Enthralling and challenging adventure
Anyone looking for a slightly more cerebral take on sci-fi shooters like Xenopods or Alien Breed would be well advised to check out Magnetik Tank, a surprising enthralling adventure that should keep you guessing right to the end. The game plays out in 3D isometric fashion, similar to classics like Head Over Heels and sees players controlling a tank through a series of maze-like rooms. Although you initially have little idea of what your actual goal is, a little bit of exploration starts to piece things together and as you progress through the rooms, it gradually comes together. Your tank is quite tricky to get the hang of to start with, thanks to the heavy inertia which must be compensated for and although this might prove frustrating for some, it certainly adds to the challenge. Each room contains a variety of blocks, lasers and other such devices and which must be avoided or manipulated in order to reach the multiple exits found in most rooms and thus reveal more of the mystery. The puzzles start out simple enough but soon become quite testing as extra elements are added in like the vertical dimension. Magnetik Tank really is quite an unexpected gem. Although not staggeringly original, it must be applauded for simply doing things extremely well, with a neat range of interesting puzzles and for providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. Visually, the game does a good job within the limitations of the period and is certainly atmospheric enough, but it's the highly compelling gameplay that will keep you hooked so if you're a fan of isometric classics like the The Great Escape, then this should prove interesting.
