Lost Patrol

Lost Patrol is an action strategy game developed by Shadow Development, set during the Vietnam War. It was published by Ocean Software in 1990 for the Amiga and Atari ST. It was released for DOS the following year.

You’re the leader of a platoon of soldiers traveling back to base by helicopter. An unexpected attack forces a crash landing, and it’s now up to you to lead your surviving squad members to safety through enemy territory. You’ll spend much of the game looking at a map to decide where to go and what to do. Under the map, you will see a box describing your choices. Graphic sequences occur when specific actions are decided, or places are reached. Make your choices wisely, as your troop’s morale must be maintained by managing their fatigue, health, etc. It’s your job to find food, water, weapons, and ammunition for your squad to keep them alive. The game features playable arcade sequences where you engage in combat with enemy troops, including hand-to-hand, grenade, and gun battles. Your squad will also have to navigate safely across minefields. Each team member has abilities that make them useful in certain situations, so pay attention to their skills.

Upon release, Lost Patrol received moderately positive reviews. Many people had different expectations from Ocean Software when the game came out, which colored their view. Most didn’t like how much strategy was involved and that you can’t save. However, I think strategy fans and war buffs will find entertainment in this one.