Crackpots Deep cut
Atari 2600 · Shooter / Shoot 'em Up
Tanks but No Tanks
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Released | 1983 |
| Genre | Shooter, Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Zimag |
| Publisher | Zimag |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 2 |
Released for the Atari 2600 in 1983, Tanks but No Tanks is a shooter developed by Zimag. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Phantom Tank. It blends shooter and shoot 'em up elements.
It landed about 6 years into the 2600's life. Other notable 2600 releases from 1983 include Mario Bros., E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Halloween. Among the 26 2600 shooters in our database, it ranks #15 by legacy score.
Zimag also made I Want My Mommy, 4 Game in One and Open Sesame for the 2600.
Tanks but No Tanks supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the 2600 hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you are not a fan of fast-paced aiming and twitch reflexes
What playing Tanks but No Tanks is like
Shooters are built around aiming and firing, from first-person corridor blasters and light-gun games to run-and-gun stages and multidirectional arcade shooters.
Tip for newcomers: Retro shooters were designed for CRT TVs and original controllers; light-gun games in particular need special hardware or alternative controls on modern screens.
Tanks but No Tanks walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Tanks but No Tanks.
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Playing 2600 games today
Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.
Tanks but No Tanks FAQ
When did Tanks but No Tanks come out on the 2600?
Tanks but No Tanks was released for the Atari 2600 in 1983.
Who made Tanks but No Tanks?
It was developed by Zimag.
Is Tanks but No Tanks multiplayer?
Yes. Tanks but No Tanks supports up to 2 players.
How long does Tanks but No Tanks take to play?
As a shooter, Tanks but No Tanks typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.