M-1 Abrams Battle Tank

[Melf]

A full-blown 3D simulation on my Genesis? Not exactly, but close enough, I'd wager. If only the gameplay were as impressive as the concept itself. In any case, M-1 Abrams Battle Tank is fun for a while, even with its limitations. Read our full review (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/../Review-%20M-1%20Abrams%20Battle%20Tank.htm) and get ready to pretend that the Communists are still a threat.

[Joe Redifer]

I remember renting this game. I actually had fun with it (though not enough fun to warrant a purchase). It was one of the first times I was able to move around in a real 3D space on a home game system, maybe even the first time. Did this come out before Tengen's Hard Drivin'? Anyway the 3D space was awesome to me, though the game's missions were a bit too slow and boring for my taste. I spent hours and hours messing with Hard Drivin' for the same reason... it's just that that game was more fun. Yes, I realize there were two "that's" in a row in that last sentence, but it's correct Engrish!

I'm pretty sure this game was published by Sega. They were really pushing this and 688 Attack Sub at the same time. Though instead of 3D, 688's main draw was that it had actual voices!

[kevinski]

I haven't played M-1 Abrams Battle Tank, but I do recall playing F-15 Strike Eagle, which I felt was absolutely terrible. The only decent polygonal game on Genesis, in my opinion, is Virtua Racing. Do note that I said decent, not good.

[Genesis Knight]

F-22 isn't that bad, especially when you're fighting over the sea (fewer polygons to display, so therefore smoother gameplay). These polygonal games probably rock on an overclocked Genesis.

[Obviously]

F-22 is fun but the slowdown really hurts it when battles start getting intense.

[Russman]

I own M1 Battle Tank, and Melf's review is very good. This game is almost too in-depth for it's own good for a Genesis game, including the control scheme. I have tried to play this game many different times and I always end up giving up for the same reasons. Those being that it's simply too tedious and frustrating to master the controls, and you just can't concentrate on that aspect and be expected to understand what's taking place on the battlefield at the same time. It's a shame because the game itself is really a very good simulation, that's why I keep giving it a try.

Were M1:BT and 688 Attack Sub the only games in the "Simulator Series" by Sega, or was F-22 one of these titles as well? If anyone liked F-22, a company called Domark made a clone of this called Mig-29 Fighter Pilot, you might like that one too.

[Melf]

I'm looking for a copy of 688. Playing M-1 really gave me the itch to give it a try.

[David J.]

I think there is a copy at the pawn shop but I think it is in poor shape. When I go back I'll take a look at it. See if it is complete and all. :)

I saw it has a case, but I dunno about manual or what not.

[Obviously]

There's a 688 at the indy game store in my town but I've always passed it up.

[Russman]

I'm looking for a copy of 688. Playing M-1 really gave me the itch to give it a try.

It's nothing special. Personally I prefer Silent Service on NES over 688. That game created a more realistic claustrophobic feel to it.

Digital Press rates this only at rarity level 3. Personally, I think this game is under valued on the rarity scale, especially for a complete copy. Rarity 3 is like barely uncommon...just barely...and I don't think that's accurate from my experience. They must take into consideration that it's not sought after.