µTanks

I have been playing uTanks since it's open alpha days two years ago. This indie game project has come a long way. On May 20th, uTanks Beta was released along with a rebooted website.

This is one of those games that thrives on its conceptual simplicity, which adds multitudes its value. uTanks manages to retain the oldschool, turn-based style of the late 1990s, while providing a fast paced and highly competitive environment. The concept of uTanks's core mechanics receive a full star from me. Sometimes less is more. This is one of those times. uTanks is the creation of simplistic genius.

Graphics are high quality in terms of pixel art. Explosions look real, and are of exceptional quality for a free to play game like uTanks.  Tanks deteriorate as you shoot them, and enemy tanks bellow smoke when deactivated. Visuals also receive a full star from me for being soothing to the eyes and engaging all at the same time. uTanks has struck a perfect balance here.

Enjoyability gets a definite 10/10. uTanks is addictive from start to whenever you decide to finish. The gameplay is endless, raw, and uncompromising. The second you enter the field as a freshly enlisted recruit, enemy players are after you. You must constantly scrap for every last drop of fuel, and this deserves another full star.

Lastly, innovation and legacy. uTanks is doing something very bold. By offering a free to play game with quality gameplay and all around content, it is breaking away from the monotonous world of flash based firecrackers. This is a game worth investing time in, worth keeping up with, and worth supporting. My fourth star is given for the innovation uTanks is bringing to the online gaming world, as well as the legacy it is fearlessly seeking to create. Not only is it a great game, but it is the beginning of a storied future.

And the last star? Just for keeping it indie. =)