iPhone App: Vector Tanks Extreme
= 5 stars
Sequel to the already-excellent Vector Tanks, a variation on the retro arcade classic Battlezone. Drive a tank through a vector landscape, blowing up enemies with a variety of weapons.
The Good
- Solid, responsive controls: place thumbs on the left and right sides of the screen, and swipe up or down to move.
- Insane variety has arrived: Weapons include rapid fire, rail gun, heat-seeking missiles, and a highly-destructive nuke. All are dropped by enemies in the form of collectible power ups. Enemies include trucks, three tank types, and helicopters that can only be shot down with missiles or nukes.
- Nice details abound: Your tank has rechargeable shields, exploding enemies spray parts across the landscape, and a radar keeps track of land mines, obstacles, enemies, and even weapons fire — so you can literally see missiles headed towards you from behind.
- Gameplay satisfyingly progresses from relaxed challenge to insane craziness as more enemies pile on, attacking from all angles. You can start at a higher level for greater challenge, or play a special, crazy “rage” mode with unlimited enemies, lives, and firepower, where the challenge is to score as many points as possible within a two-minute time limit.
- Choose from two gunners (St. John “Carnivore” or Straub “Deadlock”) who add amusing gameplay commentary.
The Bad
- The fire button is located at the lower center of the screen, which requires some dexterity to use.
Conclusion
Having given Vector Tanks four stars; this Extreme version definitely earns that extra fifth star. It’s a Battlezone sequel Atari would have been proud to make. Highly recommended.
iTunes App Store Link: Vector Tanks EXTREME! — BlipTime Studios