Laser Squad (1988)

Laser Squad is a tactical combat game released in 1988 for the ZX Spectrum 48K. It was published by Target Games Ltd, with code developed by Julian Gollop and Mike Stockwell. Mark Potente provided the in-game graphics, while Ian Terry handled the level design.

The game supports up to two players and features perpendicular 2.5D graphics with multi-directional scrolling. It utilizes a multi-loader system for both 48K and 128K modes and supports input via cursor, Kempston joystick, or Interface 2.

The original cassette was priced at £9.95. Beyond the ZX Spectrum, the game was released on several other platforms, including Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, Commodore Plus/4, MSX, Amiga, and Atari ST.

Laser Squad holds an average magazine score of 89.38%. It received critical acclaim, earning the C+VG Hit award from Computer & Video Games and the Your Sinclair Megagame title from Your Sinclair, with individual scores peaking at 97%.

In Russia and the former USSR, the game became a staple of the tactical genre. Magazines like Spectrofon and ZX Pilot featured detailed technical guides and even fan fiction based on the game. It saw numerous TR-DOS adaptations, including various mods and level editors, alongside several Russian language translations.