Summary

• Release Year: 1983
• Genres: Shooter
• Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
• Developers: Superior Software Ltd.
• Publishers: Superior Software Ltd.

Battle Tank (1983): A Retro Tank Combat Classic

Battle Tank is a classic arcade game released in 1983 by Atari, Inc. It is a clone of the earlier game Battlezone, but with some notable improvements. Battle Tank is a first-person tank combat game in which the player controls a tank and must destroy enemy tanks while avoiding their fire. The game is set in a three-dimensional environment, and the player can move their tank in any direction.

Battle Tank was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best tank combat games ever made. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its impressive graphics and sound, made it a hit with gamers of all ages.

Gameplay

The goal of Battle Tank is to destroy all of the enemy tanks while avoiding their fire. The player controls their tank using a joystick and two buttons, one to fire and one to change the tank’s direction. The tank can move in any direction, and it can fire in eight different directions.

The game is played on a three-dimensional battlefield, and the player can see enemy tanks from all sides. The player’s tank is equipped with a radar that shows the location of enemy tanks, and the player can also use the radar to track the trajectory of enemy fire.

The enemy tanks in Battle Tank are of two types: regular tanks and super tanks. Regular tanks are weaker than super tanks, but they are more common. Super tanks are more powerful than regular tanks, but they are also less common.

The player’s tank can be destroyed by enemy fire, and the player has only three lives. If the player loses all of their lives, the game is over.

Graphics and Sound

Battle Tank’s graphics are impressive for an arcade game of its time. The game’s three-dimensional environment is well-rendered, and the tanks and other objects are detailed and realistic. The game’s sound is also excellent, with realistic sound effects and a catchy soundtrack.

Legacy

Battle Tank was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best tank combat games ever made. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its impressive graphics and sound, made it a hit with gamers of all ages.

Battle Tank has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the IBM PC. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums, including the Atari Anniversary Collection and the Midway Arcade Treasures Collection.

Battle Tank has inspired a number of other tank combat games, including Super Battle Tank, Battlezone 2000, and Tank Universal. The game’s legacy is also evident in the number of clones and homages that have been released over the years.

Conclusion

Battle Tank is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. It’s a simple but addictive tank combat game that’s perfect for a quick and challenging gaming session. If you’re a fan of tank combat games, or if you’re just looking for a classic arcade game to play, then Battle Tank is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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