Tiny Tank

by Sony Computer Entertainment

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000034DC8
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: August 31, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,470 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review

When I say "cute," what's the first thing that pops into your head? Bunny rabbits? Babies, perhaps?

But tanks? In the cute rankings, they probably fall somewhere between snakes and extremely hairy guys. Nevertheless, one tank is making a bid to move up the list by starring in its own video game: Tiny Tank. This 3D action title offers interesting - but not glitch-free - gameplay and a humorous storyline some people will embrace with affection... and others will reject as cheesy.

In a plot eerily similar to the Terminator movies, an army of robots has rebelled against humans in their mission to take over the world. However, the role of Arnold Schwarzenegger as robot-savior has been taken over by a potty-mouthed yellow tank. One hundred years later, this tank has been brought back to life to traverse twelve multiple-mission-based levels, each usually ending with a boss that must be destroyed. There's also a two-player versus mode, but it's the one-player game that contains this title's meat and potatoes.

Tiny Tank has a turret that automatically targets enemies, and four weapon pods (two in front, two in the rear) that can be upgraded. Most enemies can be killed with well-aimed blasts - although for a few you'll need to use "alternative" strategies, such as avoiding detection or tricking them into killing each other. The level designs are well crafted, with a few hidden nooks and power-ups to make free exploration worthwhile.

Underneath Tiny Tank's kill-anything-that-shoots mentality is some surprisingly deep gameplay, which winds up being this title's strongest point. While you play, the tank collects "brains" (the heads of destroyed computer enemies) and weapons. The tank can configure its weapon locations, then use the brains to make them target more effectively. This feature isn't too vital in early levels, but it becomes a necessity later on. Another gameplay plus are miniature tanks that can be programmed to shoot at enemies or gather power-ups. It's a surprisingly cool aspect of the game, as the pee-wee tanks can visit areas Tiny Tank can't reach. Both these gameplay twists make this game more than just a mindless shooter, and more satisfying as a result.

Still, the game has a few kinks to work out, especially in the camera and control departments. Jumping seems a major pain, since the tank tends to slide off an edge if it lands too close to it after a jump. It would've been nice if the tank "stuck" more to the ground after landing (after all, it is a heavy tank). Furthermore, when Tiny Tank hits sloped surfaces, the camera often wigs out, which makes it difficult to regain one's bearings - especially after a jump. This fault seems most frustrating in the heat of battle, when an enemy is in front of the tank but the camera angle prevents it from being seen.

Camera glitches aside, the game's 3D graphics stand up to the gameplay, with decent explosion effects and rarely any cases of slowdown or pop-up. The game's audio gets an above-average grade, mainly because of neat touches such as extra comments when Tiny Tank finds a secret area, kills an enemy, or gets close to death. Some of the in-level soundtracks are unique and cool - in one instance, the music is replaced with an amusing robot radio talk show.

It's not wholly fair to judge a game's merits solely on its storyline and personality, but in Tiny Tank's case, it may determine whether folks will find it worth playing all the way through. Some won't particularly enjoy Tiny Tank's offbeat personality, since it seems the game tries too hard to be funny and cute. Others probably will gravitate toward Tiny Tank's persona and soak up the humorous storyline. In any case, the gameplay remains quick and unique regardless of the plot - so it's worth finding out if this tiny tank whets your appetite for destruction. --Nelson Taruc
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tiny Tank Blows --, July 27, 2002

By 

Tex "dionysus_olympus" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tiny Tank (Video Game)

his wee little cannon up your arsenal! This game has to be one of the best games ever for the Playstation. The cinematics for this game is truly funny, and one gets to witness a cute little tank go psycho on the producer of the commercial. Additionally, the storyline is exceptionally deep, and actually follows the suit: the creator becomes the destructor, and it applies to both the good and bad sides. The control of the tank is very fluid. Additionally, as one progresses through the levels, one gains the attire of fallen bosses. The camera angles are actually very good as well. You generally won't get broadsided generally, and the radar is fairly accurate. The two major faults of this game is that the game areas are entirely too small generally and the graphics is somewhat primitive, even for the Playstation. On the first issue, the game designers attempted to increase the size of levels, but one has to wait for the second part of the level to load. Overall, the game levels are fun, especially when you slide down Mutank Mountain or launch Tiny into space on the Space Track. One last commendable feature: the music video of "Tank Boy," especially commendable during our current War on Terrorism.

This game is like Mister Mosquito for the Playstation 2. True, the game has its faults, but the funny and excellent gameplay outweighs its minor faults.

My last hope: Please, please revive Tiny Tank for the Playstation 2!

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars More fun than should be allowed, November 19, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Tiny Tank (Video Game)

Regardless of what the techno-gamers and fantasy flamers say, this game is tons of fun! Tiny Tank is so much fun that I have had to restrict myself from playing. The graphics are awesome, yes they tend to slow down if too much is going on but nothing that disrupts the game. It was done well enough so it is not too simple and at the same time not too hard. Excellent stress relief also. I would reccomend it to all

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Deserves a Sequel Game!!!, March 4, 2002

By 

N. N. Nemes "kismetshortstep" (Seville OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tiny Tank (Video Game)

This game has a very good plot that might be too hard to understand for simple-minded folks who might think it "cheesy" or "stupid", but if you have the native intelligence to appreciate both the plot and the wit, you'll love it. The graphics are excellent and if you pay close attention you'll notice that a lot of effort went into the making of this game--more so, in fact, than in many other video games. The vast array of pleasing weaponry you can acquire within the levels can make even the most violent and bloodthirsty (oilthirsty?) players grin from ear to ear. The FMV sequences were hilarious and very intelligently written--especially when Tiny argues with his director about the validity of a "cute killing machine". There was a fantastic variety of incredible music, ranging from rock to techno to a sort of heavy metal to some pieces I don't think I can categorize successfully. The music was also peppered with radio shows of the villainous Mutank, who encourages his metal followers to shoot anything that moves, among other things. If you listen to these radio shows, you'll hear Mutank speaking with some of your future adversaries about their weaknesses and strenths. You'll also hear an interesting change of tone near the end of the game, as Mutank's companion "Bob" takes over the show while Mutank prepares to fight. There are even some very funny robot commercials for products like "Rust-Away" and "TOS-Targeting Optimized Software". One thing I like is that you can listen to every piece of music and every radio show on the options screen, unhampered by gameplay. The controls are fluid and comfortable and the levels are challenging but not impossible. If I was given the chance to make a movie, Tiny Tank would be a serious consideration, and I think the game should have a sequel, provided it has the same wit and humor and action the first game has. They really should make a movie--it would definitely work as a movie.