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Tanks are the kings of the battlefield. The Second World War proved that beyond doubt. As killing technology has improved, so have the defensive measures such as armour and target profile. So it's back to square one, really.

NATO's tanks are widely consider better than those of the Warsaw Pact. And the best NATO tank is the Abrams M1. This beast weighs 63 tons, has a 1500 horsepower engine and does over 40mph. It also packs a laser-designated fire-control system coupled to the best 120mm gun money can buy.

M1 Tank Platoon gives you four battle-tanks, plus assorted Armoured Personnel Carriers and artillery. The detail with which you can control this hardware convinces that this isn't just a game, it's a very complex simulation. You need to be au fait with a great many facets of modern warfare, including each job performed by the four men in your tank.

You can switch between each position in the tank to carry out any job you want yourself. Usually the gunner's position is the best to take over, as you can achieve the satisfaction of destroying the enemy using your own skill and judgement (and the laser sights).

You can train both your crews and yourself on a gunnery range before going for the real thing. In the battle option you are able to select the calibre of the enemy, as well as the type of combat scenario you wish to indulge in.

You get briefed thoroughly on the forthcoming combat. During the battle you need to consult your battle map, which tells you the status and position of all the forces, and enables you to make tactical and strategic decisions.

You can zoom in and out of the map and pinpoint the position of enemy vehicles and anti-tank teams. If you get too close to either things get pretty hot, so make sure your crews know exactly what they're supposed to be doing.

The in-tank views are complex and the battle scenes can get very hectic, so the game does slow down at certain points, but overall graphics are good, and quickly updated. You can view the proceedings from any point above the tanks, which adds atmosphere.

Sound is OK. There may not be any intrusive engine noises or tank-like squealings to annoy your neighbours, but you do get a powerfully atmospheric feeling once the shelling starts.

You can't launch yourself into this one without learning your stuff. There is a great deal of depth, and you'll want to act as Driver and Platoon Commander as well as Gunner. Each is fairly easily mastered, but it requires practice and skill to switch between the roles when your tank is being shelled by the entire Warsaw Pact.

Possibly M1 Tank Platoon is too complex for the game enthusiast. It does have a great sense of atmosphere, however, and the level of detail is certainly impressive. There is a strong strategic element which contrasts nicely with the in-tank moving and firing, so you are aware that you must try and win the battle using your training, reactions and leadership.