Laser Squad is a simultaneous turn based game of squad based tactics. A simultaneous turn based game is a game in which players plot their turns simultaneously and then indicate when they are ready, after which the computer runs everyone’s order at the same time, which gives a better sense of continuity than a classic turn based game in which player turns are run in sequence. It also prevents the problem in classical turn based games of player moving later having a knowledge advantage over previously moving players.
There are four factions in Laser Squad – the Human marines, the mysterious Greys, a soulless mechanical faction and a rapacious alien faction similar to the Zerg of Starcraft fame. Each faction has its own distinct units and characteristic abilities. The goal of the game is to defeat the other factions in a given scenario, or complete a given faction’s campaign mode.
Gameplay consists of deploying units, commanding them in squad based combat, and completing scenario specific victory conditions. While the storyline is not particularly engaging, this is acceptable as it is really only meant to serve as a loose pretense for the interesting tactical combat situations the player encounters during the course of each of the four campaigns (one for each faction).
Laser Squad
is a highly engaging game for anyone interested in testing their tactical skills, as it is possible to play either against a competent AI or a human opponent. The colorful if dated graphics, and the fact that most objects in the environment are destructible, feeds the more basic aesthetic needs of the player to experience, well, cool explosions and stuff. Buildings can be brought down on your enemies, fuel tanks will explode and the chaos of combat will create debris and smoke which have a real effect on gameplay. As a result, the use of the environment for cover, tactical advantage, and as a weapon against your foes is a major part of the strategy of Laser Squad.
In conclusion, Laser Squad will be of interest to those who enjoy tactical combat simulations, and who enjoy games which challenge their ability to use force, cunning, and the environment to defeat a foe.
