Fifteen years after the release of the original game, Square Enix is getting the old Quest gang together to create the "ultimate version" of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together for the PSP.
Developer Quest released the original Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together for the Super Famicom back in 1995. Fifteen years later, the game still makes regular appearances in Japanese gaming mag Famitsu's "Top 20 games voted by readers".
Now Square Enix gets the old Quest team back together for another go at Tactics Ogre. Director Hiroshi Minagawa, character designer Akihiko Yoshida, game designer Yasumi Matsuno, and composers Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata have all returned to "revitalize their masterpiece for a new format and era – created with the simple idea – how TACTICS OGRE would be if it was developed and played now."
What a compelling was to handle a remake. What's come of this idea?
You've got the same story from the original release, with upgraded graphics and a rearranged score, courtesy of the original composers. There are new characters, a Battle Skill system to help bolster the existing Magic and Special Ability system, new character growth mechanics, and something called the Wheel of Fortune system, which promises to extend replayability.
The Wheel of Fortune system, whatever that is, is so important that the Japanese version of the game is actually being called Tactics Ogre: Wheel of Fortune. I'm sure we'll learn more as development continues.
This is pretty awesome news for strategy RPG fans. The original Tactics Ogre is just as satisfying today as it was 15 years ago. The additional love for the PSP version is just icing on the cake.
No ETA has been given for the release of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together for the PSP.