Atlus to publish US Ogre Battle 64

[11.04.99] » Atlus, a veteran of the Ogre Battle series, has been confirmed as the North American publisher for Ogre Battle 64. Fight it out!

Top-notch battle visuals

    According to videogames.com, Atlus today confirmed that it has aquired full North American publishing rights to Ogre Battle 64, months after Nintendo seemingly dropped plans for publication. In doing so, Atlus makes a bet by believing in an actual "role playing game" market for the Nintendo 64. Acclaim, Activision, and THQ were all apparently contenders for the rights after Nintendo decided against the game, but Atlus won out in the end; their past history with titles in the Ogre series was likely a major factor.

   Originally titled Ogre Battle 3, Ogre Battle 64 was released for the Nintendo 64 in Japan earlier this year, meeting with widespread praise and sacrificial offerings. The strategy RPG mixes in elements from both Ogre Battle and Tactics Ogre: multiple, small parties are moved about a three-dimensional battlefield, while zoomed-in five-on-five battles (with limited player control) occur as opposing parties meet. Like Tactics Ogre, storyline plays heavily into the game; it stars Magnus Galand, a man who rises up to combat his country's oppressions.

   Atlus is currently aiming for a March 2000 release in North America.