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<h3>Battle Tanks!</h3>
<p>"Battle Tanks" is a funny battle on your desk, where you can
choose one of three vehicles and eliminate your enemy using the
whole arsenal of weapons. It has original cartoon-like graphics and
cool music, it's fun and dynamic, it has several network modes for
deathmatch and cooperative - what else is needed to have fun with
your friends? And all is packed and ready for you in "Battle
Tanks".</p>
<h3>Features:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Multiplayer</strong><br>
"Battle Tanks" is a multiplayer game in the first place.
<em>Network game</em> and <em>split screen mode</em> are available,
and also a <em>mixed mode</em> is possible, when two players use
split screen on the server computer, and others connect via LAN.Two
modes are possible: deathmatch battle and cooperative game.</li>
<li><strong>Cross-platform</strong><br>
"Battle Tanks" is cross-platform. Both <em>Windows</em> and
<em>Linux</em> fans are welcome on the battlefield where they will
settle their quarrels in the name of weapons.</li>
<li><strong>Free distribution and open source</strong><br>
The multiplayer version is licensed under GNU GPL. This means two
things. Firstly, <em>it doesn't cost anything for you</em>. You can
download it for free and share with your friends, with no
preliminary or future fees. And secondly, the <em>full source code
of the game is available</em>, so any guy who knows C++ can poke
his nose there and probably find some surprises that developers
have prepared for curious fans.</li>
<li><strong>Old-school oriented</strong><br>
Builders of "Battle Tanks" love these good old arcades of the past
century. So they have tried hard to implement everything best of
these old arcade games.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Performance characteristics:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Three vehicles: tank, Shilka, and rocket launcher. Each vehicle
has its special features.</li>
<li>Lots of weapons: four types of ammo, six types of rockets,
landing troops, mines, and so on.</li>
<li>Ten multiplayer maps (seven ones for deathmatch and three ones
for cooperative mode) in different locations such as city, village,
forest, desert and so on.</li>
<li>Game world that reacts on player. Roads have traffic, buildings
can be destroyed, weather effects are simulated...</li>
<li>Lots of war objects: troops, vehicles, helicopters and
other.</li>
<li>Keyboard and gamepad are supported.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Weapon list:</h3>
<div class="text">
<div id="weapons"><b>1. Ammo</b>
<div>
<p>Gun is the main weapon of tank and Shilka. Guns don't require
ammunition, but their piercing ability is much lower that one for
rockets.</p>
</div>
<div><b>"Eternal fire" type tank shell</b><br>
<img src="./cannon-fire.gif" alt="Cannon" height="65" width="65">
<p>Type shell that is shipped with tank and Shilka. The gun on
Shilka is faster that one on tank, but each hit does less
damage.<br>
Guns have infinite ammunition.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt="" height="29"
width="30"> Primary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Shell with laughset focal point</b><br>
<img src="./ricochet-fire.gif" alt="Ricochet" height="65" width=
"65">
<p>The main feature of the shell with laughset focal point (also
called shell with uncertain orientation) is bouncing from
obstacles. This shell is good for urban battles, also it will help
when shooting an enemy that has covered behind something solid or
impenetrable. The disadvantage of this model is that you never know
where it will bounce.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt="" height="29"
width="30"> Primary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Explosive shell</b><br>
<img src="./dispersion-fire.gif" alt="Dispersion" height="65"
width="65">
<p>The explosive shell is also known as Matreshka shell. Inside the
jacket of this shell, several small shells are nested. A small time
after the shot, the matreshka opens, and nested shells spread in
different directions. Each hit causes relatively small damage, but
large area is covered. This model is intended for use against enemy
crowds. It is ineffective in close face to face duels.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt="" height="29"
width="30"> Primary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Dirt gun</b><br>
<img src="./dirt-fire.gif" alt="Dirt" height="65" width="65">
<p>Dirt gun is invented by crazy agronomists. By the aid of
concentration of energy in near-surface layers, nano-wave
fluctuations cause temporary inversion of field. Lower layers are
found on the top, thus introducing a short-time effect of plowing
the surface (this is broadly used during the sowing campaign). In
battle, the dirt gun can be used for making dirt spots of reduced
passability. Enemy troops and vehicles suffer loss of control and
speed in these plowed areas.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"> Primary weapon</span><span class=
"weapontype"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt="" height="29"
width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<p><b>2. Rockets</b></p>
<div>
<p>Rockets are large, so number of rockets that a vehicle carries
is limited. Rockets are main weapon of rocket launcher.</p>
</div>
<div><b>Homing missile</b><br>
<img src="./missile-guided.gif" alt="Guided missile" height="65"
width="65">
<p>Homing missile is a type weapon and is shipped with rocket
launchers. It can also be used on tanks as a secondary weapon.
