Basic and undemanding shooter
If you're the sort of person who enjoys timewasters like Minesweeper or retro arcade-style blasters like Tank Wars or Scorched Earth, then this little-known gem will be right up your alley. For anyone looking for something with a bit more depth however, this is one to steer clear of. The concept is about as simple as they come, with players charged with destroying all the enemy tanks which occupy the 2D maze-like levels which make up the game. Dotted around the levels are blocks to hide behind or which can be blasted open to reveal the power-ups hiding inside and which have a variety of effects from freezing your enemies to calling down the mother of all smart bombs. That's about all there is to the game to be honest in terms of gameplay and in this respect, Laser Tank isn't exactly the most original or innovative game out there. However, it does score a few bonus points due to its difficulty curve, with levels starting out pretty simple, but which quickly ramp up and which will provide even hardened arcade veterans with a hefty challenge, as they require a swift trigger finger and nifty reactions. The action is undeniably simple, but it is fast and furious, providing a pleasingly hectic feel to the game, which will satisfy those gamers brought up on the likes of Bomberman. Graphically and sonically, Laser Tank is unremarkable, with a lack of variety in both its sprites and environments, but which nevertheless do their job well enough. Gameplay is of course simple, but if you're in the mood for a bit of undemanding blasting action, this will keep you happy for a while. Just don't expect it to last all day though.
