Star Cadre: Combat Class (2024)
a FREE tactical combat game by ‘Cyningstan’ for MS-DOS
Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan
Star Cadre: Combat Class’ by Cyningstan takes you back to the golden age of MS-DOS gaming, combining tactical combat with the thrill of role-playing. As a cadet at the Star Academy, your mission is simple: complete a series of combat simulations and prove your worth as a future commander of elite troops.
EVERY TACTIC YOU MAKE…
The game sets you three years into your training at the Star Academy, where your leadership skills have shone brightly. You’re close to graduation, but first, you must complete several missions in the combat simulator. Each mission, whether randomly assigned or hand-picked, challenges you to maximize your score across various difficulty levels. The goal is to come as close as possible to the perfect score that no cadet has yet achieved. Star Cadre forces you to really hone your strategy. You command a squad of four units in diverse missions, ranging from easy to hard. Each game is short, which is ideal for quick play sessions. Since progress can be saved, it makes the game perfect for a coffee break. The missions are randomly generated, ensuring something new every time you play. Graphically, the game supports the original 1981 IBM PC specs, requiring only a 4.77 MHz 8088 processor and CGA or monochrome Hercules graphics. It runs from a 360k floppy disk and works seamlessly on DOSBox. The CGA graphics offer two palettes: a blue/red palette fitting the sci-fi theme and a nostalgic cyan/magenta palette.
Controls are simple and efficient, relying solely on the keyboard. With directional controls and a fire key, the game is accessible on various devices. Cyningstan’s dedication to creating new games for old hardware shines bright like a diamond, making it a delightful throwback to the early days of PC gaming.
Conclusion
Star Cadre offers a challenging tactical combat experience, and with each mission being randomly generated, you can enjoy the game again and again. Oh and, dear cadet, always aim for the highest score because your graduation depends on it!
