Great concept... Poor execution.
One of the most enjoyable components of strategy/rpg play is the development of fascinating characters, deep storylines, and hands-on creation of and participation in a uniquie universe. While ogre battle deffinately meets these criteria given the opportunity to play the game fully, chances are you won't make it.
As interesting as the characters are in this game, i'm betting you won't make it. It's really sad. The advancement of character classes, special item bonuses, and storyline are quite fantastic. You start with a few base characters and can develop them into a multitude of cool fighters with astounding power. My sense is that if you're thinking of playing this game, this is exactly why.
Unfortunately the game has a few key flaws which make this game hard to sit through and ultimately not worth replaying.
1. The game plays through a series of maps. As you progress the maps take longer to finish and you cannot save during the map. It means eventually you'll play 2-4 hr maps that you must sit through.
2. The maps themselves are not that interesting. They consist of an opposition base and enemy groups moving towards your base. You must move your teams to engage the opposition. The strategy consists in moving certain teams to fight certain opposition teams. Depending who you fight, your characters alignment with increase/decrease as will their leadership/skill levels. The fights themselves are tedious.
3. Getting your character classes to where you want them takes many maps and is really tedious. You must have minute control over stupid showdowns.
4. Special characters are hard to unlock unless you use a walkthrough (which gamefaq has many of which are quite good). Its not a game you could play straight through (without the faq) and find really satisfying. Either your reputation meter will get screwed up, or your best characters will end up all evil and hard to advance.
5. the graphics and music are forgettable.
All of the above is, as previously stated, quite unfortunate. If you have the time and stomach for the tedious strategy, your character classes will be really cool. I just don't think it's worth it.