A fast-follow to its predecessor and released in 1979, Invasion Orion (1979) is the single-player evolution of Starfleet Orion, bringing Automated Simulations’ space combat wargame into the realm of solo tactical strategy. This time, the Stellar Union faces an invasion by the robotic Klaatu, with players commanding fleets across a familiar 32×64 grid. Though it retains the turn-based, energy-allocation combat of its predecessor — complete with beam weapons, missiles, torpedoes, fighters, and tractor beams — Invasion Orion adds 30 ship types (up from 22) and 10 scenarios, plus the ability to design both new missions and custom ships. Originally designed exclusively for one player (with later versions adding a two-player option), it introduced variable difficulty settings and adaptive AI — a rare feature for its era. With deeper lore, refined mechanics, and robust content creation tools, Invasion Orion cemented the Orion series as a high-water mark in early home computer strategy games and set the stage for Epyx’s broader success.

As with its predecessor, Starfleet Orion, we’re very interested in working with partners to revive either or both of these titles in a meaningful way.  The 48-page manual is a masterpiece, with something rarely seen in software programs or games – an algorithmic deep dive into the decision models behind the game. There are a lot of different directions that one can take this title including as an explainer of how probabilistic algorithms were designed and implemented in early computing.  Take a look at the title and browse some playthroughs and let us know what innovative ideas you’d like to explore…