M1 Tank Platoon (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

M1 Tank Platoon (1989): A Classic Tank Simulation Game

M1 Tank Platoon is a tank simulation game released in 1989 for the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. The game was developed by MicroProse and was one of the first games to feature real-time 3D graphics.

In M1 Tank Platoon, the player takes command of a platoon of M1 Abrams tanks and must complete a variety of missions, such as destroying enemy tanks, capturing objectives, and escorting friendly units. The game features a realistic physics engine and a detailed damage model, which makes for a challenging and rewarding experience.

The game can be played from a variety of perspectives, including the commander’s seat, the gunner’s seat, the driver’s seat, and the loader’s seat. Each seat has its own unique set of controls and responsibilities. The commander is responsible for giving orders to the other crew members and for managing the overall strategy of the platoon. The gunner is responsible for firing the tank’s main gun and for using the tank’s targeting system. The driver is responsible for driving the tank and for navigating the battlefield. The loader is responsible for loading the tank’s main gun and for keeping the tank supplied with ammunition.

M1 Tank Platoon was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best tank simulation games ever made. The game’s realistic graphics, detailed damage model, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of tank simulations.

Gameplay

M1 Tank Platoon is a real-time strategy game in which the player commands a platoon of M1 Abrams tanks. The game features a variety of missions, such as destroying enemy tanks, capturing objectives, and escorting friendly units. The player can control the tanks from a variety of perspectives, including the commander’s seat, the gunner’s seat, the driver’s seat, and the loader’s seat.

The commander’s seat gives the player a top-down view of the battlefield and allows them to issue orders to the other crew members. The gunner’s seat allows the player to control the tank’s main gun and to use the tank’s targeting system. The driver’s seat allows the player to drive the tank and to navigate the battlefield. The loader’s seat allows the player to load the tank’s main gun and to keep the tank supplied with ammunition.

The game features a realistic physics engine and a detailed damage model. This makes for a challenging and rewarding experience, as the player must carefully manage their tanks’ resources and avoid taking unnecessary damage.

Development

M1 Tank Platoon was developed by MicroProse, a company that was founded in 1982 by Sid Meier and Bill Stealey. MicroProse was a pioneer in the field of computer wargames, and it released a number of classic titles, such as Silent Service, Pirates!, and Civilization.

M1 Tank Platoon was one of the first games to feature real-time 3D graphics. The game’s graphics were groundbreaking at the time, and they helped to set a new standard for tank simulation games.

Reception

M1 Tank Platoon was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, detailed damage model, and challenging gameplay. It was also praised for its innovative use of real-time 3D graphics.

M1 Tank Platoon was one of the best-selling games of 1989, and it helped to establish MicroProse as a leading developer of computer wargames. The game is still considered to be one of the best tank simulation games ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans of the genre today.

Legacy

M1 Tank Platoon has had a significant impact on the tank simulation genre. The game’s realistic graphics, detailed damage model, and challenging gameplay set a new standard for tank simulation games. The game also helped to popularize the use of real-time 3D graphics in computer games.

M1 Tank Platoon has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most notable of these is M1 Tank Platoon II, which was released in 1990. M1 Tank Platoon II featured improved graphics and gameplay, and it is still considered to be one of the best tank simulation games ever made.

M1 Tank Platoon has also been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation. The game has also been released on a number of digital distribution platforms, such as Steam and GOG.com.

M1 Tank Platoon is a classic tank simulation game that still holds up today. The game’s realistic graphics, detailed damage model, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of tank simulations.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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