Gratuitous Tank Battles (2012)

Gratuitous Tank Battles (GTB) is an innovative blend of tower defense, strategy, simulation, and real-time strategy (RTS) elements. The game is set in an alternate historical timeline where World War I never concluded, and the battle rages on into the year 2114. In this world, warfare has evolved to incorporate advanced technology like Mechs and lasers, alongside traditional tanks and rifles. Despite this futuristic technology, the mindset of the Allied commanders remains stuck in the early 1900s, driven by the same patriotic fervor that dominated the early days of the war.

GTB distinguishes itself from other tower defense games by offering players the ability to play not only as defenders but also as attackers, across the same maps. This dual perspective approach allows players to experience both sides of the conflict, enhancing the strategic depth of the game. Additionally, players can record their attacks and use these recordings to defend against them in future battles, creating a dynamic and replayable experience.

The game includes a robust online challenge system, which enables players to upload their custom maps, units, and attacks. Other players can then download and engage with these user-generated creations, providing endless variety and replayability. Customization is a key feature of GTB, as the game does not rely on pre-built units. Instead, players can construct their own units from individual components, selecting various parts to create unique and specialized units. Furthermore, the appearance and color scheme of each unit can be customized to the player’s liking, allowing for a truly personalized army.

Progression in GTB is driven by an unlock system, which gradually reveals more unit components, abilities, and 'hull' designs to experiment with. This system ensures that players continue to unlock new options and strategies as they progress through the game, providing a steady stream of new content to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

GTB also includes an integrated map editor that simplifies the process of creating custom maps. Players can easily modify existing maps or design entirely new ones from scratch. Once completed, these maps can be shared with friends or the larger GTB community, further enhancing the game's social aspect. In addition to the map editor, GTB features Steam achievements, cloud support, and a strong community, which ensures players have plenty of ways to engage with the game and other players long after they’ve mastered the core gameplay.

The adaptive AI in GTB adjusts to the player’s tactics and play style, ensuring that each battle is different from the last. This feature adds an element of unpredictability, making it harder for players to rely on the same strategies over and over. Whether you are building your units, creating custom maps, or fighting against your own recorded attacks, the game offers a diverse range of experiences that will keep players entertained for years.

Key Features

• Alternate History Tower Defense: Experience a 200-year-long war across Europe with advanced technology.
• Play as Attacker or Defender: Choose your side on any map, including custom ones.
• Variety of Units: Use Infantry, Tanks, Turrets, and Mechs to achieve victory.
• Adaptive AI: The AI adjusts to your play style, offering endless strategic possibilities.
• Customizable Units: Build and design your own personal army from scratch.
• Map Editor: Easily create new maps or tweak existing ones for endless variety.
• Replayability: Save your attacks and challenge yourself by defending against them.
• Online Sharing: Share custom maps and challenges with friends and the community.

Gratuitous Tank Battles provides a vast, customizable world where players can engage in unique strategic warfare. With a wide range of gameplay features, an active community, and endless possibilities for personalization, GTB promises to deliver hours of entertainment for strategy enthusiasts and gamers alike. Whether you're designing your own units, creating custom maps, or challenging your friends, GTB offers a compelling and deeply engaging experience.