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For a company which claims its main priority is business software (and excellent business software it is too), Minerva has produced some high quality games, and Battle Tank is no exception.

The standard implausible background story is provided (It is the year 2037... etc) but the game consists of an overhead view of a high-tech tank under your control which you use to activate defences to repel the occupying enemy forces. On the way to this ultimate objective, plenty of fun is to be had feverishly trying to align your gun barrel to teach the baddies a loud and violent lesson.

Scrolling of the birds-eye view is smooth and flicker free and sampled tank-tracks and explosions have been implemented to good effect. There is a large playing area on each of the four levels, filled with many different, if not inspiringly innovative or original graphics.

There are some neat shading effects on some of these which add depth to the otherwise rather two-dimensional terrain.

Some constructive criticism to be levelled at the game is the poor handling of the tank itself. Although it has both forward and reverse controls for both tracks, it tends to embed itself all too readily into the surrounding shrubbery. Perhaps a simple left and right rotation coupled with an overall forward/reverse control would be better.

Another minor gripe is the fact that any tanks you hit go up in flames but fail to disappear from the screen for a long time, with their main fuselage remaining and blocking your path.

The score is nicely superimposed onto the main battle ground but the instructions are displayed in an eye-straining military-style font which is difficult to read at the best of times, let alone amidst explosions and other distractions.

Chris Cullen has produced a worthwhile addition to your games collection, even if it could do with a few improvements.