''LaserTank'' (also known as ''Laser Tank'') is a

puzzle video game Puzzle video games make up a broad genre of video games that emphasize puzzle solving. The types of puzzles can test problem-solving skills, including logic, pattern recognition, sequence solving, spatial recognition, and word completion. H ...

requiring logical thinking to solve a variety of levels. It is open source,

careware Careware (also called charityware, helpware, or goodware) is software licensed in a way that benefits a charity. Some careware is distributed free, and the author suggests that some payment be made to either a nominated charity, or a charity of th ...

, and can be used for free. The player must be able to concentrate and think ahead as in playing

chess Chess is a board game for two players, called White and Black, each controlling an army of chess pieces in their color, with the objective to checkmate the opponent's king. It is sometimes called international chess or Western chess to dist ...

checkers Checkers (American English), also known as draughts (; British English), is a group of strategy board games for two players which involve diagonal moves of uniform game pieces and mandatory captures by jumping over opponent pieces. Checkers ...

. Contradicting its name, ''LaserTank'' is in no way an action game. Although a player may try to solve a level quickly, there is no requirement to do so, so poor coordination and poor reflexes will not impede a player. Experience allows the player to learn a number of techniques and tricks that need to be used to solve difficult levels. ''LaserTank'' is

NP-complete In computational complexity theory, a problem is NP-complete when: # it is a problem for which the correctness of each solution can be verified quickly (namely, in polynomial time) and a brute-force search algorithm can find a solution by trying ...

meaning that one can construct levels which are hard to solve for computers.

Gameplay

''LaserTank'' is played on a 16 x 16 grid. The player must use the tank to reach a flag in every level without dying. The player can move the tank in four directions and can fire a laser that is used to move or destroy objects. The number of moves and shots it takes to complete a level are recorded in a high score list. The scores are then compared with the current "Global High Score" file.

Expansion

Thousands of new levels can be downloaded. A level editor is available that has enabled players to create thousands of new levels. Players may upload their new levels for others to download and solve. Other tools are available that have enabled players to create many new LTG (LaserTank Graphics) visual themes. A setup tool for assisting in the updating of the game is also available, and is useful in that it keeps track of high scores and level modifications contained in downloaded updates. A number of other applications and downloads are available at the official ''LaserTank'' website.

Genres (level types)

The variety of objects within the game allows for the creation of a great variety of levels. Easy levels are grouped into a "Beginner" collection for younger or less-skilled players. Typical levels of varying difficulty are grouped into a series of "Challenge" collections. There is also a collection of levels requiring the pushing of blocks around, resembling another

, ''

Sokoban is a puzzle video game in which the player pushes boxes around in a warehouse, trying to get them to storage locations. The game was designed in 1981 by Hiroyuki Imabayashi, and first published in December 1982. Gameplay The game is played on a ...

''. Another "Special" collection contains unconventional levels that are not typical of the game. Some may be repetitive. Other levels have been created that are machine-like, or function as virtual computers that perform simple mathematical calculations or sequential tasks. Some of these so-called special levels may only serve as demonstrations or artwork and may not even be solvable, since they may require more shots or moves than the game can record.

Development

''LaserTank'' was created by Jim Kindley (JEK Software) who started writing ''LaserTank'' in 1995. Kindley's main goal was to make the game for free, but have people all over the world send levels to add to it. Kindley is not currently involved with ''LaserTank'', but has stated "Maybe someday I will re-enter the world of LaserTank". Donald Drouin of Canada is now the official ''LaserTank'' manager who gathers new levels and regularly updates the official ''LaserTank'' website, as well as providing interesting statistics to other players regarding current records and high scores. A

port A port is a maritime facility comprising one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge cargo and passengers. Although usually situated on a sea coast or estuary, ports can also be found far inland, such as H ...

for iOS was released on February 1, 2015, by Jack Powell. As of 2024, the app is no longer available on the store.

References

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External links