If the tanks succeed, then victory follows
Late last year, I planned to feature BattleZone, but couldn't get to grips with it. I found it sluggish with lifeless controls that didn't feel right. I hated it and came away upset by this deduction. However, I still had an urge to jump into a tank and kill something with a big gun! How was I going to scratch this itch...
It could only be Ocean's Battle Command - which I've recently bought. The story goes that two factions are at war, and we control a heavily armoured Mauler who must complete a variety of missions that have us trawling the landscape for enemy tanks. And much more. But let's not kid ourselves! Yup, let's stop right now because this whiffs of a shameless BattleZone ripoff, and it appears proud of it, too?
Before we begin, Battle Command is crammed with cool spinning 3D objects. Like this...
I think this is excellent and shows they went the extra mile without sacrificing gameplay.
Let's take it for a test drive
The controls are superb, so it was easy to control my tank using the mouse for acceleration, turning and firing. It's worth taking the time to arm your tank properly - I had heat-seeking missiles. Inside the game's box is a nifty reference card that details the extras like: the damage display, a detailed map, and the chance to view our tank from outside - this offers cool perspectives, if kinda pointless. But I loved it all nonetheless!
For those seeking a challenge, mission selection ranges from beginner-level tasks to more advanced ones, such as protecting a bridge, accompanying a transport, or even recovering a U-Bomb! Before any mission, the briefing screen provides essential information and weapon options, accompanied by additional 3D animation. Don't let the thought of tough missions fool you, this is a tactical/action game through & through.
Success isn't simply about driving towards the enemy and opening fire. You'll spend much of your time monitoring the radar, identifying potential threats, and deciding which targets to deal with first. You're not only the driver, but the boss man in charge. The wide-open landscapes provide plenty of room to manoeuvre, while the combination of cockpit displays and tactical information helps create the feeling of commanding a genuine battlefield vehicle rather than simply playing another run-and-gun shooter.
You can (should!) take this game seriously, but it's fun roaming the landscapes looking for enemies. The difficulty is challenging throughout the many assorted ranges of different missions, so you're never likely to get bored. And, if you require even more of a challenge, then Battle Command will not disappoint, as it features many strenuous missions to test your nerve. Some of the levels are incredibly challenging!
It's more than just an arcade blaster, so let's celebrate with some more cool 3D...
You wouldn't believe how much swirling 3D there is!
Aesthetics
Battle Command will be remembered for its 3D wizardry, with objects swirling about like some kind of demo. I was hooked from the start, and then seeing our tank dropped into play by an aeroplane clinched it!! The in-game framerate isn't exactly Resolution 101, but it's smooth, and the enemies look great.
One aspect that impressed me was the sheer sense of scale. The engine presents vast stretches of rolling terrain, allowing you to see far into the distance as mountains, structures and enemy units gradually emerge on the horizon. I'm getting giddy, I know, but it's an understatement to say I admire the graphics!
The music in the title is amazing, whilst the game begins to show off its 3D. Sound effects during gameplay are good, but nothing like Starglider. They do their job well enough to break the silence.
Let's take a look at some of these gorgeous graphics. Carry on scrolling...
Screenshots are great, but this looks even better moving in-game!
Another mission begins, and I admire the beautiful intro.
Don't dawdle and keep your wits about you at all times!
The CryptO'pinion?
I enjoyed BattleZone... oops... Seriously, Battle Command is one of those games that's surprisingly difficult to review because, on the surface, it seems like a straightforward tank shooter. Yet when you start playing, you realise that there is more to this action shoot than you realise: the missions, briefing screens, weaponry, radar systems, and that impressive sense of scale. It's almost like an open-world adventure!
This is a stonker, and I've enjoyed blasting everything in sight. Even the trees feel my wrath! Battle Command is adventurous and full of tactical fun, with elegant controls. A fantastic tank shooter.
Get it downloaded (on a floppy or hard disk), then jump into your tank to kill every enemy!!
There's nothing quite like flaunting your Atari ST collection! :D
This is the reference card I previously mentioned.
