Originally Posted By Tpek
Thanks for the link. This isn't a WWII tank, that's actually a good sign [

].

I do not think this has been posted yet

Full credit for showing customers what exactly they will be getting

It's a reverse tower defense (i.e. you play the attacker). It actually looks pretty good for a fun time waster. But it doesn't look like there is as much troop customization, which is a pity.

Actually it looks like you can be both sides.  Looks like a lot of fun!

Originally Posted By Joram

Actually it looks like you can be both sides.  Looks like a lot of fun!

I saw that later! Pretty neat!

Battles sounds are a bit too loud for me compared to voice, as a non native English speaker it means I lose some of what Cliff says. I pity myself.

Apparently the units ARE customizable like in GSB (actually more so. as you can customize color and aesthetics as well).... this looks better and better!

This is available to buy now (pre-order), although you're buying into a beta at the moment. 

http://www.gratuitoustankbattles.com/register.html

Give me about 30 more minutes and I'll have a preview video posted.

And here we go

James,

How does this compare to Gratuitous Space Battles? I really didn't like that game, but this seems like it has the potential to be more interesting.

Thanks!

Originally Posted By robc04 (14 MAR 2012 1:12pm)

How does this compare to Gratuitous Space Battles?

It is much more interesting. It's basically a tower defense game except...

1. You can play offense or defense.

2. You can choose targets and paths during the match.

3. You can customize the units (choose components and special abilities).

4. You can create new maps.

It's really difficult, though, from what I have played so far. Both on offense and defense. The AI's tanks and turrets seem to be more powerful, or maybe I'm just terrible at the game. There is infantry, armor, and shields on mechs that are countered by flame/machine guns, cannons, and lasers, respectively. Most maps have multiple paths so you can divert your forces towards the towers they would fare better against. The AI also adapts to your forces, choosing better units or towers based on what you throw out onto the battlefield.

Also, check your PMs.

I'm not quite sure what to make of it at the moment. I find the graphics clear zoomed in close, but out I lose the units in all the background fuzz. Also, even with the path clearly highlighted (R key) it still seems I've got things obfuscating the view of the action. Turn on hit points and they are useful visual indicators, but they clutter the place up even further. Struggling to find a happy medium where I can judge whats going on, but also am getting the thrill of the shooty bang bang stuff. Zoomed out it seems very clinical. You only get the action zoomed in.

It's tough. I've only played on defence, and the Hurtgen forest one is killing me. I just can't balance up Shields, Armour, and Infantry  guns enough to thin out the waves. Mind you I've been playing on scripted AI, I figured they might be a little easier than the Adaptive AI. Still kicking my butt hard.

Haven't found the magic combo, that allows me to protect my turrets enough with comined arms. Essentially, rule of thumb seems to be get as many varied stuff out there and make sure you're hitting all damage types, preferably in a killzone of some sort. 

I want to like it, alot. But I'm currently struggling with the decision making, based on my lack of knowledge at the feedback the engine is showing me. Plus if I concentrate on the higher view - I lose any thrill of the lower explosions, shockwaves, and blood and guts.

I think it probably just needs a lot more time to appreciate whats there. But there doesn't seem to be a clear interlocking path between the different units, like most traditional Tower Defense games employ. Finding it tricky to make any meaningful decisions. Sadly.

Thanks for the feedback James and Ian.

Originally Posted By spelk (14 MAR 2012 5:43pm)

...

 

It's tough. I've only played on defence, and the Hurtgen forest one is killing me. I just can't balance up Shields, Armour, and Infantry  guns enough to thin out the waves. Mind you I've been playing on scripted AI, I figured they might be a little easier than the Adaptive AI. Still kicking my butt hard.

 

...

I see what you mean about Hurtgen forest. I think its time I read the manual. :-)