemies but the leader from battle. The player also has the option of retreating from any encounter.

[edit] Alignment

In Ogre Battle alignment indicates how good or evil a character is. The scale runs from 0 to 100; the higher the number, the more "good" the character is. When characters with high alignment liberate towns, it will raise the player's reputation (although a high charisma is also recommended). Characters with high alignment will be weak against dark attacks but strong against white attacks. They will fight better in the day and worse at night. Alignment can be raised by defeating enemies whose level is higher than the player's, defeating ghosts and other dark creatures, and drawing tarot cards which raise the alignment statistic. Once the player's alignment is high, it is (somewhat counter-intuitively) recommended not to exceed the level of his or her foes. Alignment will drop when the player defeats high alignment characters such as clerics and angels, or characters of a lower level. Thus, it is important for players who want to keep a high reputation to keep the fights fair.

Low alignment characters are considered more "evil". Subsequently, they fight better at night and are weak against light attacks. Liberating towns with these types of characters will lower the player's reputation (especially if they possess a low charisma statistic). A player whose alignment is relatively high will not necessarily be penalized for employing units of low-alignment soldiers; rather, a mix of high- and low-alignment fighters results in the most potent fighting force. Provided the player keeps low- and high-alignment characters in their own separate units, and only liberates towns with high-alignment units, he or she can still see the best ending. Conversely, one who wishes to drop his alignment can continually capture towns with a few high-level, low-alignment units. For example, one can employ a few decidedly low-alignment units to slaughter enemy units, reserving high-alignment units for liberation purposes only.

[edit] Classes

One of the most important aspects of Ogre Battle is the class system. Each character has a class which determines the characteristics of that character. There are over 75 different classes available in Ogre Battle, but any given character is limited to a subset depending on their race. For instance, human characters can either be male (fighter) or female (amazon). There are also Dragons, Wyrms, Pumpkins, Angels, Giants, Hellhounds, Octopi, Hawk Men, Demons, Gryphons, Mermaids, Golems and Undead class trees. Within a tree, there are usually level, alignment, and often charisma requirements. In addition, some classes also require the use of a special item. Finally, the two human class trees are unique in that they have the most branches in their tree and characters can be demoted to move along a different path.

Apart from statistic increases at level-up, a character's class also determines how the character moves and fights. Each character has a terrain type where they move fastest and fight the best (some classes also get additional attacks), with flying characters able to move quickly over all terrain. In addition, each class has a set of attacks characters can perform, ranging from physical attacks targeting one opponent to magical attacks targeting a whole unit.

[edit] Cast

The plot summary in this article is too long or detailed compared to the rest of the content. Please edit the article to focus on discussing the work rather than merely reiterating the plot. (December 2008)

In addition to your hero and the standard characters you can recruit and fire at any time, there are 18 unique characters who can be recruited to your revolution: Lans (Lancelot), Warren, Canopus, Gilbert, Deneb, Ashe, Lyon, Aisha, Norn, Rauny, Saradin, Tristan, Yushis, Debonair, Slust, Fenril, Galf, and Fogel. Most of these characters have special requirements for them to join you. The presence of some characters in your revolution can affect the ending of the game.

There are also many NPCs characters who serve as either stage bosses or appear for various events during the game. Many of the characters in Ogre Battle appear in other games in the series.

[edit] Playable characters

• Destin Faroda (Destin the Valiant)