After the launch, the rocket finds a target and guides its flight
by its own. Unlike the heat-aimed rockets, this model detects delta
waves emitted by human brains, and thus can be used against troops
and manned vehicles. Unfortunately, this method of detection
ignores androids and intellectually challenged individuals.<br>
Another disadvantage is that rocket doesn't avoid obstacles
(avoiding function is announced in the next stable release of
rocket drivers binary).<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Primary weapon</span><span class=
"weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height="29" width=
"30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Uncontrolled rocket</b><br>
<img src="./missile-dumb.gif" alt="Dumb missile" height="65" width=
"65">
<p>This is a Dumb-fire modification of the type rocket that can be
equipped as a secondary weapon. At the expense of electronics,
explosive charge and velocity are increased. Due to its high
velocity and high damage caused, this rocket is very good for
making fire barriers, destroying enemy weapon emplacements, and in
face to face battles.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Primary weapon</span><span class=
"weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height="29" width=
"30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Boomerang rocket</b><br>
<img src="./missile-boomerang.gif" alt="Boomerang" height="65"
width="65">
<p>Boomerang rocket is an accidental modification of the homing
missile that has been found after beta drivers were installed from
a damaged CD on some test rocket. On ground tests, that rocket
introduced a non-typical behaviour: it didn't select a target after
the launch, but just circled around the launcher, following an
elliptical trajectory. Nobody can explain still why the rocket does
that; however boomerang rockets have been approved and are produced
on the line now. They can be used for defense; also boomerang
rockets are effective in close battle.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Primary weapon</span><span class=
"weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height="29" width=
"30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Gas rocket</b><br>
<img src="./missile-smoke.gif" alt="Smoke missile" height="65"
width="65">
<p>Gas rocket is stuffed with toxic and radioactive wastes of
fragrance industry. They are prohibited by Geneva Protocol because
of their incredibly disgusting and beautiful smell. A humanoid that
has inhaled the gas suffers convulsions, sialorrhea, retching,
diarrhea, and dies with happy smile on face.<br>
The gas rockets are perfect for eliminating troops. In multiplayer,
they scan be used for making smoke screens.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Stop-rocket</b><br>
<img src="./missile-stop.gif" alt="Stop-missile" height="65" width=
"65">
<p>This homing missile is filled with artificial viruses-malicious
nanorobots. When a rocket hits target, viruses clod between tracks
of tank caterpillars, raise pressure of braking fluid in hydraulic
systems, and cause temporary paralysis of lower extremities of
humanoids. However, these viruses don't affect functioning of
weapons systems and other organs of humanoids; side effects or
contra-indication are unknown. Stop-rocket does not inflict damage,
but it's a great secondary weapon that is very effective if
combined with explosive or bouncing tank shells, homing missiles
and machine guns.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Nuclear missile "Pure Thermonuke"</b><br>
<img src="./missile-nuke.gif" alt="Nuke missile" height="65" width=
"65">
<p>This 15 kilotons nuke is the most destructive weapon in the
game. It destroys everything in range of explosion, and using or
thermonuclear reaction guarantees that radiation pollution will be
negligibly small. So the ground can be used just after the enemy is
vaporized by the heat of nuclear blast.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<p><b>3. Preserved landing force</b></p>
<div>
<p>Five fully equipped troops are frozen and GZIPped into standard
rectangular bricks. Before refrigeration, each trooper is prepared
using special hormons and steroids, and can be used in action after
quick microwave-aided defreezing. Shipped in two versions with
machine guns and handheld rocket launchers.</p>
</div>
<div><b>Machine gun trooper</b><br>
<img src="./machinegunners.gif" alt="Machinegunners" height="65"
width="65">
<p>The trooper takes a position and fires the enemy objects
(including missiles). 16 directions of fire are available.<br>
Shilka lands MG troopers for support. Thanks to their high fire
rate and mobility, MG troopers can defend a vehicle against enemy
