Battlezone vs. Robot Tank

[VectorGamer]

Last night I fired up Robot Tank and have to say that I think this cartridge kicks Battlezone's ass.

 

What I always hated about Battlezone is you had to wait until your shot hits something before you could get another shot off. And that downright sucks if you miss because you're going to be toast from the return fire. For this reason alone makes Robot Tank a better game.

 

Sure Battlezone has different enemies, but Robot Tank gives you fog, nighttime, locusts and raining frogs...

 

 

[jhd]

In the early-1990s, the Woolco chain folded in Canada. The last remaining store in Halifax still had some 2600 games in stock -- including Robot Tank -- for very cheap prices.

 

I had never heard of this game before, but I was very impressed with it, especially the day-night cycle and the weather. I especially like how it is possible for the tank to take damage, but remain (semi-)functional. Playing "blind" without functioning radar or a view screen is a real challenge!

[+FujiSkunk]

It's a tie for me. Robot Tank has environmental effects and a more complex damage model, but Battlezone has more realistic physics, particularly where tank shell trajectories and how to dodge enemy fire are concerned.

[Hyperboy]

Robot Tank because its my girlfriends favorite 2600 game.

[sqoon]

It is really a tie for me. Much as I love Robot Tank, credit still must be given to Atari for an excellent port in Battlezone. Only thing I wish is that it would have more closely resembled arcade Battlezone, complete with flying saucers.

[+FujiSkunk]

The flying saucers are in 2600 Battlezone. It's the obstacles, volcano and homing missiles that are missing.

[Goochman]

I voted for Robot Tank, but one has to remember Battlezone was restricted to having to mimic an Arcade concept - Robot Tank programmer was free to do whatever he wanted gameplay wise.

 

If Battlezone had day/night/fog and damage one would say "This is not Battlezone" so I think you need to take that into account.

[PFL]

I would love a mashup homebrew of the best of both these games together with the twin stick controls of Thomas's hack. That would be my dream tank game on the 2600.

[Rodrigo]

Robot Tank. Playing it during the game night with the screen damaged can make you really nervous!

[_MHR_]

Battlezone was realy ok , but Robot Tank is for me the better game

[Gaztee]

Robot tank hands down. Really fancy digging my copy out for a blast now!

[Keatah]

It's a tough call, Sometimes I like Battlezone and other times I like Robot Tank.

 

One day my gramma said that there was some kind of new game out, and that everybody was talking about it. I don't recall if it was Robot Tank or LaserBlast she was referring to. I personally hated LaserBlast though. It was like, so, smile-tchh, flip-your-hand, gay!

Edited September 15, 2013 by Keatah

[JadeETC]

Robot Tank is the better game.

[zylon]

IMO- While there is more to Robot tank, Battlezone is just more fun.

[AtariLeaf]

Robot Tank by a country mile, two if I'm in the city.

[+Nathan Strum]

Battlezone is my favorite arcade game, so I couldn't help but be disappointed by the 2600 version. Robot Tank added enough extra features to distance itself from it and transform the gameplay.

[+Cafeman]

Although 2600 Battlezone is initially impressive, I'd choose Robot Tank. I've never really understood how to beat all the squadrons in RT though. Once I get damaged, or stuck in the rain (move slow), I die. I can't remember , but does your damaged tank get fixed once a day passes, or are you stuck damaged until you do die?

[high voltage]

I like 'em both

[roadrunner]

Robot Tank

[bennybingo]

Shatner wins...hands down.

 

 

 

 

 

(was that even a question?)

[JacobZu7zu7]

I voted Battlezone,

It offers better realistic and strategic gameplay, and after playing... it has a less predictable outcome.

 

Robot Tank is great and more exciting at times,.. but I feel the Tanks attack the same way, and the scoring system bores me, I can reach a score of 70, and never go any further. I like the weather changes, but the gameplay suffers in the elements (I end up skipping them), but day and night are fun.

[JacobZu7zu7]

Although 2600 Battlezone is initially impressive, I'd choose Robot Tank. I've never really understood how to beat all the squadrons in RT though. Once I get damaged, or stuck in the rain (move slow), I die. I can't remember , but does your damaged tank get fixed once a day passes, or are you stuck damaged until you do die?

 

STUCK DAMAGED...

[cimerians]

Robot Tank was frustrating to play especially getting stuck at night with rain etc...I remember having more fun with Battlezone so I picked Battlezone.

[tremoloman2006]

I prefer Robot Tank over Battlezone. I think the gameplay is smoother, more realistic, and I love the weather/night changes.

[liammw8]

Robot Tank. Besides the fact that Activision made among the very best games for the 2600, Robot Tank had so much more to it. The changes in weather patterns, the switch between day and night, the varying degrees of damage you could sustain ... there is so much more depth than Battlezone.