He is the leader of the Liberation Army, also known as the "Opinion Leader," and Destin the Valiant in the Episode VI. It should be noted that no default name exists for the Opinion Leader (except Lexar in the hidden Easter Egg stage, or Lexor if playing the female unit). Rather, he is given the name Destin in Episode VI (Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber). The name in the Japanese version translates to "Destined Forlord" which is a reference to Warren choosing Destin via "Destiny." As far as gameplay goes, he is the most crucial character to the game. If he dies, it's game over. Destin's own Charisma and Alignment ratings will also affect whether or not characters join the battalion, whether NPCs will hand over important items, and ultimately what ending the player receives upon beating the game. Destin also is deployed automatically and is the only unit that does not collect wages. There are four different unit types Destin can become (distinguished by different colors in the PS version), with one of the four being used again in Episode VI (Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber). In OB64 Destin serves as a mentor to Magnus Gallant, the main character, and can also be fought as the final boss of the game depending on which path Magnus takes. In Episode V though, Destin is for the most part a silent protagonist, only speaking directly to a few characters in the entire game (Posha, Tristan, Debonair, Endora, and Rashidi). Little is known of Destin's past or how he came to meet Warren.

• Europea Rheda (Europea the Astral Knight)

Although the player has an option of choosing a female protagonist in Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen, only Destin is recognized as the official leader of the Liberation Army in the later games of the series. In Episode VI (Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber), there is a female leader with an unknown past and uncanny resemblance to the Female Opinion Leader. She is named Europea Rheda.

• Lans (Lancelot) Hamilton

Born in the city of Valna, Sharom, Lans is a knight who was refuged in the city of Zeltenia just east of Warren's castle. His wife died because of a sickness. When being chased by the Empire's men, the only memento that he was able to keep from his wife was a music box that he regards as the memories of his late wife and his reason for living. He has lived to see the death of King Gran avenged and serves Destin loyally for the entire campaign. When Diablo is defeated, Lans is appointed to be the commander of the Zenobian Guard. However, a short time afterwards he was officially stripped of his rank and exiled from the country. Because he was sent on a secret mission, the Zenobian official reports claimed Lans died after suffering terrible torture by Lodis' Dark Knights. However, this report turns out to be false as Lans is alive in the city of Heigm, Valeria, but in a deplorable condition.

Depending on how Episode V is played, Lans may assassinate Destin upon completion of the game, doing so under the order of Tristan to prevent Destin from tyrannically ruling Zenobia.

• Warren Moon(s)

Warren is a wiseman, a talented wizard and astrologist whose tarot-card fortunes rarely miss their mark. At the beginning of each new game, Warren is the hooded seer who questions the Opinion Leader. He does so in order to determine his/her worthiness as leader of the rebellion.

Not long after the fall of the Zeteginean Empire, Warren was reported missing in action after being pulled to the Underworld during a secret mission to the island of Valeria.

• Canopus Walf (Wolff)

Canopus is a demi-human, mercenary-like character who will join you early in the game if you can convince him. He looks like a human male with eagle wings on his back, long red hair, a tanned complexion, and a piercing gaze. He is also called "The Wind Rider" by many, a title he obviously earned earlier in life from his various exploits. He seems to prefer using clubs, hammers, and spears in battle with little protective armor and is somewhat of a barbarian-style fighter in nature. He has a sister named Yulia, of whom he is quite protective. His best friend, Gilbert Oblion, the ruler of the small country of Sharom whom he fought alongside with many times years ago, plays a large role in the Zenobian revolution. After the Empire is defeated and the new Zenobian Kingdom established, Canopus is promoted to General of the Beast Brigade of Zenobia's expanding army by King Tristan. However, he does not keep this position for long due to a certain incident. He is stripped of his rank and exiled from Zenobia with four other Zenobians.

It is later revealed this is a cover up for a secret mission that he and the other four Zenobians have been assigned to by their King Tristan. This important mission eventually brings them to the small island country of Valeria. Canopus and the other 2 surviving Zenobian knights came back safely from Valeria and retrieved the stolen sword Brunhild for King Tristan. Before accomplishing that, according the best ending in the game, he meets his friend Gilbert in the city of Heigm.

