Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Combat takes the simple but addictive tank battles of the original Atari 2600 and elevates them into a fully realized 3D experience. Players navigate hover-style tanks through a series of 30 single-player levels, each with unique objectives that range from straightforward “destroy all enemies until the exit appears” scenarios to more intricate gate-opening puzzles. The decision to retain the fixed turret design means you must think tactically about positioning and movement, since your tank must turn its entire body to aim. This constraint, paired with the newfound ability to slide laterally as well as move forward and backward, adds a fresh layer of strategy to each encounter.

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Controls feel tight and responsive, allowing for quick pivots and slides that can outwit opponents or dodge incoming fire. As you progress through the campaign, the game ramps up difficulty by introducing enemies with varied behaviors and tougher “boss” vehicles that require precise timing and pattern recognition to defeat. These boss encounters serve as exhilarating hurdles that break up the pacing of standard combat rooms and reinforce the feeling of gradual mastery over your tank’s handling.

Multiplayer is where Combat truly shines for those looking to test their skills against real opponents. Whether over a local LAN connection or via the bundled GameSpy Arcade client for internet matches, deathmatch-style skirmishes are fast-paced and rewarding. The absence of a turret rotation mechanic means you can’t just strafe and shoot; you must anticipate your rival’s movement, outmaneuver them, and deliver a well-timed blast. For players eager to craft their own arenas, the inclusion of a rudimentary map editor—albeit unsupported—extends replayability even further, allowing communities to share custom battlegrounds online.

Graphics

Visually, Combat embraces a utilitarian 3D aesthetic that prioritizes clarity over flashy presentation. Tanks are rendered with clean polygons and simple textures, ensuring that you can always distinguish your vehicle and foes at a glance. While the environments don’t boast cutting-edge details or dynamic weather, the level design thoughtfully uses color and geometry to provide visual cues for exits, gates, and hidden alcoves, making navigation satisfying rather than tedious.

Explosions and weapon effects remain true to the game’s arcade roots, featuring bright muzzle flashes and debris that momentarily light up the battlefield. Particle effects are kept minimal to maintain a smooth frame rate, especially during intense skirmishes where numerous projectiles fill the screen. Even on modest hardware, Combat manages to stay fluid, which is crucial for split-second maneuvering and precise shot placement.

Level variety shows up not through photorealistic backdrops but through clever layout changes: crisscrossing corridors, open arenas with elevated platforms, and maze-like complexes with locked gates. Each stage maintains a consistent visual style that reinforces the sense of being inside a military training simulation. Though some may find the overall look conservative compared to today’s high-fidelity shooters, the straightforward visuals serve the gameplay perfectly by keeping focus on tactical movement and target acquisition.

Story

True to its arcade heritage, Combat offers minimal narrative framing, presenting itself more as a series of tactical exercises than a traditional story-driven campaign. There is no elaborate backstory or character development—your mission briefs are succinct: eliminate foes, find the exit, open the gate, or defeat the boss. This stripped-down approach keeps you immersed in the action without getting bogged down by cutscenes or long-winded exposition.

Despite the lack of an overarching plot, the progression through 30 increasingly complex levels plays out like a boot camp simulation. Each new objective builds upon the last, giving you a sense of climbing a training ladder. The introduction of boss battles further punctuates the feeling of leveling up, offering a rudimentary narrative beat that feels earned when you finally dismantle a heavily armored tank and advance to the next stage.

For players who crave lore or character arcs, Combat’s minimalist storytelling might feel underwhelming. However, the game’s focus on pure mechanics and strategic depth means that the emergent stories you create—narrow escapes, clutch victories, or epic multiplayer rivalries—become the real narrative highlights. In that sense, Combat crafts its own personal stories through player skill and ingenuity rather than scripted scenes.

Overall Experience

Combat strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgic homage and modern refinement. Single-player enthusiasts will appreciate the steady learning curve and varied level designs that keep each session fresh, while competitive players will relish the twitch-based skirmishes of multiplayer. The lack of turret rotation may initially feel limiting, but it quickly becomes the defining characteristic that sets Combat apart from other tank shooters on the market.

The game’s accessibility—both in terms of controls and system requirements—means it’s easy to pick up and play, whether you’re diving into a quick solo mission or rallying friends for a LAN party. The optional map editor, though unofficially supported, hints at a community-driven future where custom arenas could breathe new life into the experience. Even without community maps, the built-in stages and branching objectives offer dozens of hours of entertainment.

Ultimately, Combat delivers a lean yet engrossing package for anyone intrigued by strategic vehicle warfare. Its emphasis on movement, positioning, and timing offers a rewarding challenge that grows more satisfying with each victory. If you’re seeking a no-frills tank shooter that values tactical depth over cinematic frills—and you’re eager to pit your skills against friends or rivals—Combat is a solid choice that stands on its own merits.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10