Tanarus

About

Tanarus is a 1997 PC shooter where players pilot customizable tanks in competitive multiplayer matches. Before each round you pick from five tanks with distinct stats and equip them with weapons and gear. Battery management is crucial, every shot and movement drains power slowing you to 30% speed when empty. Objectives include deathmatch team battles or capturing enemy flags to boost your rank. Arenas feature cityscapes with ramps and buildings and gameplay is controlled via keyboard or joystick. What sets Tanarus apart is its focus on resource management alongside combat. Players can design custom maps for others to play after developer approval though a monthly fee was required for full access. A free version offered limited content including two arenas and a single tank. While its 1990s online infrastructure and dated visuals might not wow modern players it remains a niche title for those interested in early competitive tank shooters.

Storyline

The goal is simple: Blast the enemy into little pieces, either in deathmatch, a team battle or a duel. There are up to four factions in one area which all have a flag in their base. When catching one of them and bringing it to the own base the player gets points which result in a better rank. The arenas are cities with buildings, ramps and streets. The mouse is not supported, the game is either played with the keyboard or a joystick. The editor allows to build own areas which can be played with other paying customers when the developer approves them. Yes, to play the game there is a monthly fee which has to payed. However there is also a free version which offers two arenas and one tank.