# Helltank

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***Helltank*** is a science fiction [board wargame](/source/Board_wargame) published by [Metagaming Concepts](/source/Metagaming_Concepts) in 1981 as part of its [MicroGame](/source/MicroGame) line. The game simulates combat in the future between a supertank and more conventional forces.

## Gameplay

*Helltank* is a 2-player game featuring asymmetric forces: one player has a large and advanced supertank, while the other player has more numerous but weaker forces such as infantry and artillery. The map depicts a city, wooded hills, a canal, and a highway, and the players select a scenario and a time period.[1]

## Publication history

Metagaming's very first entry in their MicroGame line was *[Ogre](/source/Ogre_(board_game))*, a [science fiction](/source/Science_fiction) wargame between a large semi-intelligent tank and more numerous but less powerful foes that was designed by [Steve Jackson](/source/Steve_Jackson_(American_game_designer)). When Jackson left Metagaming to form [Steve Jackson Games](/source/Steve_Jackson_Games), he took with him the rights to *Ogre*. In an effort to replace this loss, [Phil Kosnett](/source/Philip_S._Kosnett) designed *Helltank*, which was published by Metagaming in 1981 as the 19th MicroGame, packaged like previous games in the series in a ziplock bag. Metagaming published the sequel *[Helltank Destroyer](/source/Helltank_Destroyer)* the following year, shortly before the company went out of business.[2]

## Reception

W. G. Armintrout reviewed *Helltank* in *[The Space Gamer](/source/The_Space_Gamer)* No. 49.[1] Armintrout commented that "*Helltank* got shortchanged somewhere in production. I do like the game, but I can recommend it only for experienced gamers who don't mind second-guessing the rules on a few vital points and who don't mind doing mental bookkeeping. Too bad - this game *could* have been a contender."[1]

Tony Watson reviewed *Helltank* in *[Ares Magazine](/source/Ares_(magazine))* #13 and commented that "*Helltank* isn't without its problems; the rules could have been tightened in some places and the type face used in the rules book approaches downright ugly, but it's an interesting little game, a sure winner for the asking price."[3]

In Issue 27 of *Simulacrum*, Brian Train noted, "There are some interesting points in the design. One is the sequence of play, involving alternating activation of units – move one unit, attack with it, then your opponent gets a chance to respond, so most players are involved most of the time. Another is the changing relationships among families of weapons as technology levels advance." Train concluded, "the [Combat Results Table](/source/Combat_results_table) is very bloody and the small map does not give much scope for maneuver."[2]

In Issue 35 of *Warning Order*, Matt Irsik commented, "*Helltank* is not a bad game, but if you had *[Ogre](/source/Ogre_(board_game))*, what was the point in spending time on this? This game got a bad rap, but in reality it's a good little tactical game that was overshadowed by too many other things."[4]

## Other reviews and commentary

- *[Nexus](/source/Nexus:_The_Gaming_Connection)* #2
- *[The Grenadier](/source/The_Grenadier_(magazine))* #17

## References

1. Armintrout, W. G. (March 1982). "Capsule Reviews". *[The Space Gamer](/source/The_Space_Gamer)*. '***(49): 26–27. [Steve Jackson Games](/source/Steve_Jackson_Games)***

1. Train, Brian (2007). "Helltank". *Simulacrum*. No. 27. pp. 45–46.

1. Watson, Tony (Winter 1983). "Games". *[Ares Magazine](/source/Ares_(magazine))*. '***(13): 18-19. [TSR, Inc.](/source/TSR,_Inc.)***

1. Irsik, Matt (Summer 2013). "Blast from the Past". *Warning Order*. No. 35. pp. 6–7.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Helltank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helltank) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helltank?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.