• Gilbert Oblion

An old warrior in his late fifties, Gilbert is the ruler/governor of the small kingdom of Sharom which more or less merged with its larger neighbor and ally, the kingdom of Zenobia. Even though he's not getting any younger, Gilbert is still one of Zenobia's best warriors and beast masters. He uses a long whip in battle and is painfully efficient with it. His Wyverns and Gryphons add a great deal of strength and mobility to Zenobia's armies. His best friend, Canopus Wulf, fought alongside him in his earlier days and the two became fairly well known war heroes. He has a small romantic interest in Canopus's sister, Yulia, though his first love is his country and protecting the people he rules. He becomes a very valuable and powerful ally to Destin Faroda in his revolution against the Zeteginean Empire. After the end of the war and the Zeteginean Empire is destroyed, he helps establish the New Zenobian Kingdom under the rule of King Tristan Zenobia. Afterwards, however, Gilbert believes his initial disloyalty to Zenobia when the highlands invaded 24 years ago cannot be so easily forgiven and Gilbert more or less self-exiles himself, electing to follow Destin Faroda and his companions to the continent of Palatinus to investigate the intentions of the powerful militant country of Lodis (occupying Palatinus). At the conclusion of Episode VI, Gilbert returns to Zenobia to report to King Tristan what he and Destin found out about Lodis' intentions. Gilbert also makes a cameo appearance in one of the endings in Episode VII, in what is known as the "Gilbert ending".

Deneb, the Witch

Deneb is a Witch character who has become a staple of Ogre Battle games. After being defeated in battle, she asks the player to forgive her. Forgiving her results in an Alignment boost for the leader and a Reputation drop. It also opens a side quest in which the player can receive a Glass Pumpkin from Deneb, an item that allows Witch characters to recruit Pumpkin Head units. In addition, if the Opinion Leader's Reputation is low enough, Deneb will offer to join. Executing Deneb results in an Alignment drop for the Opinion Leader, but a slight boost to Reputation, and unlimited access to Rotten Pumpkin items.

Deneb also makes an appearance of sorts in Ogre Battle 64, where she instructs the player via the game's tutorial mode, as well as Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, where she is a traveling shop keeper. If the player buys enough items from her shop, Deneb can be recruited as well.

• Ashe

Captain of the Zenobian Royal Guard under King Gran Zenobia. Rashidi used his magic to disguise Gares as Ashe to assassinate Gran and the royal family. Ashe accepted the blame for Gran's death because he was unable to protect the royal family and was imprisoned for 24 years. He was resigned to his eventual death from old age until he was freed by the Liberation Army. He met General Debonair on the battlefield and was able to show him the error of Empress Endora's ways.

• Lyon

Lyon the Beast King is a mercenary who claims to be the best Beast Tamer in Zeteginea. He offered the Zenobian Liberation Army his services at a price, and also informed them of a way to bring down Zenobia Castle's walls. He specializes in leading dragons, wyrms, and other reptilian creatures.

• Aisha

The daughter of the Grand Monk Foris who was to inherit such a title when the day was right. Since the title could not be obtained without a mandatory nomadic training period, Aisha had set out to accomplish such a task until she was suddenly called back to Avalon, the center of the Roshian temples in the Zetegenian Empire. As it turns out, while she was out training, her mother, the aforementioned Foris, was executed by Prince Gares. On the island of Avalon, she meets Destin in a Roshian Temple amidst some volcanic mountains and offers her services in an attempt to exact revenge on the Black Knight. After claiming victory over who she believed was Gares on Avalon, she stays with Destin until the end of the war before once again defeating Gares (with the help of Kaus Debonair) and finally avenging her mother. After the war has ended, she is part of the group that accompanies Destin to investigate Lodis.

• Norn

The former High Priestess of the Holy Zeteginean Empire, and lover of Kaus Debonair. Norn was the first person to see the effect Rashidi was having on Empress Endora, so Rashidi stripped Norn of her rank and sent her to oversee Diaspola, a jail for political prisoners. Norn was told by Endora that Debonair died in battle by the hand of the Zenobian Liberation Army. This is only a half truth though. Although Debonair was defeated by the Liberation Army and surrendered Zenobia Castle, he chose to return to Zeteginea to question Endora's policies. Endora saw him as a traitor, and had him imprisoned. Norn fought the Liberation Army seeking revenge, wanting to meet Debonair again in death. However, Destin was able to convince her that Debonair was still alive and Norn joined the Liberation Army. Debonair was later rescued at the Temple Shangrila, reuniting the two lovers. After the revolution was completed, Norn hoped to marry Debonair, but he immediately left with Destin to go to Palatinus. It is presumed that she has retaken her role as High Priestess under the reign of King Tristan.

