The War of the Worlds

About

The War of the Worlds is a turn-based strategy game where you command human forces during an alien invasion. Set in a terrain-based map, you manage infantry, cavalry, and artillery units to intercept extraterrestrial threats. Each turn brings new challenges as alien cylinders land or reinforcements appear. Movement happens via rail lines, letting you reposition troops quickly between battles. Combat resolution uses dice rolls and unit stats to determine outcomes. The goal is to eliminate all alien activity before they devastate the map. This 1983 Atari title adapts H.G. Wells' classic sci-fi story into a tactical war game. The railroad movement system adds a unique layer of logistics, forcing players to balance speed with positioning. While the graphics reflect early 80s computing limits, the strategic depth comes from managing limited resources against unpredictable alien deployments. A small but dedicated retro gaming audience still discusses its efficient design and how it handles the scale of a planetary invasion. Players often highlight the tension of racing to intercept new threats while recovering from previous engagements.