Retro Lookback: Battletanx: Global Assault

Developer: 3DO
Publisher: 3DO
Platforms and Release Dates (US): Nintendo 64, Playstation (October 12, 1999)
Genre: Vehicular Combat, Action

Battletanx: Global Assault is the sequel to Battletanx, does it out-do the first game?

The story in the Campaign mode picks up from the end of the first game. On January 13, 2006, a Queenlord, Cassandra, is spying on Griffin Spade's family, telling her troops to kidnap Griffin's son Brandon and kill everyone else. Griffin and his army manage to push back the invaders, but Cassandra soon turns the tables by mind-controlling Griffin's own army. Griffin and Madison manage to escape San Francisco and begin chasing Cassandra across the United States, eventually cornering her in Washington, D.C.. Cassandra, however, escapes with Brandon to Great Britain; Griffin and Madison follow. They build a new army in Europe, and chase Cassandra through England, France and Germany. While in Paris, they discover Cassandra released the virus in 2001 to kill every female on Earth who didn't have the power of the Edge. It is in Berlin where Griffin finally rescues Brandon. They make it back to San Francisco and push back another invasion by the Storm Ravens, and finally corner and defeat Cassandra on Alcatraz Island. The story ends with a cliffhanger; an unidentified magician finds Cassandra's body and speaks of a "chosen one" as he resurrects her. (Plot Synopsis by Wikipedia. Yes, I felt lazy this time, hey, at least you know the plot now, right?)

The Gameplay is basically the same as Battletanx, except with improvements. It's basically just more Battletanx! There is an array of new tanks to use, and a few only on the Playstation version. Each tank has its own stats and advantages, finding the right one for a situation can involve some strategy. There are also many different gangs in this game compared to the first. Each gang has a different set of 5 tanks available to use and a starting Special Weapon. This allows you to pick a gang to suit your play style. There are also all new maps, both from the campaign and multiplayer only maps. The different items scattered on the maps can help provide you an advantage in a pinch. The control scheme is now Arcade by default, which I found to be the better control scheme. The tanks also handle a bit differently from the first game. It may feel a bit off at first, but it makes the game more fast-paced and exciting. The terrain also can factor in as well, with some vertical movement, especially with the faster tanks, can be achieved. Most everything can be destroyed as well, making for less hiding places and more open and dangerous. There are many different modes of play, from straight up Deathmatch to more objective based games. The campaign can now be played in 2 player co-op, where it was only a solo experience in the first game. All the other modes can be played with 1-4 players, with the CPU or against Human opponents. You can Free-For-All or be the color of the same team to team up. The CPU can provide enough replay value by yourself, but the fun really starts when you get some other people with you, can have fun for hours.

The graphics, music, and sounds all are fairly good, and get the feel of the battlefield decently.

Bottom Line: Battletanx: Global Assault can be entertaining for a bit by yourself, but it is best enjoyed with friends. This game shines the best with multiplayer. This is worth a Play or Buy, even solo, but especially with friends.