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> Results: Battlezone
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The ESRB Says
Violence:GamerDad engaged loads of enemy tanks in combat, only to battle them again after the respawn! Critical Portion: Battlezone is a classic arcade game that was one of my favorites when it came out in 1980. But this Battlezone doesn't remind me so much of that Battlezone - in fact, it reminds me more of Unreal Tournament. Why do I mention Unreal Tournament? The game modes in Battlezone are very much like a standard first person shooter multiplayer mode and the game structure is pretty much identical. There are quick matches, tournaments and true multiplayer modes available - though only over ad-hoc local wireless connections. And like any good multiplayer game, it is all about knowing the map inside and out as well as the strengths and weaknesses of all of the enemy combatants. There are six game modes - Deathzone, Team Deathzone, Capture the Flag, Hotzone, Blackout and Lone Wolf modes. These are all variations on standard shooter multiplayer game modes. There were four main issues I had with the game - the enemy intelligence, movement, the lack of a robust single player mode and the lack of infrastructure mode multiplayer. The lack of infrastructure and lack of robust single player go hand in hand because without internet support the only multiplayer is local wireless, which means only really playing single player for most PSP owners. And there just isn't enough content for that to be the only thing to do. The problem with enemy intelligence and movement is that - unlike the arcade game - things never feel fair. Enemy fire locks on to you despite there not being a lock-on button, and when you enter the fray of combat everyone stops what they were doing and gangs up on you. It is blatant game cheating, and is annoying to see. Overall Battlezone is a disappointment but not a bad game. It is simply a tank version of the multiplayer modes you have already played countless times in better games. If you start the game you are likely to finish - it is engaging and challenging for the few hours it will take to run through the challenge. But once out of your PSP, it is unlikely to return if you have any other option. If you are a fan of the classic you might enjoy it, but it delivers nothing in terms of a nostalgia trip. It is unfortunate that the classic arcade game wasn't available as an unlockable extra - that would help forgive the many minor issues that add up to making this game not something I would recommend. If you are still itching to try it - rent it first and see how it plays for you. As I said, it is not terrible, just heavily flawed, and you might find the strengths to greatly outweigh the weaknesses I've listed. But for most people my advice is just to stay away and wait for a truly great PSP vehicle combat game to arrive.  
Battlezone an all-out battle against other tanks, arena style. You never really 'die', since you immediately respawn. Same is true for your enemies. There is no other inappropriate or even questionable content. You just go from map to map blasting other tanks. If this game was better I'd heartily recommend it for kids over 10, but based on the flaws mentioned above I would recommend seeking the original on either a console arcade version or a collection.
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