Welcome to our Tank Battle 1990 FAQ. We've compiled a list of the most common questions players have about this classic retro game. If you have a question, chances are you'll find the answer right here. For more detailed information, be sure to check out our other guides.
What is the main goal of Tank Battle 1990?
The primary goal is twofold: you must destroy all 20 enemy tanks in each level while simultaneously protecting your base (the eagle symbol) at the bottom of the screen. If your base is destroyed, the game ends immediately. Read more in our Game Rules guide.
How many levels are there in the game?
The original Battle City had 35 unique stages. After stage 35, the levels start repeating with increased difficulty. Many "Tank 1990" versions, which are popular hacks of the original, expanded this to 70 or more unique levels before they begin to loop.
What's the difference between Battle City and Tank 1990?
Battle City is the official game released by Namco in 1985. "Tank 1990" is the name of a very popular bootleg or "hack" of Battle City. This version often features faster gameplay, different power-ups (like the pistol), and more enemy types than the original. We cover this in detail in our History page.
How do I destroy the gray Armor Tanks?
Armor Tanks are the toughest enemies. A standard Armor Tank requires four shots to destroy. With each hit, its color will change, indicating its remaining health. A fully upgraded player tank (after collecting three Star power-ups) can destroy an Armor Tank in fewer shots.
Can I play Tank Battle 1990 with a controller?
This online version of the game is primarily designed for keyboard controls (Arrow Keys and Spacebar). However, some modern web browsers have built-in controller support. Depending on your browser and controller, you may be able to map the controller buttons to the corresponding keyboard keys using third-party software for a more authentic retro experience.
Is there a way to save my progress?
Like the original arcade and NES games, this version of Tank Battle 1990 does not have a save feature. The challenge comes from trying to complete as many levels as possible in a single session. Your high score is the primary measure of your progress.