Sengoku no Jieitai

Universal’s Sengoku no Jieitai, released in Japan in April 1980, places two players in a field setting as they command tanks against a series of objectives. The game is controlled with an eight-way joystick and single button, allowing for straightforward movement and firing. Players navigate their tanks across the screen, attempting to score points by destroying both moving and stationary enemy vehicles. Points are awarded differently based on the type of tank destroyed; parked tanks offer double the value of those in motion. A strategic approach involves maneuvering around the moving tanks to reach the parked ones positioned behind a river—a tactic that rewards players with bonus time for free shots. The game represents Universal’s initial foray into video games and later received distribution by Gottlieb, marking their first venture outside of pinball production. The technical specifications include a Zilog Z80 processor and DAC sound chip, contributing to the gameplay experience. Two players can participate simultaneously, adding a cooperative element to the tank battles unfolding on screen.