Lazer Command

In Lazer Command, two players compete in a strategic maze shooter from Meadows Games released in 1976. The gameplay unfolds on a split screen, one side rendered in yellow and the other in green, each populated with fifteen tanks controlled by a player. The objective is to destroy all of your opponent’s tanks before time expires, maneuvering your single active tank around the maze using an eight-way joystick. When a tank is destroyed, players quickly relocate their control point to another available tank on their side of the screen via an invisible blip – requiring swift thinking and positioning. A second button allows for rapid switching between tanks, crucial for both offensive maneuvers and avoiding enemy fire. This simple mechanic creates a unique dynamic that prioritizes tactical awareness over pure reflexes. Lazer Command is exclusively designed for two-player competition, offering a tense and engaging experience best enjoyed with a friend. The game’s original hardware featured a monochrome monitor overlaid with green and yellow hues, complemented by a plain cabinet adorned with sticker sideart depicting an explosion.