Tank Racer

Description

Remember the era when racing games still experimented with creative concepts and weren't bound by the strict rules of realism? Tank Racer, which gamers first enjoyed on PlayStation in 1998, falls into this category. It's a title that combines elements of racing games with one of the last mechanics you might expect - tanks.

Tank Racer offers a unique blend of arcade racing and destruction that works surprisingly well. At first glance, it may seem like tanks and racing don't go together, but the developers at Grolier Interactive have tackled this challenge very creatively. The game takes place in varied, heavily stylized environments that are characterized by variation and enough diversity so that you don't get bored with the repetitive backdrops.

What appeals to you immediately about Tank Racer is its simple but fun controls. Tanks have surprisingly good movement, wider curves and some weight, giving the game a distinctive driving feel, different from traditional cars. The shooting mechanics add another dimension to the racing. Instead of simply competing for first place on the strip, players can complicate each other's path to victory by shooting obstacles or their opponents directly. This feature greatly increases the game's dynamics and allows a weaker player to match up against better opponents.

Although the graphics, of course, do not stand out today, they were at least acceptable in the context of the time. The game benefits from the colourful design and unmistakably playful artwork that characterised titles from the late 1990s. What Tank Racer does really well, however, is the soundtrack: the snappy music and sound effects add to the atmosphere.

One of the few weaknesses may be the limited list of maps and weapons. After a while, there can be a feeling of repetition that could affect the game's long-term appeal. Additionally, the AI of the opposing tanks is sometimes too predictable, which detracts from the title's challenge.

However, Tank Racer is all about having fun, and between friends, preferably with multiple controllers, it can offer hours of laughter and destructive fun. This title is proof that even though something may look bizarre at first glance, there's no reason why it can't work. For retro game lovers who want to experience something a little different, Tank Racer is an enjoyable trip to a time when games boldly explored new ideas.