Today, I received an email from a developer working on something truly original, both in terms of visual style and gameplay mechanics. The game is called Lord of Ogre, developed by Blue Joystick, and it’s a strategy RPG that draws inspiration from multiple subgenres. There’s a clear nod to SRPGs in the style of Fire Emblem, particularly in the combat transitions, but there are also elements of board games and some unique twists in the combat system itself. In short, it seems to have all the elements I love—but let’s dive into some details.
An SRPG with Action Flair
At its core, Lord of Ogre is a turn-based strategy game where players carefully plan each unit’s movement on the battlefield. Unlike many traditional strategy titles, Lord of Ogre spices up the formula with real-time action elements—attack combos and defense timing—injected into a turn-based setting.
According to the official description, players will “manage their own attacks and defenses,” combining the precision of a single-button combat system with the thoughtful planning of an overhead strategy board. The result is a gameplay loop that marries tabletop tactics with real-time reflexes.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
- Pixel-Art Style: A striking 2D pixel-art aesthetic highlights fierce combat animations and dynamic skill effects.
- RPG Integration: Players can equip weapons, rings, and skills, tailoring their units’ strengths and weaknesses. This layer of customization extends to class systems and equipment setups, hinting at high replayability.
- Board Game Inspiration: Before each stage, you’ll strategically place units in designated positions, reminiscent of a board game layout. During the movement phase, each unit can only move forward (with limited exceptions), emphasizing planning and foresight.
- Action-Infused Combat: When it’s your turn to strike, you’ll press an attack button to execute a series of blows, influenced by your chosen weapon and unit class. Defending requires precise timing—blocking just as the enemy’s attack lands can swing the momentum in your favor.
Turn-by-Turn Tactics
Every round transitions between movement and combat phases.
- Movement Phase: Plot out your path on the map, deciding how to advance or (when necessary) retrace your steps to gain strategic advantages.
- Attack & Defend: Once combat initiates, units act in order of their speed stat. Players can chain extra hits during the Attack Turn or block the enemy assault during the Defend Turn by monitoring visual cues and timing button presses accurately.
Lord of Ogre is currently in development with a “coming soon” tag as release date on PC via Steam, below an overview, screens and trailer.
More Details About The Game
Lord of Ogre is a turn-based strategy game that combines action elements with combat mechanics such as combo attacks and blocking enemy strikes.
It also incorporates RPG basics, allowing players to equip weapons, rings, and customize their skills for battle. In the game world, you’ll need to strategically plan the movement of various units on the map.
GAME FEATURES
- Pixel art style with fierce and exciting animations
- Turn-based gameplay that combines action elements with a single button
- A blend of board games and tactical gameplay
- Customize units with class systems and equipment, including a variety of skills
GAMEPLAY
- At the start of the stage, you can place your units in designated positions. You can also equip weapons or rings to enhance your units’ abilities.
- During your movement turn, each of your units can only move forward and cannot move backward. You must plan each unit’s path strategically to gain an advantage and reach the Boss.(If you return to the starting point, you will be able to retrace your previous path.)
COMBAT
- When combat begins, the speed of the units will determine which side attacks first.
- Attack Turn : The player attacks first. When you press the attack button (sword icon), your unit will begin attacking the enemy. During the damage phase, you can press the attack button again to increase the number of attacks. The number of additional attacks depends on the unit’s class and weapon advantage. Before attacking, you can also use the unit’s skills, such as healing or boosting attack power, to strategically enhance your move.
- Defend Turn : The enemy attacks the player. You must press the shield icon to block the enemy’s attack. When you press the shield button, your unit will assume a defensive stance for a short period. Timing is crucial—block as close as possible to the moment the enemy’s damage occurs to defend effectively.