• Rauny Winzalf (Vinzalf)

The first female paladin of the Highlands, and the daughter of Highland General Hikash Winzalf. She ran away from the Empire when she saw how heartless the Highlands had become and when her hand was offered to the sinister Baron Apros in marriage. Apros sent bounty hunters after her to bring her back dead or alive. Rauny was tracked by the bounty hunter Ares to the Valley of Kastro, where she joined the liberation army. Shortly after, Rauny played a hand in the death of her corrupt fiance Baron Apros. As the Zeteginian Empire crumbled, Rauny was forced to face her father in battle, where she had no choice but to kill him in a fierce fight. Her fate varies depending on the game's ending. In one scenario, Rauny, a daughter of the Highlands, marries Tristan, the true heir to the Zenobian throne. This political marriage aided in the New Zenobian Kingdom being formed with little dispute. In other endings, she marries Destin, or becomes the monarch of Zenobia.

• Saradin Carm

The mage Saradin was one of Rashidi's apprentices until he saw his master starting to seek the ways of darkness. When this happened, Saradin turned on his master, prompting another of Rashidi's students, Albeleo, to turn him to stone. Since that day 25 years ago, Saradin remained as a frozen statue, waiting for someone to awaken him, which happened when Destin figured out that Saradin's imprisoning statue wasn't just a sculpture and disabled the curse. Saradin joined the Liberation Army after defeating Albeleo. After the war, Saradin was part of Destin's party that departed to investigate Lodis.

• Tristan (Fichs Trishtoram) Zenobia

Prince Tristan was thought to have been killed with the rest of his family 25 years ago. But his nanny, Banya, rescued him and kept him hidden. He made his way to Malano to stop the wedding between Baron Apros and Rauny. He joined Destin and after the Zeteginean Empire was finished, Tristan became its new monarch and later was known as "The White King." At the end of the revolution, he may become romantically linked to Rauny, depending on the game's ending. His actions are reflected in other Episodes by many characters. The Japanese-only Ogre Battle: Legend of the Zenobia Prince featured him as the main character in his adventures prior to meeting Destin Faroda.

• Kaus (Quass) Debonair

Debonair is a proud warrior who seriously believes in following orders, and that meant maintaining his loyalty to Empress Endora despite his moral reservations doing so. But when Destin fought and defeated him, he started to question his matron and heads off to investigate her actions himself. He was imprisoned by Endora, but was later rescued by Destin some time later. After the revolution, Debonair left with Destin to investigate Lodis.

• Yushis (Eustrus)

When Yushis' sister, Mizal, formed a contract with Rashidi and came to Earth, other angels were sent down from the Heavens to bring her back. Many of them were caught and/or destroyed by the Empire, and among the captured was Yushis. Yushis was held prisoner in Antalia ever since. Her only goal was to recover her sister and save her from Rashidi's evil. She was freed by Destin and eventually confronted her sister in order to recover the Black Diamond Mizal had given to Rashidi. In the end, Yushis had no choice but to destroy her sister per Mizal's own wishes.

• Slust

The High Knight of Fire, he is one of the Three High Knights who long ago helped humans to fight with the Ogres along the 12 White Wizards in the Ogre Battle. When the Zenobian Revolution passes over Muspelm, the Floating Continent where he lives, he fought against the Revolutionary Army because he was charmed under the magic of Rashidi to fight against them. When they defeat him, he recovers from Rashidi's spell, and will join the Revolution should the Opinion Leader have a high enough Alignment and Reputation. There is a rumor which says that Slust had been born in Nirdam, due to the color of his skin, and because there are no black people in Zenobia. After helping the Revolutionary Army in defeating Demundza, he returns to his island to continue his life, seducing women around Muspelm.

