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From: sysop@tlvx.UUCP (SysOp)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.games
Subject: M1 Tank Platoon
Keywords: 3D Tank Game
Message-ID: <413@tlvx.UUCP>
Date: 13 Oct 90 04:33:47 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Temporal Vortex BBS of Jacksonville, Florida
Lines: 34

Last week I bought M1 Tank Platoon by Microprose.  Shortly after buying it,
I could tell I loved it, but wanted to play it some before I posted a review.
And boy did I play!  The box says that this is "the definitive simulation
of armored land combat."  I'm not sure about that, but it is about the
most fun I've had since Sim City.  Did I mention that I liked this game? ;-)

It is a tank simulator, much like a flight simulator, but based from a tank's
perspective.  What's interesting is that there are 4 tanks, plus some other
units for support, and you must direct what all the units do.  Ok, you're
thinking, if it's a simulator, why does it sound more like the usual wargame?
Well, you can take over any one position on any tank at any time.  All other
men are controlled by the computer. 

There are several different types of engagements (blitzkrieg, hasty attack,
defend position, etc.), weather conditions (day, night, snow, etc.), and
different maps (but I can't tell how many).  The men in the tanks have
varying degrees of skill, and there is a campaign option.  The "feature"
that strikes me the most I'd describe as just attention to detail.  The
overhead (2D) map allows variable zoom, and when the tanks fire, you can
watch the movement of the shells, see the rotating turrets, etc.  This
gives you a good overview of what's happening.  (Then you can jump into
a tank in a problem area, to get into the 3D action.)

The sounds of the battle (cannons, rockets, etc.) are pretty good.  During
loading, the title music is worse than bad (I wouldn't call it music
exactly, but I guess that's what those beeps were; I know I sound sarcastic,
but it was really bad :-(  ), but if that's the worst thing about the game
(title music?!) then that's nothing!  

(Um, I guess if anyone has detailed questions, just ask; e-mail is fine,
mailers willing. ;-)
--
Gary Wolfe, SYSOP of the Temporal Vortex BBS | C++ users UNITE! | On the neon,
..uflorida!unf7!tlvx!sysop, unf7!tlvx!sysop@bikini.cis.ufl.edu  | neon, side...