The game is played in alternating turns. The Ogre usually moves first, then fires weapons. The defense player then moves his units and fires weapons. Any GEVs (armored combat hovercraft) then get a 2nd move, representing their superior speed. Wargame enthusiasts will recognize the classic attack and defense strength values of the units (and OGRE weapons) and how they interact in the CRT (Combat Results Table). For those reading this who have never played a wargame before, OGRE is the ideal game to introduce yourself (and friends) to the hobby!

The first expansion for OGRE (also released by Metagaming) was called G.E.V. (for Ground Effect Vehicle)

G.E.V. was the sequel to OGRE and introduced new units, rules and a new map. Like OGRE, it featured simple components, great artwork and this time introduced the concept of armor units, infantry and Ogres on BOTH sides.

In 1980 Steve Jackson founded his own game company named (what else?) Steve Jackson Games. Steve was able to keep the rights to his two creations (OGRE and G.E.V.) and reissued them in zip-locked bags. Later editions came in plastic boxes (which, while tougher to stuff in a pocket, DID protect the game components quite well.) Further refinements included better counters (though you had to cut them out yourself), color maps on laminated paper and mini zip-lock bags to keep your counters organized in.

OGRE and G.E.V. in their new "Pocket Boxes" from Steve Jackson Games The cover illustration for G.E.V. featured the first detailed look at what eventually became the Combine GEV.

OGRE and G.E.V. continued to expand due to the incredible number of people playing and contributing to the games. Supplements came out in zip-locked bags that introduced new units, new modular maps and lots of new scenarios. A beautifully rendered blueprint/poster showing a cutaway view of a MK V OGRE was created by Kyle Miller. A new version of the poster is now available from Warehouse 23.

OGRE Reinforcement Pack introduced new Ogre models, new scenarios and spare maps and counter sheets. Shockwave added more units, advanced rules, more scenarios (including a "monster" game scenario) and the devastating Cruise Missile.

The early Eighties also saw the debut of miniature lines for OGRE. First runs were from Martian Miniatures (which was actually in 1979 while OGRE was still published by Metagaming). Through the early Eighties to the early Ninties the line passed to SJ Games, to Grenadier, Ral Partha and, after a lengthy hiatus in the mid-to-late Nineties, finally back to SJ Games. For a more detailed treatsie on the subject visit OGRE Miniatures - Collector's Checklist.

Two blister packs of the Ral Partha line of OGRE Miniatures featuring Combine MSL Tanks and GEVs. This line was sold extensively in 1992 and 1993 along with the OGRE Miniatures book. (See below).

The boardgame versions of OGRE were certainly not neglected during this period. 1987 saw the release of Deluxe OGRE (not to be confused with the new deluxe miniatures set now being released, see below). In 1990 a double-set of OGRE/G.E.V. (featuring BOTH games in one box) was released.

Deluxe OGRE was jokingly referred to as the "Cadillac" of the OGRE releases because of it's slick, high-quality production. OGRE/G.E.V.'s "Doubleday" edition. So named because the rulebooks were printed back to back, upside-down from one another.

In 1992 Steve Jackson Games released the OGRE Miniatures book. A beautiful layout chock full of Will Sutherlands incredible miniature photographs along with great artwork and graphics made the book a joy simply to look through. Packed with the rules, scenarios, terrain construction, background material and great templates, the OGRE Miniatures book set the standard for other miniature game company publications for the Nineties.

The OGRE Miniatures book with the stunning cover by Jeff Mangiat and beautiful miniature photography by William Sutherland. This book is still in production. With the (re) release of OGRE Miniatures, it once again is indispensible for OGRE players. To order (or just take a peek) go to Warehouse 23.

Although the Ral Partha line of minis ceased production in the mid-Nineties, OGRE itself continued in print in a variety of forms including reprints of the original editions and the double-pack set of both OGRE and G.E.V. Not even the venerable game of Star Fleet Battles (by Task Force Games) kept up such a constant print run of editions and re-editions like OGRE.

OGRE also inspired a lot of gamers to come out with thier own rules, units, models, dioramas and a lot of support projects. OGRE Macrotures (originally produced by Sci-Fi-Supply, now licensed to ARMORCAST) was an ambitious project by a group of die-hard (some would say "crazy") OGRE fans to produce 1/35 scale models of the major OGRE vehicles, including a 2 ^1/2 foot model of a MK V OGRE! What's nuttier is that they succeeded! For more details, jump to the OGRE Macrotures section.

In early 2000, Steve Jackson Games released the newest incarnation of the original board/map game as a new double-set edition. This time the packaging was a neat cardboard sleeved plastic video box. The only changes were very minor as by this time OGRE and G.E.V. were so playtested that the rules were practically air-tight. Something rarely seen in many board/wargames. The original supplements "Shockwave" and "Reinforcement Pack" were re-released shortly thereafter. All are currently available at your local game store or through Warehouse 23.

But the story doesn't end here. After years of impatient waiting (mea culpa, Steve) by thousands of rabid fans, and SJ Games efforts to locate a worthy miniature production company, in late 2000 they (SJ Games) have finally opened up a casting production line again and begun work on a new line of OGRE minis! The first release is the NEW Deluxe OGRE. Packaged in three video boxes bound together by a single cardstock sleeve, this set gives you everything you need to refight the original scenarios that OGRE is famous for, but in stunning miniature format instead of cardstock counters! This set is perfect for miniature wargame enthusiasts who want to jump in on the new generation of OGRE! Pick it up at your local gamestore or visit Warehouse 23.

Deluxe OGRE features a slight twist on the traditional scenario. The included minis are a Paneuropean MK III OGRE and a combined arms battalion of North American Combine armor and powered armor troops.

But there's more! upcoming releasess will include:

• Deluxe G.E.V. (Paneuropean Starter set)
• Combine Set 1 (Ogre MK V)
• Combine Set 2 (Ogre MK III)
• Combine Set 3 (Heavy Armor Company)
• Combine Set 4 (GEV Company)
• Combine Set 5 (Missile Tank Platoons and Mobile Battery)
• Combine Set 7 (Howitzer Battery and reinforced Infantry Battalion)

(UPDATE 1-22-03: All of the above items (and many more besides) are now available, follow this link for updated details...)

According to distribution reports, initial demands for OGRE Miniatures has been much higher than expected. Therefore, Steve Jackson Games will most likely continue to expand on this new generation of a classic wargame. (Just take a look at the above links to see how much!)

Now you know a bit about "What's This All About". What are you waiting for? Explore the rest of this site, then get yourself down to your local gamestore (or to the Steve Jackson Games Website) and get OGRE!