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At first glance, these two games are identical. The classic arcade game Battlezone from 1980 was the first major 3D video game and was a smash success. It was no surprise when the Atari 2600 received its own version. Albeit it was different and was not in true 3D, it still had its core functionality and fun game play.
It was also no surprise when Battlezone encountered clones like Robot Tank from Activision in 1983. As usual, Activision aimed to go above and beyond. Like some of their other games like Enduro, a day-night system was added, and it even kept track of how many days went by. Other changes included damage to your tank and change in weather.
Beyond these things, Battlezone and Robot Tank were both very similar. Your view is of the front of the tank, as if you were literally driving it and looking forward to visually navigate. This added dimension that was not often seen in video games at the time. It felt like you were actually driving and shooting a tank! A radar on the screen told you where an enemy was, and you had to turn and attack it before it attacked you. This might seem like a simple concept, but it was in fact incredibly fun to play for extended amounts of time.
Commanding a tank as if in combat was fun as it was, but with an extra layer of virtual reality, Battlezone kicked butt. It still holds up to this day, and it’s hard not to love. Both Battlezone and Robot Tank were popular enough that the old Atari 2600 game cartridges are cheap and easy to find. I recommend buying one as soon as you see it. Don’t even think or let your brain process the decision, or you may change your mind. Be sure to leave a comment letting us know your thoughts with these tank games.
Appeal of Battles and Tanks
The Atari 2600, also known as the Video Computer System, was a home video game console released by Atari Inc. in 1977. It was a revolutionary gaming system that introduced the world to microprocessor-based hardware, swappable ROM cartridges, and joystick controllers. However, among all the games available for the console, the tank games stand out as the best.
Firstly, let’s understand the significance of the Atari 2600. It was the first programmable home system that used MOS Technology’s 6507 microprocessor and Cyan Engineering’s Television Interface Adaptor chip. This allowed game developers to create and program games that could be played on a TV screen. The device was a huge success, selling millions of units and becoming the go-to gaming console for many households.
One of the key features of the machine was its game cartridge system. Unlike its competitors, such as the Magnavox Odyssey and the Fairchild Channel F, the Atari 2600 used game cartridges instead of built-in games. This meant that players could easily swap out game cartridges and play a variety of games on one console. The console launched with nine game cartridges, and one of them was Combat, a tank game that would become a fan favorite.
A reason why there were so many good games was due to the involvement of third-party game developers. Companies like Activision, Mattel, and Coleco created a wide range of games for the console, adding to its already impressive library. These were often more innovative and challenging, providing players with a unique gaming experience.
Sadly, the popularity of the console was short-lived. The video game crash of 1983 led to its downfall, as the market was flooded with poor-quality games, also known as shovelware. This resulted in a decline in sales and ultimately led to the discontinuation of the console in 1992.
However, the legacy lives on. Many retro gamers still enjoy playing these low-resolution games on modern TVs, using the original CX40 Joystick. Games like Yars’ Revenge continue to be a fan favorite even after decades since its release.