Derelict

About

Derelict lets you command a squad of five space marines in a mix of first person shooting and top-down strategy. You switch control between each soldier on the fly using hotkeys or the mouse wheel while the others act autonomously. Each character has distinct tools like a medic who heals allies or an engineer who bypasses security systems. The tactical layer comes from managing their unique abilities during combat whether sniping from cover or placing explosives. The game’s challenge scales across five difficulty levels affecting enemy behavior and healing speed. With 20 levels and split screen co-op it offers replayability for fans of methodical combat. Released in 2008 it remains a niche title praised by some for its hybrid approach to action and planning though its smaller following means community guides are sparse.

Storyline

In the year 2284, after many years of a war between the Terran forces and the forces of former Earth colony Mendel, the United Terran Forces have plans to invade Mendel and has chosen the previously uncolonized world Epsilon Eridani F to be their staging base. The super Battlecruiser Atlas was sent to the region to construct spaceport facilities, but was seized by a deadly weapon. The marines have been called back to save the ship, but the infection is becoming more entrenched. The final dropship has been sent, carrying a group of 5 battle hardened space marines.