Unicorn Overlord - Nintendo Switch

First of all, I have 2 scores for it. 5 is the main score, but if you've played Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (which it is very clearly inspired by), drop it down to a 4, maybe even a 3, because you won't be able to avoid comparisons, and it's got less depth in a few areas that can't be missed. The game is good, but it could have been better, and was clearly based on a game that did several things much better.Standard review first, comparison with ogre battle afterStory: 4 or 5 of 5 - The story's pretty good, but has three flaws. The first, which is pretty forgivable, it that the game is quite long, and there's a lot of story. Sounds like a good thing, but 60-80 hours in... the option to skip will probably be used if you don't care about the characters that are talking. Second, preaching about having the moral high ground. It's not terrible, but it's overdone just enough to be a bit grating. Third, Intimacy Events, in a game that they were clearly trying to get a 'E' rating on. To be fair, they mostly mean the 'comradeship' meaning of intimacy, but the main character does have potential love interests that they try to do more with. For those, expect less intimacy than a classic Disney movie (I think there's hugging in one of them, how scandalous!). It is worth noting that the main character's cousin is one of those options though, which some may have opinions about.Sound: 5 of 5 - I'm not a big sound person, but the music was dramatic when appropriate, and didn't get annoying even after 80 hours. I call that good enough music. Voices fit the characters for the most part, some personal opinion there of course, but can't think of any glaring problems.Gameplay 4.5 of 5 - The core gameplay was mostly fine, some of the side features hurt though. There were three notable ones for me. First, major issue. The AI is regularly suicidally stupid (e.g. assaulting with a mostly defeated squad rather than heading back and healing up). Higher than 'normal' difficulties can raise the challenge level though (AI is still stupid, but has better stats and those suicidal units become a lot more dangerous). Second, it periodically has gimmick battles (unique/rare mechanics that change things up, suicidal allied units, etc.). Some of those worked, some were more obnoxious than fun. Third, time sinks. Between the poorly thought out garrison system that leaves you manually collecting resources after about mid-game, exploration, treasure hunts, intimacy events, and a few other things, you're going to be spending a lot of time running around. Good if you want a game that takes a while to beat, but annoying when you realize that you played 4 hours and only did 2 battles (just plowing though, you can do 5-20 in that time, depending on their scale).Comparison vs Ogre Battle (Unicorn Overload = UO, Ogre Battle = OB)Places where UO is better:UO has better graphics. OB had amazing detail on the units for a SNES game (which still look decent 30 years later), but UO looks better.UO has voices.UO has a -much- more in-depth story, but lacks even the mild-moderate choices that OB offers.UO has customizable skills with different costs, as opposed to OB's simpler split of front-line and backline skills for each class.UO has 4 quip slots per character rather than OB's 1, although this can lead to micromanaging annoyances.UO has a LOT more battles, an overworld map you can navigate, and (mostly) entertaining side quests/minigamesUO has the option to fully skip battles, OB can only fast forwardPlaces there UO is worse:The name Unicorn Overlord. The word 'Overlord' really doesn't belong, especially one you play though the story. I'll take OB's mashup of Queen song names over that (which kinda work if you know the songs).Originality. From playstyle to classes, everything is clearly inspired by OB.While UO probably technically has more classes, many of them are racial copies of each other, often only having a small (but sometimes significant) change. OB has a much more varied variety of classes, class evolutions, and semi hidden classes. UO likely has a few more unique/semi-unique classes on characters. Oh, and UO has no non-humanoid species.UO has no alignment system, the main character is forced to be good and noble.UO lacks recruitable undead, demons, or anything that could be considered slightly morally questionable. OB has all those and lets you go full evil overlord if you want (blocks many characters though, and the endings are typically kinda bleak)UO has no gender options, or meaningful relationships, while OB's relationships and gender options can unlock and block characters, change how characters are acquired, and can make significant changes to the post game summary of the world.UO's reputation system is a counter that unlocks things at landmark points, rather than OB's system which is the common people's view of the liberation army and takes a major role in the game's path, what characters are recruitable, and the endings.UO's units don't have upgrade options based on alignment, items, or stats. They have 1 option to be promoted to (0 for some unique/semi-unique classes). On the plus side, they can't be locked out of every single upgrade option due to handling their stats wrong like in OB.OB has a much more robust system of immunities and elemental + physical resistances, with UO's being pretty much limited to physical damage, magic damage, and statuses (many of which are rarely seen)UO has a the Valor system (buffs before battle) vs OB's tarot system (mid battle effects)UO has longer load times for everything. They're not terrible, but it's a long game so they add up.UO is much more restricted with number of creatable parties, although they have comparable numbers of deployable parties.UO actually has worse AI, despite OB being made for the SNES (OB's AI understands retreating to heal, and using fast units to capture undefended locations, rather than just rushing the nearest unit/base like UO's does. )

Review: Unicorn Overlord – A Modern Ode to Ogre BattleIf you cherished Ogre Battle for its intricate real-time tactics, expansive unit management, and rich fantasy world, then Unicorn Overlord is poised to captivate you. Developed by Vanillaware and published by Atlus, this tactical RPG is a heartfelt homage to the genre, blending classic elements with contemporary design. A Familiar Yet Fresh Tactical ExperienceUnicorn Overlord mirrors the essence of Ogre Battle by offering real-time strategy with the ability to pause, allowing players to issue commands thoughtfully. You command squads of up to five units, each customizable with a plethora of classes and abilities. The game’s depth shines in its formation strategies and the synergy between unit types, reminiscent of the meticulous planning required in Ogre Battle 64.   However, Unicorn Overlord introduces its own flavor. The 2x3 grid system, while simpler than Ogre Battle’s 3x3, still demands strategic placement, especially since positioning affects targeting and defense. The game also streamlines certain mechanics, making it more accessible without sacrificing depth. As noted by RPGFan, “Vanillaware has created the spiritual successor to Ogre Battle and surpassed its inspiration in almost every way.”  Engaging World and NarrativeSet in a richly illustrated world, Unicorn Overlord invites players to embark on a journey of liberation and conquest. While the overarching plot may tread familiar ground, the game’s charm lies in its character interactions and world-building. The art style is quintessentially Vanillaware—vibrant, detailed, and immersive. Why You’ll Love ItFor fans of Ogre Battle, Unicorn Overlord offers a nostalgic yet novel experience. It captures the strategic depth and unit customization that made the original beloved, while introducing quality-of-life improvements and a fresh aesthetic. Whether you’re orchestrating complex battle strategies or exploring its expansive world, Unicorn Overlord delivers a satisfying tactical RPG experience that honors its roots while forging its own identity.