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About Gratuitous Tank Battles
Gratuitous Tank Battles is a strategy-simulator that mashes tower defense with alternate history. Developed by Positech Games and released on April 4 2012 it tasks you with commanding Allied forces in a WWI that stretches into 2114. Think tanks clashing with mechs and laser weapons in a Europe frozen in early 20th century patriotism. You’ll manage resources build custom tanks and defend positions in real time. The game runs on PC and Mac and leans into its quirky premise with over-the-top tech trees and absurdly detailed unit customization.
Gameplay
The core loop involves building tanks in a workshop then deploying them to battlefields. You mix armor weapons and mobility stats to counter enemy waves which evolve over centuries. Each battle is real-time but you can pause to adjust tactics. The alternate history setting means you’ll eventually field hover tanks and railguns. Missions range from holding a position to clearing enemy bases. The interface feels cluttered but rewards careful planning, every upgrade and unit placement matters. Sessions usually last 20, 40 minutes with progression tracked through 50+ missions.
What Players Think
Metacritic scores it 69/100 while PlayPile users rate it 4.2/5. Completion rate is 39% with average playtime 18 hours. The rarest achievement “Expeditionary Force Medal” sits at 0.9% unlock. Community moods are split: 65% positive 25% mixed and 10% negative. Fans praise the creativity and depth but note the steep learning curve. One review says “It’s like a board game given life, messy but addictive.” Critics call the UI “chaotic” and combat “overwhelming.” Achievement unlock rate averages 7.2% with most players hitting 15, 18.
PlayPile's Take
Worth playing if you like niche strategy and alternate history. At $15 it’s a low-risk pick for fans of deep systems. Achievements add replay value but are tough, only 39% complete them all. The learning curve is sharp and the UI isn’t intuitive but the blend of simulation and real-time combat is unique. Not for casual players but rewarding for those who enjoy grinding out unit builds. Expect to spend 15+ hours if you chase the rare 0.9% medal.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
50.0
RAWG Rating
2.0
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