Laser Squad
Summary
Laser Squad is a turn-based tactical warfare game in which players complete missions such as rescuing targets, retrieving items, or wiping out enemy forces by using cover, squad tactics, and precise weapon handling. Each team member moves individually across the map, performing actions like moving, turning, firing, and picking up items that consume action points. Units carrying heavier loads may become fatigued more quickly, requiring rest to prevent a faster depletion of action points in later turns. Morale is also a key element; if a unit sees a teammate fall, it might panic and flee beyond the player's control. With the addition of the expansion pack, the game offers seven total scenarios, each featuring unique difficulty levels and squad assignments. Initially, Laser Squad featured five mission scenarios, and an expansion pack was later released for 8-bit versions, adding two more. Gaming publications praised the game, awarding it high scores and multiple honors. Its influence is evident in later titles such as the X-COM series, particularly the critically acclaimed UFO: Enemy Unknown, also developed by Julian Gollop and originally envisioned as a follow-up to Laser Squad.
