Tank is a modern tank simulation that showcases Spectrum Holobyte's strength in ultra-realistic simulation, despite never achieving the level of acclaim that Falcon 3.0 garnered. Tank is similar to Microprose's best-selling M-1 Tank Platoon in its realistic modeling of modern tanks, intuitive interface, and integration of strategic elements with first-person action. Although it is a simulation of the M1A1 Abrams like Damon Slye's excellent Abrams Battle Tank, it places much more emphasis on strategy and larger unit operations than on graphical realism. Despite the fact that there are only 5 missions, each one is replete with vast terrain, many enemy tanks to destroy, and wargames-like options such as recon and air support. A training mission eases players into the game's interface, and strategic options add a fun dimension to what could have been an average 3D tank simulation. The graphics are good, and the ability to zoom all the way in (to the 3D interface) and out (to the strategic map) is innovative and well-executed. Terrain slopes, however, still present logistical problems as with many tank sims of the time, but Tank has enough to satisfy both the hardcore sim fan and wargamer interested in that hands-on experience inside a tank. Thumbs up! Reviewed by: Underdogs |