Space Crusade

Space Crusade is a 1992 DOS adaptation of the Games Workshop board game, bringing the grim science-fiction universe of Warhammer 40,000 to the computer. Players command squads of heavily armed Space Marines as they explore dangerous ships, complete missions, and battle alien enemies. Tactical positioning is important, since individual units have different weapons and abilities and careless movement can leave soldiers exposed. The campaign structure gives the game a strong sense of progression, while the tabletop origins are obvious in its emphasis on units, equipment, and mission objectives. Space Crusade successfully captures the atmosphere of miniature warfare without requiring a table covered in painted models and several hours of preparation. The setting is gloriously over-the-top, filled with enormous weapons, terrifying enemies, and soldiers who apparently consider subtlety an unnecessary luxury. It is strategy gaming for anyone who thinks ordinary military missions need considerably more armor and considerably less diplomacy.