Originally developed by Cinematronics as an arcade game in 1980, Armor Attack was adapted for the Vectrex in 1982. With its distinctive vector graphics, the game offers a captivating tank combat experience reminiscent of classic military battles.
Armor Attack
Developer : GCE (General Consumer Electronics)
Year : 1982
Genre : Shooter
Modes : Single Player, Two-Player Co-op
Battle in the Ruins
In Armor Attack, the player controls a jeep (or two in two-player mode) in a fixed, top-down view of a war-torn city, facing endless waves of enemy tanks and helicopters. The goal is to survive as long as possible while racking up a high score by destroying enemy units.
- Enemy Tanks : The primary threat, enemy tanks move across the battlefield attempting to eliminate the player’s jeep with shots. Each tank requires one hit to immobilize and a second to disable its firing capability. As waves progress, tanks increase in number and speed.
- Helicopter Attacks : Between waves of tanks, helicopters fly over the battlefield and attempt to strafe the player’s jeep. Unlike tanks, helicopters can fly over structures and even move out of the player’s firing range, making them elusive and dangerous foes. They require multiple shots to be taken down.
- Maze-like Environment : The battlefield consists of various buildings. This fixed layout adds a strategic element to movement and combat.
An Exciting Two-Player Mode
Armor Attack is one of the few original GCE-released games for the Vectrex to support two-player simultaneous gameplay. Each player controls their own jeep, allowing for cooperative action against the enemy waves. Playing together makes the experience even more dynamic and fun, as players must coordinate their movements and attacks to survive as long as possible. This mode adds significant replay value, turning Armor Attack into a true strategic challenge for friends.
Graphics and Audio
As expected from a Vectrex game, Armor Attack features sharp and precise vector graphics. The tanks and helicopters are represented on the screen, as well as the structures of the buildings, while the building details are on the overlay to enhance immersion. The sound effects are minimal but effective, with gunfire and explosions to the battlefield atmosphere.
What Stands Out
✅ Strengths:
- Engaging combat with smooth controls.
- Simultaneous two-player mode adding a fun cooperative and competitive aspect.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Gameplay may become repetitive over time.
A Gem of Vector Combat
Despite its simplicity, Armor Attack delivers an intense shooting experience. Its fast-paced action makes it one of the most unique games in the Vectrex library. Whether playing solo or in two-player mode, Armor Attack remains a great example of how the Vectrex could bring an arcade-quality experience home.
For more, check out this fan video on YouTube :
