Ever stumble upon a forgotten gem from your Game Boy days and think, "Wait, I remember this!"? For many, that feeling hits when you recall the simple, yet surprisingly engaging, gameplay of Go! Go! Tank on the original Game Boy. This wasn't a flashy, complex title, but it offered a unique blend of puzzle-solving and action that fit the handheld perfectly.
Let's roll back the years and take a closer look at this unassuming tank game that graced the monochrome screen of Nintendo's iconic brick.
What Exactly Was Go! Go! Tank?
Released back in 1995, Go! Go! Tank (or Battle Crusher in Japan) was developed by Sting Entertainment and published by VAP. It put you in control of a tiny tank navigating increasingly complex mazes. The goal? Find the exit while dealing with obstacles, traps, and enemy tanks.
It wasn't a war simulator; think more along the lines of a top-down action-puzzle game with tanks. Its charm lay in its straightforward premise and the challenge presented by its clever level design.
Gameplay: Simple Fun on the Go
The core loop of Go! Go! Tank Game Boy is easy to grasp:
- Navigate Mazes: Guide your tank through intricate, screen-filling levels.
- Find the Key: Many levels require you to find a key to unlock the exit.
- Deal with Enemies: Other tanks patrol the levels. You can shoot them, but ammunition is often limited. Sometimes avoiding them is the smarter play.
- Overcome Obstacles: Walls, barriers, water, and other environmental hazards block your path.
- Conserve Resources: Ammo and sometimes fuel were factors, adding a strategic layer to the navigation and combat.
The controls were standard Game Boy fare: D-pad for movement, A/B buttons for shooting. It was intuitive, allowing you to focus on the puzzle aspect and the timing needed to avoid enemy fire.
Why It Still Holds Up (or Doesn't): Charm and Challenge
For a game from 1995 on the Game Boy, Go! Go! Tank offered a decent challenge. Later levels became quite tricky, requiring careful planning and precise movement. The limitations of the hardware meant simple graphics, but the sprites were clear, and the maze layouts were easy to read.
The sound design was typical Game Boy – chiptune tracks and simple sound effects that are instantly nostalgic for anyone who grew up with the system.
Does it hold up today? Its simplicity can be a double-edged sword. Compared to modern games, it's basic. However, for a dose of pure, unadulterated retro puzzle action, it still delivers. It’s a game you can pick up and play for a few minutes, perfect for short bursts of nostalgic fun.
Reliving the Game Boy Days: How to Play Today
Getting your hands on the original Go! Go! Tank cartridge might require some searching on auction sites or retro game stores. It wasn't one of the most common titles, but it pops up.
For a more accessible route, emulation is the way many retro gamers revisit these titles. Game Boy emulators are available on almost every platform imaginable, from PCs (like RetroArch running a GB core) to smartphones and even some modern consoles via homebrew. While the legality of ROMs can be a complex topic depending on your location and whether you own the original game, emulation provides a window into experiencing games like Go! Go! Tank that might otherwise be lost to time. Digital preservation efforts like those on Archive.org also highlight the historical importance of these old games.
Is Go! Go! Tank Worth Revisiting?
If you have fond memories of the original Game Boy and enjoy simple, challenging action-puzzle games, then giving Go! Go! Tank another spin is definitely worthwhile. It's a perfect example of how developers created engaging experiences within the hardware limitations of the time.
It won't blow you away with graphics or story, but its core gameplay loop remains solid and provides a satisfying nostalgic trip back to the monochrome era of handheld gaming.
FAQ
Q: What kind of game is Go! Go! Tank? A: It's primarily a top-down action-puzzle game where you navigate a tank through mazes, avoiding or destroying enemies and finding the exit.
Q: Is Go! Go! Tank a rare Game Boy game? A: It's not considered extremely rare, but it's also not one of the most common titles. Finding a physical copy might take a little effort.
Q: Can I play Go! Go! Tank on modern systems? A: Yes, you can play it using Game Boy emulators available for PC, Mac, Linux, smartphones, and other devices.
Q: Who developed Go! Go! Tank? A: The game was developed by Sting Entertainment.
