Summary

Release Year: 1988
Genres: Arcade, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Shooter, Strategy
Platforms: Arcade, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Wii
Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Publishers: NEC Avenue, Ltd., Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Gain Ground: A Timeless Strategy Classic

Released in arcades in 1988, Gain Ground is a side-scrolling run-and-gun strategy game that quickly gained a cult following. Developed by Sega, the game was ported to the Master System and Genesis/Mega Drive in 1989 and 1990, respectively.

Gain Ground is set in a war-torn world where players control a squad of up to three soldiers from a roster of twenty unique characters. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully select their team based on the level they’re playing.

The goal of each level is to reach the exit point with at least one character or destroy all enemies on the level before time runs out. Scattered across the level are captive characters, who can be rescued by walking over them and then escorting them to the exit point.

If a player-controlled character is killed, they will turn into a captive. However, they will disappear if the next active player-controlled character dies, exits the level without them, or the player has no characters left in their party.

The game is over when all controlled characters in the party are killed without any reaching the exit. However, there are three continues which allow a player to restart the level with their original three characters.

Gain Ground is a challenging and rewarding game that requires players to use strategy and teamwork to succeed. With its varied cast of characters, challenging levels, and intense action, it’s a must-play for fans of strategy games.

Gameplay

Gain Ground is a side-scrolling run-and-gun strategy game in which players control a squad of up to three soldiers from a roster of twenty unique characters. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully select their team based on the level they’re playing.

Players must use strategy and teamwork to succeed in Gain Ground. They must carefully manage their resources, including their characters’ health and ammunition, and use their characters’ unique abilities to their advantage.

Characters

There are twenty unique characters to choose from in Gain Ground, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some characters are better at long-range combat, while others are better at close-quarters fighting. Some characters have special abilities, such as the ability to heal other characters or to lay mines.

Players must carefully select their team based on the level they’re playing. For example, a level with a lot of open space may be better suited for characters with long-range weapons, while a level with a lot of close-quarters fighting may be better suited for characters with close-range weapons.

Levels

There are 40 levels in the arcade version of Gain Ground. The Master System and Genesis/Mega Drive versions of the game have 50 levels. The levels are varied and challenging, and they offer a variety of different objectives. Some levels require players to simply reach the exit point, while others require them to destroy all enemies on the level or to rescue a certain number of captives.

Reception

Gain Ground was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and varied cast of characters. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Legacy

Gain Ground is considered to be one of the best strategy games of all time. It has influenced a number of other games, including the popular Advance Wars series. Gain Ground is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Tips for Playing Gain Ground

Here are a few tips for playing Gain Ground:

Choose your team carefully. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose a team that is suited to the level you’re playing.
Manage your resources wisely. Your characters’ health and ammunition are limited, so it’s important to use them wisely.
Use your characters’ unique abilities to your advantage. Each character has their own special abilities, so be sure to use them to your advantage.
Work together as a team. Gain Ground is a team game, so it’s important to work together with your teammates to achieve your goals.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Gain Ground and become a legendary commander.