Tank War

Tank War is a video game in the action genre developed by Hartung and published by Hartung originally released in 1990. It is currently playable on Game Master.

Tank War places the player in command of an armoured fighting vehicle during a series of confined battlefield engagements. Each battle is viewed from above, with the arena divided into open ground, defensive obstacles, and concealed routes. The objective is to locate and destroy opposing tanks before the enemy can overwhelm the position. Success depends on movement, accurate fire, and a careful reading of the terrain, as a tank caught in the open is vulnerable from several directions.

The tank moves under direct control while its gun is aimed independently, allowing the hull and turret to face different directions during an attack. Shells travel across the battlefield and can be used to clear enemy vehicles or remove selected obstacles. Walls, barriers, and other objects provide useful cover, although they may also restrict movement and create dangerous dead ends. Ammunition and firing opportunities must be managed sensibly, since constant shooting can leave a vehicle exposed while the gun is being prepared for its next attack. Enemy tanks patrol, turn to meet the player, and press their advantage whenever an opening appears.

Battles are arranged as a succession of increasingly demanding encounters. Early stages provide room to learn the controls and understand the relationship between movement, turret direction, and firing range. Later arenas make greater use of narrow passages and defensive cover, reducing the space available for manoeuvre and bringing enemy vehicles into combat at close quarters. The opposing tanks are not simply stationary targets: their movements force the player to keep changing position, choose when to advance, and avoid allowing several enemies to concentrate their fire on one location.

The visual presentation is functional and clearly arranged for fast play. A compact overhead display shows the battlefield in a series of strongly contrasting colours, with tanks, walls, shells, and hazards designed to remain visible during hectic exchanges. The vehicles are represented by simple, solid sprites whose orientation makes their direction of travel and gun position easy to read. Explosions and impacts provide brief but effective signs of damage, while the surrounding arena remains uncluttered so that attention can stay on the tactical action.

Sound supports the action with a small selection of sharp electronic effects. Cannon fire, impacts, movement, and destruction each receive distinct bursts, giving useful confirmation when a shot has connected or an enemy has been eliminated. There is little musical distraction during play, leaving the battlefield effects to establish the atmosphere. Tank War is at its most enjoyable when played aggressively but intelligently: rushing forward brings quick opportunities and equally quick destruction, while cautious positioning and controlled bursts of fire allow the player to turn the arena itself into a weapon.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.