Ballistic Tanks is the best tank game you've played since the 80's. Battle in exhilarating local multiplayer, or challenge yourself in an intense solo/co-op arcade mode. Play 5 game modes in over 50 maps; and destroy your enemies in a frenzy of bullets, lasers, and explosions!
The game offers several distinct modes. In Deathmatch, players engage in a free-for-all brawl, eliminating each other to score points. Juggernaut mode designates one player as the powerful "Juggernaut" while others try to take them down. Powershift introduces random gameplay modifiers that change each round. Arcade mode challenges players to survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies, culminating in a boss fight. Airstrike mode adds planes and homing missiles to the tank combat. Players praise the variety of modes, noting how each presents a unique objective and gameplay dynamic. The ability to customize many of these modes, such as adjusting difficulty or spawn rates, further enhances the experience.
The tanks control responsively, able to turn on a dime. Combat revolves around fast, deadly projectiles that eliminate tanks in a single hit, forcing players to focus on evasion and deflecting shots. Different tank types, like those equipped with spread shots or armor, add variety to the combat. Reviewers highlight the skill-based nature of the combat, as accurately hitting enemies while dodging their fire is critical. They enjoy the challenge of mastering the combat mechanics.
The game features a selection of powerups, including increased bullet range, spread shot, bullet time, shields, and homing missiles. These powerups can drastically change the combat dynamic, with players praising how they add depth and strategy. Effectively timing and utilizing the powerups becomes part of the challenge.
The arcade mode tasks players with surviving increasingly intense waves of enemies, eventually culminating in a boss fight. Reviewers note the "bullet hell" nature of this mode, as the variety of enemy types - some with unique bullet patterns - creates a demanding test of the player's skill. Between waves, players receive randomized upgrades for their tank, allowing them to incrementally improve its capabilities. This, combined with the growing challenge, makes the arcade mode highly replayable according to players.
Supporting up to 4 players, the local multiplayer is highlighted as a particular strength. Reviewers describe it as a "party game" experience, praising the enjoyment of competitive modes like Deathmatch and Juggernaut when played with friends on the couch. The ability to customize the multiplayer modes is also appreciated, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences. Overall, the local multiplayer is considered an engaging, social aspect of the game.