Play Command Master (Japan) Online

Game Overview

Command Master (Japan) on the Game Boy Color is one of those weird little strategy games that makes you feel like a genius when you finally figure it out. At first glance, it looks like a simple grid-based puzzler, but then you realize you're actually directing little units around, setting up ambushes, and pulling off moves that would make a chess player nod in approval.

It's got that classic late-'90s Japanese game quirkiness—some of the unit designs are just bizarre, and the manual (if you can find a translation) reads like it was written by someone who had too much coffee. But once you get past the initial confusion, there's a really satisfying tactical layer here. You'll spend way too much time second-guessing whether to push forward or hold back, and when a plan actually works, it feels amazing.

Definitely not for the "button masher" crowd, but if you like games where you can pause, scratch your chin, and mutter "wait, what if I...?" this might be your new old obsession. Just don't blame me when you lose track of time trying to perfect your strategy.