Laser Squad

Laser Squad is a turn-based tactics video game, originally released for the ZX Spectrum and later for the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, MSX, Amiga, Sharp MZ-800 and Atari ST and PC computers between 1988 and 1992.

The legacy of the game can be seen in other titles like the X-COM series, especially the acclaimed UFO: Enemy Unknown which was also created by Julian Gollop and was initially conceived as a sequel to Laser Squad.

More heavily laden units may tire more easily, and may have to rest to avoid running out of action points more quickly in subsequent turns.

The subsequent Blade Software 8-bit release included these as standard; the mail order expansion pack now offered was for missions six and seven instead.

Including the expansion pack, there are seven scenarios in total, each one with its own difficulty settings and squad allocation: Computer and Video Games, reviewing the original ZX Spectrum version, awarded it a near-perfect 97% score and a 'C+VG HIT!

Notably, the first X-COM game, UFO: Enemy Unknown, began its development as Laser Squad II.

ZX Spectrum screenshot