TIGSource: Atomic Cannon

Atomic Cannon

Derek Yu — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:08:00 +0000

Man, I am a huge fan of Wendell Hicken’s classic tank game, Scorched Earth (which you can download here). I’m waiting for a true remake/sequel of this game that isn’t in 3d (nothing against 3d, mind, you, it’s just not the same). Something akin to what Pac-Man Championship Edition did for Pac-Man.

In the meantime, Atomic Cannon will satisfy. It’s definitely missing some of the spirit that made the original game so great, but injects some of its own. I miss my Funky Bombs, MIRVs, and Mag Shields, but the ability to build sandbags, drop automated sentries, and use any of the other new weapons definitely makes up for it. The added customization, various game modes (including network play), and much-improved controls (mouse and/or keyboard) are welcome sights, as well.

The graphics are kind of a hit-or-miss for me. It’s a mish-mash of realistic textures that are obviously lacking the kind of thought put into, say, Cortex Command’s terrain design. On the other hand, I really like the smoke trails, visual distortion, and other special effects that they used – stuff that wasn’t possible when Scorch came out.

As you can see, I’m of two minds about this game… mostly because I have this idea about what the perfect Scorch sequel would be (I’m sure that’s familiar to a lot of you), and this isn’t it. But the bottom line is that this version is pretty darn fun… fun enough that I might just treat myself to the full game ($20)!

(Source: PCGamer.com)

"Atomic Cannon" by CodGod

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:11:00 +0000

Scorched Earth? Bah!

I played the original Tank Wars back in the day, and nothing compares to it.

Although I will grant you Pocket Tanks is indeed pretty good. If you’re into that sort of thing.

"Atomic Cannon" by Javet

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:26:30 +0000

Atomic Tanks is a great 2D clone. Scorched 3D is an even better 3D clone!

Both multiplayer!

"Atomic Cannon" by Stij

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:46:09 +0000

Worms 3D was a huge disappointment. The sequel was a bit better but it still doesn’t measure up to the original 2D games.

That being said, I’m a huge fan of Scorched-Earth-style games, so I’ll definately give this a try.

"Atomic Cannon" by Obscuritan

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:26:55 +0000

ah, raigan, i remember Warheads. I have it on a disc somewhere. That was such a great extension of the classic scorched earth formula.

I can’t remember any 3d SE clones that actually did any good. Worms 3d was piss-poor, if i recall. It’s really not the kind of game that translates well into 3d. I’d like to see a Scorched Earth 2, or something similar.

Oh, this reminds me of that hidden mini-game in Tyrian, DESTRUCTION. that was great.

"Atomic Cannon" by goldbuick

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:54:23 +0000

Don’t forget http://www.charreddirt.com/ It’s a great scored earth clone with net multiplayer :)

"Atomic Cannon" by Al King

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 20:01:46 +0000

Pocket tanks? Bah! Bang! Bang! all the way :P

"Atomic Cannon" by raigan

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:18:50 +0000

warheads is the only more-modern scorched earth i ever liked as much as the original, lots of interesting weapons/etc.

"Atomic Cannon" by Karzon

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:14:17 +0000

I just came in to mention Pocket Tanks, but I was obviously beaten to it.

"Atomic Cannon" by Dan MacDonald

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:04:24 +0000

yeah, I’ll second Ptanks as teh leet.

"Atomic Cannon" by Si

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:48:50 +0000

Pocket Tanks is still the better game, yep.

"Atomic Cannon" by BenH

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:37:44 +0000

So far Pocket Tanks is my favourite scorched-earth style game. I’ve yet to find one as fun as that.

"Atomic Cannon" by anon

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:51:12 +0000

wtf? this game has been out since i was a little kid

"Atomic Cannon" by Javet

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:52:50 +0000

Also, on FGOTD, I posted 2 other great tank games, Atomic Tanks and Scorched 3D. Check them out. Both Scorched Earth Clones