missiles.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>Rocket trooper</b><br>
<img src="./throwers.gif" alt="Throwers" height="65" width="65">
<p>The trooper takes a position and fires the enemy objects (NOT
including missiles). 8 directions of fire are available. Shilka
lands rocket troopers for support. Due to their fire power, rocket
troopers are good for attacking the enemy.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<p><b>4. Other weapons</b></p>
<p>Other weapons include mines and MG turrets.</p>
<div><b>Mine</b><br>
<img src="./mine.gif" alt="Mine" height="65" width="65">
<p>Mines are effective equally against troops and vehicles. They
have winning appearance, and are easy to install and use.<br>
Using of mines allows unique and great tactical opportunities, both
in single missions and deathmatch. Routes, respawn points, hidings
of weapons - everything can be mined. Remember that the mine is
invisible if covered with dirt or smoke!<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./tank-small.gif" alt="" height=
"29" width="30"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt="" height="29"
width="30"><img src="./shilka-small.gif" alt="" height="29" width=
"30"> Secondary weapon</span></p>
</div>
<div><b>MG turret</b><br>
<img src="./machinegunner-on-launcher.gif" alt="Machinegunner"
height="65" width="65">
<p>MG turret is a primitive robot that shoots everything that is
moving. Some turrets are shipped with "ally-enemy" recognition
system. In stationary version, MG turrets can be used for automated
security systems. Mobile versions can be mounted on rocket
launchers. 16 directions of fire are available.<br>
<span class="weapontype"><img src="./launcher-small.gif" alt=""
height="29" width="30"> Primary weapon</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h3>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):</h3>
<div class="text">
<ul>
<li><a href="#01">How to play? Eh?</a></li>
<li><a href="#02">What do "Single player", "Split screen player 1",
and "Split screen player 2" options mean?</a></li>
<li><a href="#03">Fog of war (hardcore difficulty) - what's
that?</a></li>
<li><a href="#04">I've started the game and don't know what to
do!</a></li>
<li><a href="#05">I'm out of ammo! Help!!</a></li>
<li><a href="#06">I'm stuck in some fence or bush and can't move!
What can I do?</a></li>
<li><a href="#07">The pass is blocked with houses and
fences!</a></li>
<li><a href="#08">I saw an unoccupied tank there... Can I drive
it?</a></li>
<li><a href="#09">How to drive a vehicle of another type?</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">How to enable split screen mode?</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">How to play via network?</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">How to see network game stats?</a></li>
<li><a href="#13">Can I play in split screen via network?</a></li>
<li><a href="#14">Can I help the developers?</a></li>
<li><a href="#15">I am a representative of... Umm... Well, I have
an offer for your team.</a></li>
</ul>
<p class="postmetadata">This FAQ is mostly about playing the game.
If you were interested in technical details, please refer to our
"<a href="http://btanks.wiki.sourceforge.net/">technical
wiki</a>".</p>
<p><strong><a title="01" name="01" id="01"></a>How to play?
Eh?</strong><br>
Oh, that's easy: cursor arrows move your vehicle, Ctrl fires, and
Alt fires as well, but with alternative weapon. Those are defaults,
but you can redefine keys in <nobr>"Options" - "Redefine
keys"</nobr>.</p>
<p><strong><a title="02" name="02" id="02"></a>What do "Single
player", "Split screen player 1", and "Split screen player 2"
options mean?</strong><br>
The game supports a split screen mode - two players can play on the
same computer. "Split screen player 1" and "Split screen player 2"
options are provided for this split screen mode. Control keys for
players can be redefined on "Redefine keys" screen. And joysticks
are also supported!</p>
<p><strong><a title="03" name="03" id="03"></a>Fog of war (hardcore
difficulty) - what's that?</strong><br>
This mode is onl available on screen resolutions that exceed
800*600. When it's on, the player will only see the enemy when they
are really close.</p>
<p><strong><a title="04" name="04" id="04"></a>I've started the
game and don't know what to do!</strong><br>
On map selection screen, a tactical map is available - just click
on map info box to see it. The tactical map provides some useful
info on how to complete the mission. Help tips will give you more
help right in action. Also, the radar (M key) marks mission objects
with crosses.</p>
<p><strong><a title="05" name="05" id="05"></a>I'm out of ammo!
