BattleTanx

BattleTanx is a post-apocalyptic tank combat game developed and published by The 3DO Company for the Nintendo 64. Set in the near future, a biological virus has wiped out nearly all women. Surviving women, known as "Queen Lords," are worshipped by male gangs who fight for control over them. You play as Griffin Spade, whose fiancée was taken to a safe zone. After New York City is destroyed, Griffin claims a tank and sets out across the wasteland to find her. Gameplay features three tank types: nimble Moto-Tank, balanced M1A1 Abrams, and heavy Goliath. Secondary weapons include guided missiles, mines, cloaking devices, and nuclear strikes. The single-player campaign spans 13 levels across American cities. Multiplayer supports up to four players with Deathmatch, Annihilation, and Battlelord (capture the flag) modes.

Nintendo 64

Released in December 1998, BattleTanx received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the surprisingly serious and engaging story, described as a love story at its core. The presentation, with cinematic cutscenes and an epic soundtrack, was highlighted as effective. Gameplay received strong marks for tank variety, power-ups, destructible environments, and Battlelord mode providing strategic depth. Multiplayer is a standout feature, supporting up to 20 tanks on screen with AI bots. Common criticisms included limited tank selection and dated visuals even for 1998 standards. The single-player campaign is enjoyable but relatively short. For N64 owners seeking arcade-style vehicular combat, BattleTanx remains a fun, action-packed title that has aged well. The sequel, BattleTanx: Global Assault, is widely considered an improvement.