BattleTanx: Global Assault

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BattleTanx: Global Assault

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Release Date: October 12, 1999
Genre: Shooter
Style: Vehicle Shooter
Similar Games: Battlezone (Arcade), Battlezone (Commodore 64/128), Battlezone (Atari Video Computer System), BattleTanx (Nintendo 64), Battlezone (IBM PC Compatible), BattleTanx (Game Boy Color)

Game Description

BattleTanx: Global Assault is the sequel to the Nintendo 64's first four-player game. Once again the fast-paced action involves motoring across grid-like environments in one of 11 well-outfitted tanks. Solo players can complete 18 search-and-destroy missions in the campaign mode, while up to four friends can blast each other to scrap metal in seven deathmatch, capture-the-flag, and tag variants. Twenty power-ups are available in total, ranging from cloaking and teleporting devices to plasma bolts and guided missiles. Featured levels take place in futuristic versions of San Francisco, Washington, London, Paris, and Berlin, all of which are home to ruthless, tank-driving gangs.

~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

BattleTanx: Global Assault is another heavily armored Nintendo 64 hit from The 3DO Company. Following in the footsteps of 1998's BattleTanx, this sequel delivers just as much excitement and replay value as the original.

The story behind the game picks up from the conclusion of BattleTanx. Griffin Spade's gang has settled down in postapocalyptic San Francisco. However, he will have to put the treads to the asphalt again to fight the evil QueenLord Cassandra. This struggle will take Griffin all the way back to the East Coast and then on to Europe!

BattleTanx: Global Assault is most easily described as MORE BattleTanx. More maps, more tanks, more gangs, and more power-ups. Fortunately, in this instance, that also translates into more excitement, more fun, and more replay value!

For me, the three original BattleTanx vehicles had yet to wear out their welcome. Switching over to a Psycho Brigade match was distinctly different than using Griffin's Army. When that got old, you could switch over to the Nuclear Knights or another gang's assortment of tanks. I found that by the time I had gone through most of the gangs, I was ready to start all over again.

BattleTanx: Global Assault multiplies this effect by adding nine new tanks! At first this might feel a bit overwhelming to BattleTanx fans, but the accessible game play will have you right back into the swing of things before you know it. Whether you are commanding a missile-blasting Hornet, the rapid-firing Hydra, or the speedy Rattler, each tank has its own strengths and weaknesses, thus benefitting from a slightly different style of play.

Outside of having more of just about everything BattleTanx had to offer, BattleTanx: Global Assault has some other notable differences. First, the "Arcade" control scheme has been made the default (I appreciated this since that was my preferred style). The sound track also seems to have a bit more of a harder-edged guitar sound, and I like it better.

The most notable difference is in how the tanks handle: They feel more like sports cars in this game than heavily armored assault vehicles. While this was a bit of a disappointment at first, it does seem to enhance the speed and excitement of the game. You'll also find that the terrain in BattleTanx: Global Assault adds an element of vertical maneuvering with its bumps and ramps. This provides the opportunity for your tank to occasionally "catch air" (especially with the lighter tanks or if you are using the turbo power-up).

At this point, one caveat is in order: The BattleTanx experience is primarily about multiplayer competition. As with the original, most people should be able to complete the single-player Campaign mode in an evening or two on most of the difficulty levels. Fortunately, the multiplayer modes are still interesting and challenging with computer opponents. Still, the real meat of the game is found in its head-to-head play against your friends.

BattleTanx: Global Assault is representative of the type of game Nintendo 64 players should be expecting these days, one that builds on and improves the successes of the past rather than just imitating what worked last time. If you enjoyed BattleTanx, then you are sure to enjoy this sequel. BattleTanx: Global Assault is without a doubt the best thing going in the realm of multiplayer vehicle combat on the Nintendo 64!