• Fenril

The High Knight of Ice, she is another of the Three High Knights, and the only female Knight of the three. She was the owner of the Brunhild, the sword which enables communication with the Gods. However, she gave this sword to the humans for protection during the previous Ogre Battle. She governs the floating island of Organa, and just like Slust, she fought against the Zenobian Revolutionary Army while being under control by Rashidi's charming spell. After being defeated, she will only join the Revolution if their Opinion Leader has a high Alignment and Reputation. After the establishment of the New Zenobian Kingdom, she returns to Organa to have once again lead a peaceful life.

• Fogel

The High Knight of Wind, Fogel has the title of Dragon Rider and said to be the strongest among the Three High Knights. He always strives to fight against strong opponents and possesses a proud and arrogant attitude. There is a legend which says that Fogel fought against a legendary dragon for seven days and seven nights, and after finally defeating it in a very fierce battle, bathed in its blood. However, the Gods cursed him for his arrogant actions, and transformed his human body into a reptilian dragon body. Like his High Knight comrades, he fights against the Rebellion under Rashidi's charming spell, but will join after his defeat if their Opinion Leader is worthy of his service. His curse remains unlifted after the success of the Revolution.

• Galf

The general of the Netherworld, he led the demons in combat against the humans during the legendary Ogre Battle. He will offer his services to the revolution in exchange for the Brunhild sword and if the Opinion Leader's Alignment and Reputation are very low.

[edit] Notable villains

• Rashidi

Also referred to as "the Creator of Chaos", or "the Sage of Zeteginia". Rashidi (along with King Gran) was originally one of the 5 heroes that brought peace and stability to the continent of Zeteginia. However Rashidi killed his friend King Gran, and manipulated Empress Endora into conquering all nations on the continent of Zeteginia 25 years ago . He had an affair with the Archangel Mizar, using her to gain access to the Black Diamond. He used his powerful magic to charm the three High Knights so they would not interfere with his plans. He attempted to join forces with Galf, general of the Netherworld. He was defeated by Destin's army at Shalina Temple. Rashidi sacrificed himself, using his own blood to for the ritual required to complete his plans. He broke the seal on the Chaos Gate that was Shalina Temple, allowing Demundza, King of the Netherworld to return to Earth to presumably begin the second Ogre Battle. However the rebel army was able to beat Demundza back into the netherworld before his power became too great. Unbeknown to anyone (except the "erased" General Kerikov), Rashidi reincarnated into the body of a demi-god, at the conclusion of Episode VI. It seems as though this was one of Rashidi's plans right from the beginning. It is briefly mentioned in episode VI that Rashidi visited Palatinus during Yumil's infancy, and it is likely that he left his daughter Mari here during this time. It is also revealed by Saradin that Rashidi did research on the Infernal Aura, a condition that occurs once a limiter/seal on human power has been released. There are numerous occasions where Rashidi granted his "power" to individuals, including Empress Endora, Prince Gares, Baron Apros, High Priest Randals, and General Previa (while Kapella, Albeleo and Saradin were apprentices of Rashidi, it seems that their power was their own).

• Prince Gares

The evil Prince of the Empire, he has totally forfeited his humanity for dark power so he can rule with an iron fist. He was responsible for the murder of Aisha's mother. Destin's army fought him multiple times, including an army of Gares' at Zeteginia. The Gares that the rebellion fought were Gares' soulless armor, animated by Rashidi. It is unlikely that the true Gares ever left Rashidi's side, as he assisted Rashidi's plans. This is emphasized by Gares hightailing it to Shalina with Rashidi rather than defending his mother and rightful throne.

