The first thing you must get to grips with is tank control. The two tracks are controlled independently of each other. This alone makes movement slightly tricky at first, but couple that with the fact that the turret, and therefore the direction you are looking, is also independently controlled you'll have trouble at first getting all these factors to gel in the heat of combat. Unless you're a human octopus a little practice is necessary to see you scooting around the planet surface like a pro.

Power core collection is the name of the game and eight lie scattered about each level. Protecting these are an array of computer-controlled tanks, each equipped with the same radar and controls as you. This is where your weaponry comes in to play. Different types of shells and mines, from bouncing to magnetic, can be scavenged from the planet surface or picked up from friendly helicopters. The shells follow a realistic trajectory so the turret elevation must also be taken into account when giving the enemy a good pasting. Of course, if that doesn't work don't hesitate to get in there and ram the other tanks. Flipping opponents over makes them easy pickings, as long as the same doesn't happen to you.

However, promises of hectic, non-stop combat are short lived. On the early levels the enemy is more difficult to find than the power cores, making the whole experience rather easy. Combine this with the ability to die repeatedly with no real loss (the cores just sit happily where you died) and the challenge is lost. This wouldn't be so bad if the levels offered any variety, but sadly each one is barely distinguishable from the last. The colour or the hills might change slightly but there's no striking difference.

Although Wild Metal Country looks fantastic graphically and the control is quite unique, the gameplay quickly becomes exceedingly dull. It's a pity because the piece has been put together well, but regrettably there's nothing to keep you playing.