T.N.K III (US)

In T.N.K III (US), players command a powerful tank from a top-down perspective, engaging in intense combat missions. The primary objective is to penetrate enemy territory, rescue captured Prisoners of War (POWs), and destroy critical military targets.

Your tank is equipped with two main weapons: a primary cannon with limited range and grenades. Grenades are useful for clearing out groups of enemies or destroying obstacles. Players must manage their grenade supply, as they are limited and can only be replenished by collecting power-ups.

Gameplay demands careful maneuvering, avoiding enemy fire, and precise aiming. Throughout the game, players can collect various power-ups to enhance their tank's performance, including speed boosts, upgraded cannon firepower, or additional grenades.

Enemies include a variety of tanks, fixed turrets, and infantry, each with their own attack patterns. Levels are often linear but can also feature expansive areas, requiring players to explore to find their way and complete objectives. Rescuing POWs typically involves driving over them to pick them up, with each rescued POW granting bonus points.

A distinctive feature of the original arcade version (though some US cabinets might have varied) was the use of a rotary joystick, which allowed players to move the tank in one direction while simultaneously aiming the cannon in another. This unique control scheme added a layer of strategic depth to the top-down shooting gameplay.