Imperial Commander is a 15mm science fiction war game, based on the range of metal 'Laserburn' miniatures available from Tabletop Games. Written by Richard Halliwell and Bryan Ansell in 1981, the game still has a small but enthusiastic following. Battles take place between an oppressive, galaxy spanning 'Imperium' and the religious, fanatic 'Red Redemption'. Players take in turns to move, fight and command armies of between 20 and 50 miniature figures each, and following the rules, tabletop games lasting a few hours are played. This type of war game is played on a tabletop with miniature figures, vehicles and scenery. 2 or more players are required. An updated version of this game, called Imperial Commander 2 was in development, but because of copyright issues was never published.
The rules can (as of Sep 2007) still be purchased from a company called 15mm.co.uk
The background of Imperial commander and the rule system of Laserburn are an influence on Games Workshops Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game which was developed when Ansell and Halliwell were at Games Workshop and Citadel Miniatures. In addition it has been a major influence on the development of the BEAMSTRIKE rule set.
Famous quotes containing the words imperial and/or commander:
“If you are ambitious of climbing up to the difficult, and in a manner inaccessible, summit of the Temple of Fame, your surest way is to leave on one hand the narrow path of Poetry, and follow the narrower track of Knight-Errantry, which in a trice may raise you to an imperial throne.”
—Miguel De Cervantes (1547–1616)
“A good old commander and a most kind gentleman.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)