Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: APh Technological Consulting
- Publishers: M Network
Armor Ambush: The Atari 2600 Tank Battle That Expanded the Genre
Released in 1982, Armor Ambush was a groundbreaking tank battle game for the Atari 2600. It took the simple premise of Combat, the game packaged with nearly every Atari 2600 system, and expanded upon it in several key ways.
Larger Battlefields
One of the most significant improvements in Armor Ambush was the size of the battlefield. In Combat, the battle was confined to a single screen. In Armor Ambush, the battlefield was much larger, allowing for more strategic gameplay. Players could now maneuver their tanks around obstacles and use the terrain to their advantage.
Destructible Mines
Another new feature in Armor Ambush was the ability to drop mines on the battlefield. Mines could be placed anywhere on the map, and they would remain active for the duration of the battle. Any tank that ran over a mine would be destroyed. This added a new layer of strategy to the game, as players now had to be aware of not only their opponent’s tank, but also the location of any mines that had been placed.
Two-Player Mode
Armor Ambush was one of the first Atari 2600 games to feature a two-player mode. In this mode, two players could battle each other on the same console. This added a whole new level of excitement to the game, as players could now compete against each other for the highest score.
Single-Player Mode
In addition to the two-player mode, Armor Ambush also featured a single-player mode. In this mode, players could battle against a computer-controlled opponent. This was a great way for players to practice their skills before taking on a human opponent.
Diverse Terrain
The terrain in Armor Ambush was much more diverse than in Combat. In addition to the standard flat terrain, there were also areas of foliage, water, and natural barriers. This made the game more challenging and strategic, as players now had to take into account the different types of terrain when planning their attacks.
Overall
Armor Ambush was a significant improvement over Combat and one of the best tank battle games released for the Atari 2600. It featured larger battlefields, destructible mines, a two-player mode, a single-player mode, and diverse terrain. These features combined to create a game that was both challenging and exciting.
Tips for Playing Armor Ambush
Here are a few tips for playing Armor Ambush:
- Use the terrain to your advantage. Obstacles can be used to block your opponent’s shots or to provide cover for your own tank.
- Be aware of the location of mines. Mines can be placed anywhere on the map, so be careful not to run over them.
- Use your mines strategically. Mines can be used to block off areas of the map or to trap your opponent’s tank.
- Switch between your two tanks regularly. This will help you to avoid getting flanked by your opponent.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to play Armor Ambush, so experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Armor Ambush is a classic tank battle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and exciting game that offers a lot of replay value. If you are a fan of tank battle games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Armor Ambush.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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