Tank Universal is an odd beast to review. An independent game developed by one man, Tank Universal is like a retro wake-up call amidst a season of grand new games being released left and right on all systems. Compared to modern blockbusters, it’s nothing; taken at face value, however, it’s an interesting game with a great sense of style and genuinely entertaining gameplay. It’s a trip down memory lane - and that’s not always a good thing - but Tank Universal is certainly not a waste of time.

For starters, it’s worth noting that the plot is… indescribable. A mishmash of avant garde surrealism and basic video game pulp, Tank Universal starts off with an aging, terminally ill man sitting alone in an armchair and suddenly takes a sharp turn into a futuristic world where nations fight for supremacy in day-glow tanks. After putting on a virtual reality helmet, our hero is plunged into this bizarre landscape, where a nation ruled by the ominous Gorgon - who looks suspiciously like a holographic Sauron - has taken over the world. Space. The Internet. Or something. Tank Universal is set in a colorful plane reminiscent of Tron, another pop culture icon to add to the list of references within the game. In this world, a rebel group is taking up arms against Gorgon’s minions, and in our giant blue tank, we’re obliged to help. The plot is basic, but it’s hard to come away from it thinking that everything is as it seems. Thanks to a few strange setpieces and an unsettling presentation, Tank Universal does a great job of messing with players’ heads for a tank battle game.

As far as the actual game goes, though, it really is basic. On foot, the protagonist must shuffle around from plot point to plot point until finally reaching a battle. Once the tanks are rolling out, things are much more enjoyable. Controlling like a faster-paced Battlezone, Tank Universal throws infantry, mechs, and other tanks in your direction, in a series of battles that either take the form of search-and-destroy missions or capture the flag matches. It’s simple, fun, and thanks to the retro graphics, pretty. While technically, the game is lacking - flat textures, blocky characters, and bland level design abound - it’s not unappealing. Bright colors differentiate enemies from terrain, and the simple design of all the vehicles is a welcome departure from overly detailed megamachines found in many games today. It’s simple and effective. The only downside is the fact that there is no multiplayer support. Really? A tank battle game with no multiplayer? It’s highly disappointing, although playing the included Skirmish mode and pretending the computer-controlled enemies are swearing at you might be a decent placebo.

It’s plain as day that Tank Universal is not a professional game - the basic animation, the chunky graphics, the lack of any voice acting whatsoever - but it clearly has heart. The bizarre story alone makes it worth a look, but thankfully it’s not the only reason why it should stay on your hard drive - the game itself is a good piece of entertainment, especially for those craving something simple to tide them over for an hour or two every now and then. Tank Universal is a black sheep, but it’s a prime example of why PC gaming will live on - independent developers trying their damndest to provide something fun.