Desert Commander (USA)

In Desert Commander for the NES, players step into the role of a military commander leading an army in fierce desert warfare. This is a turn-based strategy game that demands strategic thinking and resource management from the player.

The primary objective of the game is to defeat the opponent by capturing their main base or by destroying all of their military units. The game map is grid-based, featuring various terrain types such as desert, mountains, rivers, and cities, each affecting the movement and defensive capabilities of units.

Players will command a variety of military units, including tanks, infantry, artillery, anti-air, supply trucks, and helicopters. Each unit possesses unique characteristics regarding movement range, attack range, attack power, and defensive capabilities. For instance, tanks are powerful in direct assaults, while artillery can attack from a distance. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each unit type is key to formulating an effective strategy.

Gameplay unfolds in turns: the player moves and issues commands to all of their units, and then the computer (AI) performs its actions. A crucial element in Desert Commander is the supply system. Military units consume fuel and ammunition during movement and attacks. Players must utilize supply trucks to ensure their units are always well-resourced. A unit that runs out of fuel or ammunition becomes ineffective and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Successful strategy in Desert Commander involves proper unit placement, utilizing terrain to gain defensive advantages or launch surprise attacks, and efficiently managing supply lines. The game not only challenges offensive capabilities but also requires players to protect their supply units and bases. With its simple yet functional 8-bit graphics, Desert Commander offers a deep tactical experience for wargame fans on the NES.