Android gamers who want a World of Tanks-like experience on their phones and tablets can’t do much better than Tanktastic from G.H.O.R. Corporation. Tankastic features online multiplayer, multiple game types, and tons of tanks – all in an easy-to-swallow free to play game.
Just because they’re at the top doesn’t mean the Tanktastic team is resting on their laurels, though. The game recently received a massive update, and we’ve got exclusive details on the new features it brings – plus news of a contest to win MOGA controllers!
Version 1.18 update
- 2 new maps: Forest and City
- 14 new tanks
- Upgrades
- Camouflages
- Different armament
- Artillery
- Autocannons
- IR Smoke
- Updated tank control
- Updated environment graphics
- Updated tanks graphics
- Updated game balance
- Regional chats
- Gamepads support
- Bugfixes and optimizations
New maps
A few months ago, the Tanktastic team conducted a poll to determine what types of maps users would most like to see in the game. The top choices were forest and city maps, which now debut in this update. Along with original maps Oilfield, Military, and Demo, Tanktastic now has five total maps.
The city map stretches for several blocks, resembling an 8 or infinity symbol when viewed from above. Combatants won’t contend with bystander traffic or pedestrians, either of which might bog down the engine. But the city has something that other maps don’t: overpasses. Hop on to an elevated road and you’ll have an excellent view of oncoming foes.
As for the forest map, it contains plenty of trees, grasses, and rocks through which to navigate. Both trees and rocks provide cover to warring tanks. Forest also holds plenty of hills and uneven terrain, making for a diverse and challenging battlefield.
New tanks galore
Part of the appeal of tank combat games is their authentic selection of real-life tanks from around the world. The update adds the following vehicles to the mix, pushing the tank count up to 50:
USA:
- M109 Howitzer (self-propelled artillery)
- M270 MLRS (multiple rocket launcher)
- M1128 (armored fighting vehicle)
- M8 (light tank)
United Kingdom:
- Chieftain (main battle tank)
France:
- AMX 30 (main battle tank)
- AMX32 (main battle tank)
- AMX-40 (main battle tank)
- AMX-13 (light tank)
Germany (West Germany):
- Raketenjagdpanzer 2 (German tank destroyer)
Russia/Soviet Union:
- TOS-1a (24-barrel multiple rocket launcher mounted on a T-72 tank chassis)
- 2S19 Msta (self-propelled artillery, based on the T-80 tank full and powered by the T-72 diesel engine)
- Black Eagle (main battle tank)
New weapons and balance changes
Autocannons: a rapid-fire projectile weapon that fires armor-piercing or explosive shells. Tank vehicles like the Marder can use autocannons to shoot and spray enemies with shells.
Infrared Smoke: fire a smokescreen that not only blocks visible light, it also prevents detection from infrared sensors or viewers. During gameplay, IR smoke will help combatants make a quick escape or simply obscure their movements to the enemy.
Updated game balance:
- Gun features – Spread: Guidance on the tank does not completely guarantee a hit.
- Armor thickness: Tank turrets are now more armored, whereas their backsides have less protection. This encourages sneak attacks.
Already the tank game to beat
While Tanktastic will face competition from Tank Domination when the latter game comes to Android this year, it already outpaces the iOS version of Tank Domination in several ways. Tanktastic has three game types instead of just one, a party system, and in-game chat. Tank Domination does offer twice as many maps (ten instead of five), but parties and chat are far more important to the multiplayer experience.
Tanktastic is free to play. In-app purchases include coins (the game’s currency) and premium account access. Premium accounts gain experience and coins faster than standard accounts. Whether a player chooses to play for free or not, they’re bound to have a good time in this game of tank battles.
Tanktastic MOGA Giveaway
Another feature that Tanktastic picked up from the update is MOGA controller support. And in celebration, the Tanktastic team is giving away MOGA controllers for Android and iOS. Simply like the game’s Facebook page and then fill out the entry form, naming your platform of choice. Winners will be chosen at random each Tuesday until prizes run out. The contest ends on February 4th, so enter soon!