Tactics Ogre: A Timeless Strategy Classic Reborn

---------------------------------------

In an era where fast-paced action and shoot-em-up games seem to dominate console gaming landscapes, it's heartening to see publishers like Atlus continue to support niche titles that cater to more discerning players. One such game is the PSP remake of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, a tactical role-playing masterpiece originally released for the SNES back in 1995.

As someone who has always had an undying fondness for games like this, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation upon picking up my copy. Excitement because it meant having another chance to immerse myself in the intricate world created by Yasumi Matsuno (also behind Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy VI), while also experiencing updated graphics and gameplay mechanics that would surely breathe new life into this classic.

Upon booting up Tactics Ogre, one thing becomes immediately apparent - nothing has changed. And trust me, that's a good thing! The game still retains its quintessential feel as an old-school SRPG (Strategy Role-Playing Game), with turn-based battles requiring careful planning and execution to emerge victorious against formidable foes. Each character class comes equipped with unique abilities and stats that need carefully balanced in order to succeed on the battlefield.

Gameplay-wise, Tactics Ogre feels almost identical to its SNES counterpart - which isn't necessarily a bad thing given how well it still holds up today. The controls are responsive enough for quick thinking moments when trying out complex strategies or simply executing basic attacks/defensive maneuvers without any noticeable lag hindering your experience on the PSP's small screen.

Graphically speaking, things have seen some welcome improvements since its initial release back in '95 - though don't expect anything close to modern standards here. The character models and environments are slightly grainy at times but overall still manage to maintain their charm despite being over two decades old now; they do however feel somewhat out of place alongside more recent titles released on newer platforms like PS Vita or even current-gen consoles like PlayStation 4/ Xbox One etc.

One area where the PSP version really shines though is its soundtrack. Composed by a certain Hitoshi Matsushita (who incidentally also worked his magic on another classic SRPG series called Tactics Advance), each piece of music perfectly complements every scene, whether it be during intense boss battles or more emotional moments when your party members interact with one another outside of combat.

Overall, if you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding strategy experience that will test both your tactical prowess and old-school gaming reflexes alike then look no further than Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together on PSP. With its engaging storylines, addictive gameplay mechanics, memorable characters and an unforgettable score to boot - this classic SRPG remake is definitely worth giving another shot at!

Tactics ogre psp gamefaqs