Help!!</strong><br>
Gather small UFOs spreaded across the map - these contain very
useful things like health, ammo, or weapon upgrades. BTW, you might
be interested in <a href=
"http://btanks.sourceforge.net/blog/about-game/weapon-list/">full
guide on weapons</a>.</p>
<p><strong><a title="06" name="06" id="06"></a>I'm stuck in some
fence or bush and can't move! What can I do?</strong><br>
Well, sad but that's possible. Specially for stuck players, we have
designed a self-destruct system that is activated by pressing F12
key. Desctruct yourself, and you'll respawn on the last
checkpoint.</p>
<p><strong><a title="07" name="07" id="07"></a>The pass is blocked
with houses and fences!</strong><br>
Many (but not all!) fences and houses can be destroyed, just keep
shooting them for some time. After you've inflicted enough damage
to the obstacle, you'll see the hole that you can drive
through.</p>
<p><strong><a title="08" name="08" id="08"></a>I saw an unoccupied
tank there... Can I drive it?</strong><br>
Unoccupied vehicles can be found on all maps. And yes, you can
drive them. To get into another vehicle, first leave your current
one by pressing F1, and then just run into the other one - your
trooper will board the empty vehicle automatically. And remember
that you can also occupy civilian transport!</p>
<p><strong><a title="09" name="09" id="09"></a>How to drive a
vehicle of another type?</strong><br>
When you choose a map, there is a panel at the right side where you
can choose a vehicle. And also you can choose the vehicle in
action.</p>
<p><strong><a title="10" name="10" id="10"></a>How to enable split
screen mode?</strong><br>
When choosing a map or joining a network game, see a Split Screen
selector at the top of the screen. Turn it to Yes to enable split
screen mode.</p>
<p><strong><a title="11" name="11" id="11"></a>How to play via
network?</strong><br>
First of all, start the game on one machine. That will be server.
When starting the game, keep some players slots empty, and remote
players will be able to join the game and occupy these slots. On
remote machines, choose Join a game in the main menu and type in
the server host (that can be IP or domain name); you can also click
Add to store the address in the list. Then click Join - and you
will enter the game if there are empty slots on the server.</p>
<p><strong><a title="12" name="12" id="12"></a>How to see network
game stats?</strong><br>
Press "Tab".</p>
<p><strong><a title="13" name="13" id="13"></a>Can I play in split
screen via network?</strong><br>
Sure. On server machine, choose Yes in Split screen mode selector,
as explained above.</p>
<p><strong><a title="14" name="14" id="14"></a>Can I help the
developers?</strong><br>
Yes of course! Please report all bugs or problems using <a href=
"http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=167474">our bug
tracker</a>; and share your game experience with us in this
blog.</p>
<p>And we will gladly accept your translation of the game (and the
website, including this page!) to any new language (currently we
have Russian, English, German and French ones).</p>
<p>And the simplest way to help the project is <a href=
"http://sourceforge.net/donate/index.php?group_id=167474">making a
donation</a> - our developers are always hungry!</p>
<p><strong><a title="15" name="15" id="15"></a>I am a
representative of... Umm... Well, I have an offer for your
team.</strong><br>
All your valuable ideas and offers are welcome. Please contact
Alexander Wagner at <a href=
"mailto:wagner@netive.ru">wagner@netive.ru</a>.</p>
</div>
<h3>Credits:</h3>
<div class="text">
<p><strong>Programming:</strong><br>
Vladimir "Whoozle" Menshakov.</p>
<p><strong>Graphics:</strong><br>
Alexander "Methos" Wagner.<br>
<strong>Level Design:</strong><br>
Vladimir "Private Face" Zhuravlev</p>
<p><strong>Something resembing music:</strong><br>
Vladimir "Petrovich" Volkov.</p>
<p><strong>Sound Effects:</strong><br>
Leonid "Dark Matter" Volkov.</p>
<p>Netive Media Group. (c) 2006-2007</p>
</div>
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btanks 0.9.8083-6 / usr / share / doc / btanks / html / index.html
