DESCRIPTION

Scorched Earth is a game of futuristic tank combat using vehicles protected by a variety of shields and armed with weapons such as nukes, MIRVs and plasma charges.

Viewing the 2D-battle arena from a cross section side view, players must annihilate tanks belonging to the computer and other players to earn cash. Between rounds, the cash can be used to buy more weapons of mass destruction so tanks can annihilate each other even faster. Up to ten tanks can compete in up to fifty rounds during each game of Scorched Earth.

Before the game begins, you can modify a variety of physics settings for the battle arena like air viscosity, wind patterns and gravity. You can also modify other game settings including starting cash and wall attributes. By setting the various game options, you can create very different battle environments that have an effect on in-game strategy.

Combat is handled in rounds with tanks taking shots sequentially by first selecting a type of ammunition and then determining firing angle and power. There are two methods used in destroying an opposing tank. The first is to overcome its shields (if it has any raised) by repeatedly firing volleys to destroy them prior to taking a final shot. The other method is to fire a single weapon such as the nuke or plasma charge that does enough damage to overcome the opposing tank's shield.

Aside from taking damage from shots, tanks can also be damaged if the ground is shot out from under them and they don't have parachutes equipped. Scorched Earth supports up to eight players using the same computer taking alternate shots. ~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide