Back when graphics were simpler, games had a mystique similar to that of books. Your mind had to fill in the blanks and paint across the pixels’ corners. The visuals and sounds of most modern games leave little to the imagination. While this is definitely an improvement for the most part, it’s nice to see some indie or quirky games embracing the mysterious visuals of days past.
Vector Tanks is an iPhone/Touch game that makes no secret of its similarities to the arcade classic Battlezone. For those whose never played Battlezone, it was a 3D arcade tank game released in 1980 utilizing simple vector graphics that created a stark and simple yet mysterious and beautiful sci-fi atmosphere. The 3D graphics and twin-stick tank-style controls made for quite an enveloping and realistic experience, especially for a game made in 1980. I was born in 1984 and, despite other games being more advanced by the time I played Battlezone, there was something about it that just captured me. I loved it. The developers were even asked by the US Army to create a simulator for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Battlezone has received a few sequels since its creation, most of which were excellent, though they were quite different from the original.
Overall, Vector Tanks is quite good (especially for the price of only $2.99 USD). They should fix it up slightly, add a bit more, and approach Atari for the rights to the Battlezone name. It’s a pure arcade experience and one of the best 3D games on the platform. If they add multiplayer and/or missions it might just move into “killer app” territory as well.
$2.99 is a bit expensive, when there are some GREAT games for 99 cents.
Battlezone was a favorite. I’m surpzed DE didn’t review this, he like Tank/Army games it seems.
Tanks, but no tanks. LOL.
Name some here, please.
It seems like you guys review more iphone games that DS and PSP combined. Why is that?
Yes, those guided missile sucked. I would always die from them.
is there a way to demo this? I see a lot of game have ‘lite’ version for demo.
7 cities, 1.99 kick ass, for TD fans.
So you can see the stick on screen?
How is the framerate?
IPHONE GAMES WITHOUT A ONLINE HIGH SCORE TABLE FAIL AUTOMATICALLY. DOES THIS HAVE ONE?
There a vector graphics TD game that balls hard and only 99 cents.
Looks just like Battlezone.
I expect Phoenix Wright to start litigation for Atari.
Yeah, too many great 99 and 1.99 games to spend 2.99. Its really kind of sad.
How about a lite version? That’s how I buy my apps.
Maybe we doesn’t rock the iphone.
I’ll have to check this out.
Funny, dude.
Yes, see the little green boxes on the sides of the screen?
It’s great!
geoDefense?…
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=305608325&mt=8
They’re released more often and cheaper.
No, but I imagine they’ll be adding that. There’s an update coming.
I’d have been disappointed in a straight clone but the added features and physics really make a difference.
Thats it. Its fun buy way too hard!