M1 tank platoon
| M1 tank platoon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | MPS Labs | ||
| Publisher | MicroProse | ||
| Senior Developer | Arnold Hendrick Scott Spanburg |
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| Erstveröffent- lichung |
1989 | ||
| platform |
Commodore Amiga Atari ST DOS PC-98 |
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| genre | Tank simulation | ||
| Subject | Cold War | ||
| Game mode | Single player | ||
| control | Keyboard , mouse , joystick | ||
| medium | diskette | ||
| language | English | ||
| copy protection | KeyDisk | ||
| Age rating |
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M1 Tank Platoon is a tank simulation by MicroProse from 1989 for the DOS operating system , which was migrated a year later for the home computers Commodore Amiga and Atari ST . The military simulation combines a tank battle from the first person perspective with tactical elements from the overview perspective . In 1998, the M1 Tank Platoon II was a successor to the Microsoft Windows operating system . On March 27, 2009, the program was sold to Interplay Entertainment .
development
The game was developed by Arnold Hendrick and Scott Spanburg, programming and migration for the Amiga was done by Joe Hellesen. Max Remington III drew the screen graphics. Ken Lagace composed the music and programmed the rudimentary sound effects.
Game mechanics
The player assumes the position of platoon leader with the authority of four American main battle tanks of the type M1 Abrams . The scenario is a fictional conflict against the Soviet Army in Central Europe . Using a digital tactical situation map , the player can command associated units across the battlefield or take control of a tank in the position of the commander, gunner, loader gunner or driver. The game can thus be played either like an action simulation or a strategy game.
The level of difficulty can be selected from the four levels Second Line Troops , First Line Troops , Veterans and Guards (elite) . The mission briefing explains the hostility, primary and secondary goals. A weather report predicts visibility and provides information on possible airspace activities. As a platoon leader, the command is limited to four tanks, but depending on the mission, other support units such as the M2 Bradley infantry infantry fighting vehicle, MLRS artillery systems and attack helicopters can be commanded via the orthogonal tactical map. The deployment of support forces also includes infantry, which can intervene in the tank battle with anti-tank guided weapons of the type M47 Dragon .
The terrain is a decisive factor in victory, as good cover for the armored hull is essential for survival. After the mission, crew members increase their rank and receive experience points, which motivates the player to keep his team of 16 alive. The campaign simulates the attack of numerically superior Soviet forces through West Germany with the aim of crossing the Rhine. The campaign therefore starts on the defensive with the challenge of repelling the first wave of attacks from the Warsaw Pact with the technologically superior armored vehicles of NATO . In the further successful course the initiative changes and NATO gets on the offensive.
technology
The environment is shown in 3D vector graphics . The DOS version supports the graphics standards CGA, EGA, VGA and Herkules as well as sound cards from the manufacturer AdLib . The game was accompanied by a printed 211-page manual in English and a keyboard template.
review
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“Overall, there is nothing wrong with the well-designed and beautifully detailed graphics. The fast graphics therefore contribute significantly to the extremely entertaining gameplay. If you don't mind the warlike course of the game, the M1 Tank Platoon is a technically mature and very well thought-out tank simulation that will give you long-term pleasure. "
“ M1 Tank Platoon is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is just great fun. Technically there is hardly anything to complain about; I would have only wished for a few more landscape features. But otherwise the simulation fan will find everything his heart desires. "
“The tactics on the successful map is a real pleasure, and the realism of the program is almost unbelievable. […] M1 Tank Platoon may be a real milestone in software history, but it is definitely the best tank simulation currently available! "
“Arguably the best armor simulation available on the market. Richly textured and complex, it succeeds more than most of its competition. However, the computer has still not shown itself to be a valid platform for detailed land graphics in a fast-moving environment. "
“Probably the best tank simulation available on the market. Richly textured and multi-layered, it is more successful than most of the competition. However, the computer has still not proven itself as a suitable platform for detailed landscape graphics in a fast-moving environment. "
Individual evidence
- ↑ Interplays acquires intelectual properties, sells shares to MicroProse. ( Memento of the original from December 31, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. In: interplay.com . March 27, 2009. (English)
- ↑ a b c Michael Hengst : M1 Tank Platoon . In: Power Play . No. 11 , 1989, ISSN 0937-9754 , pp. 45 ( archive.org ).
- ↑ a b c Max Magenauer: M1 Tank Platoon . In: Amiga Joker . Simulation special issue, No. 1 , 1990, p. 54 ( retropoly.de [PDF]).
- ↑ Operations Manual. In: atarimania.com . 1989.
- ↑ a b Peter Braun: The 4 from the gas station . In: Current software market . Issue 12/1989. ISSN 0933-1867
- ↑ Max Magenauer: M1 Tank Platoon . In: Amiga Joker . No. 12 , 1990, pp. 62 ( retropoly.de [PDF]).
- ^ Critic Reviews . In: MobyGames .
- ↑ M. Evan Brooks: M1 Tank Platoon . In: Computer Gaming World . Issue 95, No. 06 , 1992, ISSN 0744-6667 , p. 123 (English, cgwmuseum.org [PDF]).