• Empress Endora

The titular Black Queen, Endora is the Zetegenia Empress. In one account of her story, it is said that she discovered that the land of Lodis in the northern continent of Galicia was planning an invasion of all southern lands. No one, including the Zenobian kingdom under King Gran, would listen to her warnings, except Rashidi. Rashidi twisted her original noble intention of protecting the continent from Lodis' invasion, into conquering the entire continent for herself. She fought against the Rebellion to her last breath, and was killed in her homeland of Zeteginea.

• Commander Hikash Winzalf

General Hikash is renowned as the Empire's most noble warrior. He was too devoted to his homeland and to Empress Endora to help Destin, even though he knows of the wrongs the Empire has committed. Destin had no choice, as he stood in his way, and had to defeat him. He accomplished his wish to see his daughter, Rauny, one last time before he died and the Empire fell.

• Baron Apros

Apros is a detested noble who is said to be responsible for many abominations, including the Pogrom Forest Massacre and for his services, he's being given the hand of Overlord Hikash's daughter, Rauny, who ran away when the wedding was arranged. He was killed by Prince Tristan.

• Albeleo

One of Rashidi's three apprentices, Albeleo keeps himself young thanks to reincarnation. When Saradin was unwilling to help Rashidi conquer Zenobia 25 years before Episode V, Albelo turned him into a stone statue. When the Liberation Army cured Saradin from his state, he settled the score with Albeleo. However, Albeleo's body vanished. Albelo also serves as the boss of the game's secret mission "Dragon's Haven". He was searching for dragons to add to the Zeteginian Empire's army, but was again defeated by the Liberation Army. Albeleo also appears as a playable character in Episode VII (Tactics Ogre: Let us Cling Together), under the name "Radlum". Radlum was a character with seemingly no backstory or present story to speak of, other than the fact that he was searching for Drakonite magic at Hell Gate. In the Japanese version of the game, if Radlum dies in battle his death quote is something along the lines of "It is I Albeleo! Looks like I need to find another body again".

[edit] Ports

[edit] Sega Saturn

The Japan-only Sega Saturn version, released in 1996, features voice acting during encounters with bosses and potential recruits. The combatants have also been given a slight graphical overhaul. In addition, this version replaces the gray and yellow units on the map screen with more colorful and detailed sprites. It also includes a third viewpoint on the tactical map, allowing a more direct overhead view.^[3]

[edit] Sony PlayStation

The Sony PlayStation version, released in 1997, features enhanced battle graphics not seen in the Sega Saturn edition, including new spell effects and shifting camera angles. This version also features larger text boxes. It lacks the voice acting and graphical detail for the units that was included in the Saturn game.^[4]

[edit] Subsequent games

[edit] Ogre Battle 64

The Nintendo 64 sequel, released in 1999, includes a multi-targeting system that allows the player to send units to one or two additional areas before reaching their destination. Additionally, it features multiple bosses in certain levels, and inserts cut scenes between each mission. It lacks the tarot cards of the first game, as well as the ability to buy items which can revive fallen soldiers. It also features a more limited inventory system, reduced class changes, and includes required resting points for units.^[5]

[edit] Ogre Battle: Legend of the Zenobia Prince

The Japan-exclusive Neo Geo Pocket Color title, released in 2000, serves as a side story to the original but is an entirely new game. It retains the tarot cards of the original Ogre Battle, and includes the multi-targeting system and multiple bosses in certain levels.^[6]

[edit] Reception

Reception
Review scores Publication Score Electronic Gaming Monthly 7.87 out of 10[7] Nintendo Power 2.93 out of 5[7] RPGFan 89%[8]

Ogre Battle was rated the 180th best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games list.^[9]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Ogre Battle Web Page for Vampyres
• RPGClassics' Ogre Battle Shrine
• Ogre Battle at GameFAQs
• Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen at MobyGames

v • d • e Ogre Battle video games Main Episodes Episode 5: The March of the Black Queen • Episode 6: Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber • Episode 7: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together Side Stories Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis • Legend of the Zenobia Prince