BattleTanx: Global Assault

"Only more levels and powerups could make this better"

BattleTanx: Global Assault, was probably the best, and most addictive, vehicle combat game since Vigilante 8 for the N64. To put it in a nutshell, it is perfect in every way, the only possible flaw being that the game was too short.

If you're a fan of mindless, endless destruction and carnage, then you'll more than likely love this game. But even after spending hours tearing apart the single player mode, you'll still be begging for more. Then, you can turn to Multiplayer mode to help satisfy your ravenous appetite for chaos.

Central plot is a bit watered down. A couple and their son, trying to live in peace in a post-apocalyptic world, are attacked by an evil Queenlord, who wants their son for a reason that unfolds in the Campaign mode.

Now, lets take a detailed look at the invidual aspects of the game:

Gameplay-10

Some like it easy, and some like it hard. It's your choice whether you want to plow through single player mode like a madman on Easy mode, or dodge an endless array of fire from tanks that won't let up until they're destroyed on Hard. Besides the tanks and mission structures, you can destroy just about anything else for whatever reason you feel like. Sadly a lot of the single-player structures don't appear in multiplayer mode, or co-operative mode, which, if you ask me, hurts the multiplayer a little.

If you're tired of campaigning to save the world, you can play different multiplayer modes with either a group of friends, or the computer AI, in various scenarios. Choose from such game modes as capturing the enemys Queenlord, to standard combat, to Tank Wars, among other modes of play.

You can also play the Campaign mode co-operatively with a friend and work together to complete your mission, or just team up and leave everything in ruins, it's your call.

Graphics-10
The graphics were pretty simplistic. You could see their simplicity most notably when you are destroying, or have destroyed a building, and the "rubble" they leave behind. But graphics aren't everything. For those that must have top notch graphics, this is sort of a compromise.

Control-10
Because you have the N64s analog control stick, you can control your tank perfectly, without much trouble. Controls were very responsive, and the games camera works well in tandem with your movement.

Sound-8
So, maybe the sound here was a little TOO basic. It wasn't too terribly realistic, but definitely acceptable. The music did kind of make up for the lack of realistic sound effects.

Playability-10
Anyone that can so much as pick up a controller could learn to play this game. Great for ages 2-102

Replay Value-9

Single player can keep you busy for a little while, and those who are seeking extra replay value can just set a self-restriction, to add some challenge and variety to their game.

If you can't get some friends over for Multiplayer, play against the AI with the gang, tank, and game mode of your choice. Replay value is very good overall, but it really depends on how into the game you get.

Buy? Rent? Burn? Other?

This game is worth it's weight in gold (or maybe silver) so if you find it, buy it the first chance you get!

Saving:

You can save your campaign status on a Memory Card, or just write down the password at the end of each level.

Game Type:

Action/Auto Combat

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/16/06