Ogre

One giant cyber-tank versus an entire army on a hex map, the 1977 sci-fi microgame that started it all.

Designer: Steve Jackson (I)
Published by: Steve Jackson Games
Editions by: Hobby Japan, Metagaming

One giant cybernetic tank against an entire army. That is the whole pitch of Ogre, the 1977 Metagaming microgame set in 2085. One player commands infantry, armor and a command post to defend. The other player has a single unit, the Ogre, a huge self-guided machine with treads, missiles and guns that you knock out piece by piece. Everything plays out on a hex map with a combat results table and dice. The basic game is a lopsided duel that is designed to be fair, and the advanced rules allow solo play, multiplayer games and Ogres on both sides. It is old-school, compact wargaming, a hex-and-counter classic with a real cult following.

One Ogre against infantry and armorDamage knocks out the Ogre's weaponsSolo and multiplayer advanced rules

Who it's for

You like wargames with a clear premise and a short rulebook, or you want a sci-fi duel with real asymmetry. It also plays solo.

Not for you if…

You want modern production, lots of components, or rules that hold your hand. This is a 1977 hex-and-counter design.

Vibe's take

Tense and lopsided in a good way. The defenders swarm and sacrifice, while the Ogre rumbles forward, shedding weapons as it takes damage, and every dice roll feels like a plot point.