Combat
The Original Tank and Plane Shooter
Step into the sandbox of one of the most iconic games ever made. Combat is a fast-paced battle where you control either a tank, a biplane, or a jet to outmaneuver your opponent. It is simple in concept but difficult to master, offering pure arcade fun that has stood the test of time. You are not just shooting; you are using the environment to your advantage.
When you start a match, you choose from several variations. The most famous mode features tanks viewed from directly above. These tanks can move in four directions and fire missiles forward. The goal is simple: destroy the enemy tank before time runs out. However, the battlefield is not empty. You will find obstacles like walls, forests, and rivers scattered across the map. Learning to use these obstacles for cover is the key to winning. If you stay in the open, you will likely be hit.
The game supports two players using four-directional joysticks, making it a perfect candidate for local multiplayer. You can challenge a friend to see who has better reflexes and strategy. The round lasts two minutes and sixteen seconds, so every second counts. If the time expires with both tanks still standing, the player with the most points wins. Points are awarded for destroying the opponent or their missiles.
Combat is not just about tanks. You can also fly a biplane or a jet. These modes change the feel of the game significantly. In Biplane and Jet modes, the view shifts to show your plane from the side or top-down, depending on the variation. The most exciting feature here is the clouds. Your plane can hide behind these white shapes to avoid enemy fire. This adds a layer of stealth to the action. You can wait for the perfect moment to pop out and fire, then quickly retreat into the cloud cover.
One of the most unique aspects of Combat is its variety of rules within a single cartridge. The box mentions "27 games," but this refers to different variations rather than distinct levels. For example, you can play in Tank-Pong mode. In this variation, your missiles do not disappear when they hit a wall. Instead, they ricochet off the barriers and continue flying. This requires you to aim carefully, as a missile might bounce around the screen for a long time before hitting its target.
Another challenging variation is Invisible Tank mode. In this version, your tank is completely hidden from view unless you are firing a missile or taking damage. You have to rely on sound and memory to know where your opponent is. This creates a tense atmosphere where every shot reveals your position to the enemy. It is a test of patience and precision.
The game was developed by Atari, Inc. and brought to life by a team including Steve Mayer, Ron Milner, Joe Decuir, and Larry Wagner. Their work created a compact 2KB cartridge that packed a surprising amount of gameplay variety. The controls are responsive, allowing for quick turns and precise aiming. Whether you are dodging missiles in a tank or weaving through clouds in a jet, the movement feels tight and satisfying.
What makes Combat so enduring is its balance of luck and skill. While some missile bounces might seem random, skilled players learn the angles and timing to predict where shots will go. The simplicity of the graphics allows you to focus entirely on the action. There are no complex menus or storylines to navigate; just pick your vehicle, choose your variation, and fight.
If you enjoy the tank battles in this game, you might also like Combat - Tank AI, which offers a different take on the classic tank warfare. It provides a solo challenge against computer-controlled opponents, allowing you to practice your skills without needing a second player.
Ultimately, Combat is about quick reflexes and smart positioning. Watch out for enemies hiding behind walls or clouds. Use the terrain to block incoming missiles. Remember that in Tank-Pong mode, nothing stays still forever. With its mix of tank, plane, and jet action, along with unique variations like invisible tanks and ricocheting missiles, this game offers endless replayability. It remains a staple of retro gaming for good reason: it is just plain fun to play. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.