Alien Command

Summary

Platforms: ZX Spectrum

Alien Command: A Retro Strategy Classic

Alien Command is a turn-based strategy game released in 1991 by Gremlin Graphics. The game is set in the year 2564, and the player takes on the role of a commander of a space fleet tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion.

The game is played on a hexagonal grid, and the player controls a variety of units, including marines, tanks, and aircraft. Each unit has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must carefully consider how to use them in order to succeed.

The game’s campaign consists of 20 missions, each with its own unique objectives. The player must use their strategic skills to overcome a variety of challenges, including alien attacks, environmental hazards, and time limits.

Alien Command was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best strategy games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music have made it a favorite among retro gamers.

Gameplay

Alien Command is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a variety of units to defend Earth from an alien invasion. The game is played on a hexagonal grid, and each unit can move and attack once per turn.

The player’s units include marines, tanks, aircraft, and artillery. Each unit has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must carefully consider how to use them in order to succeed.

Marines are the most basic unit in the game, but they are also the most versatile. They can attack both ground and air units, and they can also capture enemy bases.

Tanks are powerful ground units that can deal heavy damage to enemy units. However, they are slow and vulnerable to air attacks.

Aircraft are fast and maneuverable, and they can attack both ground and air units. However, they are relatively fragile and can be easily shot down by enemy anti-air units.

Artillery units are powerful long-range units that can attack enemy units from a distance. However, they are slow and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

The player must use their strategic skills to combine their units in order to defeat the enemy. The player must also take into account the terrain, as it can affect the movement and attack range of units.

Campaign

In the first mission, the player must defend a human colony from an alien invasion. The player must use their marines to capture the alien base and destroy the alien forces.

In the second mission, the player must escort a convoy of ships through a dangerous asteroid field. The player must use their aircraft to protect the convoy from enemy attacks.

In the third mission, the player must destroy an alien mothership. The player must use their artillery units to bombard the mothership from a distance.

The campaign is challenging but rewarding, and it offers a variety of different gameplay experiences. The player must use their strategic skills to overcome a variety of challenges and ultimately defeat the alien invaders.

Graphics and Sound

Alien Command’s graphics are charming and colorful. The game’s units and environments are well-detailed, and the game’s use of color is vibrant and eye-catching.

The game’s music is catchy and upbeat. The music helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement, and it keeps the player engaged throughout the game.

Conclusion

Alien Command is a classic strategy game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music have made it a favorite among retro gamers. If you’re a fan of strategy games, you owe it to yourself to check out Alien Command.

Additional Information

Developer: Gremlin Graphics
Publisher: Psygnosis
Release Date: 1991
Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, ZX Spectrum
Genre: Strategy
Perspective: Top-down
Number of Players: 1-2

Review Score

7.5/10