In the early months of 2025, gamers have been treated to an array of exciting new titles. However, some late 2024 releases have flown under the radar, including TankHead, a unique roguelike vehicular combat adventure that quietly launched on the Epic Games Store in December. Developed by Alpha Channel, this game offers an intriguing blend of futuristic combat and atmospheric storytelling set in a world devastated by a catastrophic event.

The Post-Apocalyptic Setting and Gameplay Mechanics

TankHead unfolds in a world several years after a cataclysmic disaster, where players control Whitaker, a digitized human consciousness inhabiting a drone body. The narrative drives Whitaker into the Event Containment Area (ECA), a hazardous zone where ordinary humans cannot survive. His mission is to return to Highpoint, a mythical floating city, navigating through a desolate landscape filled with dangers.

To achieve his goal, Whitaker must commandeer a modular light-armored tank and confront the TankHeads—haunted drone weapons. This involves recovering powerful cores from derelict stations and battling formidable bosses. The game's three open-world areas are teeming with hostile forces, making each expedition a test of skill and strategy. Initially underpowered, players can loot resources like scrap, chips, and E-115 to upgrade their tanks and abilities, gradually becoming formidable enough to face the ECA's challenges. The combat system is intense, featuring strategic targeting of enemy weak points and scavenging for upgrades. Players can also detach from their tanks to explore inaccessible areas, adding a layer of versatility to the gameplay.

Visual Style and Storytelling

The visual design of TankHead draws inspiration from industrial aesthetics and physical model kits, creating a strikingly futuristic yet grounded atmosphere. Vehicles and environments are meticulously crafted, enhancing the immersive experience. Boss encounters, such as The Diver, showcase impressive designs that blend mechanical elements with organic features, culminating in memorable and challenging battles.

While the story's ending may feel somewhat anticlimactic, the world-building is rich and engaging. Collectibles scattered throughout the ECA provide insight into a nation-state's transformation following the discovery of E-115, leading to conflict with neighboring countries. Although it would be beneficial to have an easier way to review these collectibles, the overall narrative and lore add depth to the game. TankHead offers a compelling 10 to 15-hour campaign filled with exploration and combat, making it a standout title in the roguelike genre. Its unique setting and mechanics ensure that players will find plenty of reasons to return to the Event Containment Area.