When it comes to the era of modern-day warfare, one of the most widely used and formidable weapons of war is the armored vehicle. Specifically, the Tank. First widely used in WW1, the massive hulking metal behemoth on tracks was initially used to aid the common foot soldier in their relentless encounters with the enemy. At that time, tanks looked odd with their obtrusive shapes, particularly evident with the Mark Tank series of the British Army. Eventually, tanks were widely adapted as military vehicles worldwide and thus began their evolution to the tanks we now know about today. From WW2 to the present, tanks gained speed and more combat capabilities and sleekness of appearances. Modern-day tanks are so fantastic in terms of weapons
and armor technology. Tanks have truly become extreme vehicles of war on today's battlefield.

With the colorful history that the Tank has, it is no wonder that it has become one of the most popular and widely played game themes of all time. In the world of video and computer gaming, tank games rule supreme. Besides, many hardcore video gamers love to blast away with a tank barrel and see the enemy tank(s) go boom or up in flames, just like Brad Pitt does in Fury. First used to aid the grunts, when enemy tanks start showing up to the party, everything will break loose as tank combat dominates the scenes. Tank vs. Tank combat has become a thrilling video game and spectator sport that spans several gaming genres, particularly in the shooter and strategy category.

Thus Tank Combat has undoubtedly taken a huge role in shaping the shooter game market whether in first person or third person view mode. Most AAA Tank games, though adapt pov switching as one would want to look through the scope and range-find that Tiger Tank and zero-in on the butt before shouting Fire! With these extraordinary action moments in mind, let's take a look at five tank games through electronic gaming history that have contributed so much to the definition of shooter games today.

Battle City

Way back in the 1980s, when gamers still used to play arcade video games on the Nintendo Family Computer and a TV set, a game cartridge came out with the name Battle City. A 2D multi-scrolling tank game that could be played solo or with an ally (the Famicom had two tiny rectangular controllers). Battle City was pure unadulterated tank mayhem on a screen at that time. Looking back from today, with the kind of wacky graphics and old-school bells and whistles, the game may look like a historical presentation, but it was immersive. You had to defend your firebird Icon of a base from all those enemy tanks aiming to do both you and it has done with. Move your Tank around using the environment's obstacles to your advantage and take out all the enemy tanks to advance through the game. If you play duo, be careful not to shoot each other as it would immobilize you or your ally and may ruin your game. Battle City was one memorable arcade tank multi-directional shooter game that popularized tank combat in gaming history.

Arctic Fox

Again, back in the '80s, Tank shooters were not limited to the old Famicom. Micro-computers of the day offered far greater computing power, and 3D Tank games started to appear. These were first-person shooter types viewed through the controls and screen of the Tank. Stellar 7 was one notable FPS Tank game that captured the hearts of gamers worldwide as it was both for the arcades and micros as well. However, its successor made such an entrance into the tank gaming world with its remarkable graphics (again at the time) and availability of ports to the various micro-computer brands. The game is Arctic Fox, and tbh, it was one of my favorite tank games ever. In my case, playing it on (my then) Apple //+ was one memorable thrill for the young me at 2am in the morning. You pilot an advanced tank with the job of repelling an alien invasion. Your Tank is equipped with advanced electronic devices and lethal armaments aside from your tank gun like missiles and mines. Your opponents are not only tanks but flying and hovercraft as well. Arctic Fox popularized the effects of terrain in gaming. If you travel on uneven ground, your view will tilt up-down-right-left to match the terrain you are moving on. Writing about Arctic Fox by yours truly is one trip down memory lane, and (for me) this game deserves its place in tank gaming history.

Tiger Hunt

WW2 Tank Strategy gaming has always been one of my gaming go-to's whenever there is time for it. However, the game presents itself in a somewhat third-person control and observer mode where you position your tanks and order them to attack and so forth. Dealing with a Tiger tank is one of the most challenging and intriguing encounters in this form of gaming. The armor is so tough that it takes a bunch of small Soviet T26's or several M4 Shermans to bring it down. One hit from a Tiger can turn your Tank into a smoking wreck. When you convert the strategic battlefield into a first-person action tank mayhem, you get Tiger Hunt. This time you're in the Sherman (M4A1-A3), and you will have to outmaneuver, outsmart and outlive the Krauts (pardon the term) and their formidable tanks. Honestly, if the Nazis didn't run out of Petrol, they would have won the Tank Wars. With Tiger Hunt, you get to experience what WW2 was like in Europe in the days after D-day, and again, like Brad Pitt, you get to command your very own M4 Tank. Oh, the game uses a Tank Scope, so yeah, range find that Tiger butt and blow up 'em Krauts!

Tanki Online

For those who haven't played Tanki (or Tanki X), if you love tanks, it's worth the experience. Tanki is one multi-player third-person view tank demolition derby. Entering a Tanki match is kind of like playing CounterStrike (and the like) with game modes (capture and hold position, deathmatch, team deathmatch, etc.). The tanks are so cute and colorful, and you have to move through an up and down terrain. The game maps are varied from urban/city to desert, and the game has obstacles galore. Your Tank can climb buildings, go under tunnels and do a lot of maneuverable things and when you drop and fall upside-down, having a teammate or friend to flip you back right side up will usually save you from a sudden game over from the enemy fire. The tank has been around since 2009 and is still accessible via Steam. You can customize your Tank, but most of the time, it will cost you. The game is, however, free2play if you're not that picky and just want to have demolition fun. Tanki is one online tank game that will go down in gaming history.

World of Tanks

Imagine Tiger Hunt, place it in today's modern world setting, make it globally MMO and sky's the limit on customization and options, and you get World of Tanks. This is a free-all shooter game where you can mix old and new tanks alike on the battlefield where a US Army Abrams and a Tiger II can go head to head on PvP combat. If you're the type of gamer who doesn't mind spending, you can opt for several premium features and even customize the looks of your Tank. The strength of WoT is in the strategic and tactical value as a Tank FPS when applied to teamwork. Not only are there 600 military combat vehicles to choose from, but one can play a role in a team just like several goofy Shermans going up against that one very dangerous King Tiger. Once again, 'Fury' ends up as an example with 3 M4's against a Tiger, and only one survives, albeit by pure luck. World of Tanks is the current go-to for MMO tank gamers worldwide.

As a tank gamer and enthusiast, if you love tanks and gaming, there is nothing that can compare to the thrill of blasting your enemy to shreds or the pain of being blasted instead. Win or lose, a tank game is a tank game and, as far as shooters go, one of the best in the genre. So whether you drive a Sherman, a Panzer V, or a Soviet T-34, good luck to you, and May The Best Tanker Win!