Diving into the world of Tank Battle 1990 requires understanding its core mechanics and objectives. This guide details the official Tank Battle 1990 rules to provide players with a clear framework for victory. The game is more than just a shooter; it's a strategic challenge where knowing the rules is as important as having quick reflexes. We will explore the conditions for winning and losing, the variety of enemy tanks you'll face, and how the game's levels and scoring system work.
Primary Objective: Defend and Destroy
The fundamental rule of Tank Battle 1990 is centered on a dual objective. To win a level, you must achieve two things:
- Destroy All Enemy Tanks: Each stage has a set number of enemy tanks that you must eliminate. The counter at the top of the screen shows how many enemies remain. The level is not complete until every single one has been destroyed.
- Protect Your Base: At the bottom center of the map is your headquarters, represented by an eagle symbol. The most critical rule is that this base must be protected at all costs. If an enemy tank shoots your base, the game is over instantly, no matter how many lives you have left. This rule adds a constant layer of defensive strategy to the gameplay.
Losing a life occurs when your own tank is hit by an enemy projectile. You will respawn at the starting position as long as you have lives remaining. However, the loss of your base is final. This makes base defense the most important aspect of the game's rules.
Know Your Enemy: Tank Types
Not all enemy tanks are created equal. The rules of Tank Battle 1990 include a hierarchy of opponents, each with unique characteristics. Recognizing them is key to prioritizing threats.
- Basic Tank: The standard, slow-moving enemy. They are the most common but pose the least threat. They require only one shot to destroy.
- Fast Tank: These tanks move significantly faster than the basic version, making them harder to hit and more effective at flanking your base.
- Power Tank: These tanks are not only fast but also fire faster projectiles. They are a high-priority target due to their increased offensive capabilities.
- Armor Tank: These formidable tanks are gray and require multiple hits to destroy. An Armor Tank starts gray and changes color with each hit, indicating its remaining health. It takes four shots to eliminate one, making them a significant drain on your time and a major threat if they approach your base.
Furthermore, some tanks will flash red. These are the tanks that carry power-ups. According to the gameplay rules, destroying them is always beneficial as it rewards you with a special item.
Levels and Scoring System
Tank Battle 1990 consists of multiple stages (or levels) of increasing difficulty. The layout of the terrain changes with each stage, introducing new strategic challenges. The types and number of enemy tanks also become more difficult to manage as you progress.
The scoring system is straightforward. You are awarded points for each enemy tank you destroy. The point value is determined by the type of tank:
- Basic Tank: 100 points
- Fast Tank: 200 points
- Power Tank: 300 points
- Armor Tank: 400 points
Your high score is recorded, adding a layer of replayability as you try to beat your personal best. Understanding these Tank Battle 1990 rules is the key to not just surviving, but achieving high scores and mastering this classic arcade title.