ultimately, Tactics Ogre explores themes around war, revenge, regret, and resentment in such a subtle and non-“in your face” way that it deserves a place in the “best jrpgs written” category. even the gameplay itself reinforces the themes of regret, with the ability to turn-back time in the story AND in the battles, really pushing the “if only i had done things differently” mindset onto the player. it’s exploration of cyclical violence works tremendously as well, with the gameplay forcing the player to fight battles against people who simply want revenge for their family member’s death from a previous battle, etc. you always have the “am i the bad guy?” thought in your head while playing.
from a writing perspective, and as an self-professed amateur writer: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.
i wrote a lengthy essay on the game here: https://oncomputer.games/2023/04/25/tactics-ogre-reborn-ruminations-on-resentment-regret-and-retribution/
ultimately, Tactics Ogre explores themes around war, revenge, regret, and resentment in such a subtle and non-“in your face” way that it deserves a place in the “best jrpgs written” category. even the gameplay itself reinforces the themes of regret, with the ability to turn-back time in the story AND in the battles, really pushing the “if only i had done things differently” mindset onto the player. it’s exploration of cyclical violence works tremendously as well, with the gameplay forcing the player to fight battles against people who simply want revenge for their family member’s death from a previous battle, etc. you always have the “am i the bad guy?” thought in your head while playing.