There is now a native Windows download for Star Cadre: Combat Class. This will hopefully increase the number of people who enjoy the game.

The original ZIP file available at launch requires the user to get hold of DOSBox, install it on their system, and to know how to install individual games and run them from the DOS prompt. Even those who played DOS games back in the day have the additional hurdle of learning how to mount their game directory first.

The new Windows install file makes this much easier for people unfamiliar with DOSBox. The game is still powered by DOSBox, but the Windows install file will install DOSBox for you, along with the game, and creates an entry on the Start Menu and an option icon on the desktop. This makes it behave more like a native Windows game and will be more familiar to Windows gamers who don't normally dabble in DOS emulation.

The game plays exactly as it does under DOSBox, though. This means it still uses CGA graphics and PC speaker sound (although this is sent through the sound card, not through the actual PC speaker). And it is still strictly keyboard-controlled, using the cursor keys and your choice of CTRL, SPACE or ENTER for fire.

You can download the game from the link below. Be sure to download the manual too, as it has a useful tutorial for those unfamiliar with the game. You can probably figure out the game without it, but it will get you past that initial step of bewilderment, and will also explain some game-play mechanics (like encumbrance) that might not be obvious during gameplay.

The original DOS zip archive can still be found on the Star Cadre: Combat Class game page on Itch.