War of the Human Tanks: Alter
- February 13, 2015
- Yakiniku Banzai
Get on SteamIn "War of the Human Tanks: Alter," players command a group of anthropomorphic tanks in a turn-based strategy game. The story follows a newly appointed commander in a war between two factions, as they fight to gain control of new territories. Players must utilize strategic planning, resource management, and the unique abilities of their tanks to achieve victory. This game is a spin-off of the original "War of the Human Tanks" and features new characters and storylines.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game strengthens the bond between players, providing a fun way to spend time with family and friends.
- ALTeR expands on the original gameplay with new tank types and a challenging Great Cavern mode, offering a lot of content and strategic depth.
- The combination of visual novel storytelling and turn-based strategy gameplay is engaging, with humor and emotional moments that resonate with players.
- The main campaign is shorter and less branching compared to the first game, which may disappoint fans of the original.
- The introduction of control tanks that disable modules can make gameplay frustrating and challenging, especially in the later stages.
- Resource management and grinding in the Great Cavern can lead to a frustrating loop where players feel stuck and unable to progress.
- story150 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in "War of the Human Tanks: Alter" is a continuation of the first game, featuring a more linear narrative with a single definitive path, as opposed to the branching routes of its predecessor. While the main campaign is shorter and less complex, the game compensates with the extensive "Great Cavern" side story, which offers a wealth of missions and character development, making it the primary focus of the game's narrative. Overall, the storytelling is engaging, blending humor and drama, though some players may find the main story less compelling compared to the first installment.
“The story has many tests on it: humor, sadness, drama, etc. It'll show how each character feels about the war and how to deal with it.”
“It's clever that Fruitbat decided to incorporate the main storyline as the 'side' story in the form of the long Great Cavern campaign, because it allows the first game's story to connect more smoothly to this one.”
“These caverns are massive at over 90 levels in total, and feature new characters, new tanks to fight and unlock, and story regarding these new characters as well as the nature of human tanks.”
“The main story is, sadly, shorter and with less branching.”
“There are two side notes that should also be understood: first, the branching story/multiple endings that the first game had is gone; the story is now one definitive story.”
“The story isn't really relevant, let's be honest with ourselves; these games have no story.”
- gameplay54 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this sequel retains the core mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new tank types and strategic elements that enhance depth and challenge. Players appreciate the straightforward yet tense combat, though some express a desire for quality-of-life improvements and more varied challenge methods. Overall, the game successfully expands on the original formula, offering engaging gameplay that combines tactical tank deployment with a captivating story.
“Alter expands the basic gameplay by adding a large variety of new tank types that both expand the player's capabilities as well as add extra challenge (the enemy gets to use them too after all!).”
“These simple additions add a lot more depth and strategy to the general gameplay, which you didn't realize the first game needed until you play Alter.”
“While gameplay remains essentially the same as in the first game, a lot has been added and improved upon.”
“Gameplay, UI, and general visuals are identical to the first, and I mean identical. It would've been nice to get some quality of life changes like easier tank placement or having attacks with a high target area not take a full minute to execute, but those are all just minor complaints.”
“While Alter improves on a lot of things from the first game, the core gameplay is absolutely identical.”
“This makes the game brutally hard (final level, for example...) and when you throw in lots of tanks with evasion, the game will destroy you until you figure out the best way to deal with each situation.”
- music24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its eclectic and innovative electronic-based soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. While most tracks are enjoyable and memorable, a few odd or less favorable pieces have been noted. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its fun and engaging atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is as eclectic as ever.”
“The characters were funny, the story was actually quite interesting, the music was surprisingly good, and the game was fun.”
“The soundtrack for the game is surprisingly good; I wouldn't put it on the level of my favorite game soundtrack (Timesplitters 2), but the sound cues here are quite catchy, and I think they'll stick with me for a good while.”
“Music is more of the same - generally very good, a few absolutely odd tracks here and there, one or two that are headache-inducing (including one of the ops, unfortunately).”
“Soundtrack is as eclectic as ever.”
“I also recommend you buy this game in its soundtrack bundle.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively blends humor with deeper themes, showcasing characters' responses to war through witty dialogue and funny moments. Reviewers appreciate the balance of humor and drama, noting that the story remains engaging and entertaining throughout. Overall, the humor is a standout aspect that enhances the game's appeal.
“The wit, humor, and touching moments are also in alter.”
“The characters were funny, the story was actually quite interesting, the music was surprisingly good, and the game was fun.”
“In this game, there are more tankfus models and the story is very funny as well.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics are largely unchanged from the previous installment, featuring simple artwork that some may find cheap, yet the game still delivers impressive and unsettling visuals throughout. While there are minor complaints regarding quality-of-life improvements, the overall aesthetic does not detract from the game's charm.
“You can find some pretty impressive, and unnerving, visuals as you go along.”
“Gameplay, UI, and general visuals are identical to the first, and I mean identical. It would have been nice to get some quality of life changes like easier tank placement or having attacks with a high target area not take a full minute to execute, but those are all just minor complaints.”
“The artwork is still cheap, but that's okay.”
“An awesome little gem of a game, don't let the simple graphics fool you.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding mechanics, noting that excessive grinding can lead to a significantly tougher final boss, rendering hard-earned equipment nearly useless. While the system aims to prevent players from easily bypassing challenges, it often feels punishing and counterproductive, detracting from the overall experience.
“So yes, it's a way to keep you from grinding and then hitting the 'easy button' like in the last game, but it's sort of a slap in the face to know that all that equipment you worked so hard to earn is now about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
“The problem is grinding, in the end.”
“At first it seems like a meaningless battle to make grinding more tolerable, but is actually much more.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "War of the Human Tanks - Alter" is highlighted by its blend of wit, humor, and poignant moments that resonate with players, evoking both laughter and deeper reflection. However, some reviewers felt that the narrative faltered at times, undermining previous achievements and leaving a sense of futility. Overall, the game successfully engages players emotionally while maintaining strategic depth.
“The wit, humor, and touching moments are also present in Alter.”
“And the story really faltered and made me feel as if everything I achieved beforehand meant nothing.”
“War of the Human Tanks - Alter has managed to make me laugh, think (strategically and emotionally, if that makes any sense), and it never felt boring. Most of the important characters from the first game show up in this one as well, though only a few of them in the visual novel part.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is noted for its adaptability, as the final level adjusts based on player performance, although the ending remains consistent regardless of the chosen level.
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features two distinct campaigns, with the "great cavern of fuji" offering a more in-depth and serious exploration of character development compared to the main campaign, enhancing both tactical complexity and narrative depth.
“There are two campaigns in the game, the 'main' campaign and the Great Cavern of Fuji, the latter of which is longer, more serious, and has much more depth to it (both in terms of tactics and in terms of character development).”
