Bang! Bang!

Bang! Bang! is a two-player artillery game developed by David B. Lutton II and released in October 1990. It was designed for Windows 3.x and is one of the earliest shareware games to use Windows graphics. The game pits two tanks against each other in a turn-based shooting match on destructible terrain. Players adjust shot angle and power while factoring in wind. Simple gameplay and quick matches made it a go-to for 90s PC users.

Developer Background and Shareware Roots

David B. Lutton II developed Bang! Bang! as a solo project, typical of early 90s shareware titles. The game wasn't tied to a big publisher, giving it a grassroots, independent feel.

Shareware allowed players to try it for free and pay if they enjoyed it. This model helped Bang! Bang! spread quickly among early Windows users. Its small file size and local multiplayer made it ideal for casual desktop gaming.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Bang! Bang! is a turn-based projectile game where each player controls a tank placed on opposite sides of a hilly map. The terrain is randomly generated and can be destroyed with well-placed shots. On each turn, players adjust angle and power to hit the enemy tank. Wind strength and direction change each round, requiring precise calculations. Hits damage opponents or reshape the map to create cover or expose weaknesses.

Strategy and Replayability

The game requires patience, timing, and spatial judgment. Players must learn to compensate for changing wind and unpredictable terrain layouts. Every match feels different due to terrain variation and physics-based interactions. Because of its short matches and skill-based mechanics, Bang! Bang! offers high replay value. Two players on the same machine can compete in fast-paced, strategic rounds.

Environmental Physics and Terrain Impact

Wind is a major gameplay element. It shifts each turn and alters a projectile’s arc significantly. Players must watch the wind gauge before shooting. Explosions create craters in the terrain, changing the playing field with every turn. A single shot can alter strategy by forming new cover or exposing a tank.

Weapons and Shot Customization

Bang! Bang! includes various weapons, each with its own power and impact. Some cause small precise blasts, while others have wide damage zones. Players can experiment with different shots depending on the terrain and enemy location. Special weapons may be limited in use, adding a layer of resource management. Strategic selection of weapon types is key in late-game standoffs.

Closest Modern Artillery Game Successors

There is no official remake of Bang! Bang!, but many artillery games continue its legacy. The Worms series builds on Bang! Bang!’s formula with teams, humor, and a huge variety of weapons.

ShellShock Live offers online multiplayer, custom tanks, and hundreds of unique weapons with physics-based combat. Even games like Angry Birds use trajectory mechanics and destructible structures inspired by classic artillery concepts. These titles modernize Bang! Bang!’s core gameplay for new platforms and audiences.

How to Play Bang! Bang! on Modern PCs

Bang! Bang! was designed for 16-bit Windows environments like Windows 3.0 and 3.1. Modern 64-bit systems no longer support 16-bit apps natively. To run it today, use a virtual machine with Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 installed. You can also use tools like WineVDM, which allows some 16-bit Windows software to run on 64-bit systems. Setup requires technical steps, but the game runs smoothly once configured.

Walkthrough: How a Typical Match Plays Out

There’s no campaign, but each match follows the same loop. Start by observing your tank's position relative to your opponent. Look at terrain elevation, obstacles, and craters. Check the wind meter to understand current conditions. Choose a weapon, then adjust your cannon’s angle and shot power.

Take the shot and watch the projectile arc through the air. If you hit your target, the tank takes damage. If you miss, use the outcome to refine your aim. Terrain changes with every explosion, so repositioning becomes part of your strategy. Keep firing until one tank is destroyed.

Final Thoughts on Bang! Bang!

Bang! Bang! is a pure, no-frills artillery game that captures the joy of competitive physics-based combat. It laid the groundwork for later classics like Scorched Earth and Worms. Its destructible terrain and wind physics still hold up as compelling gameplay elements. Though simple by modern standards, it remains a nostalgic gem of early Windows gaming. With the right tools, you can still enjoy Bang! Bang! on modern PCs today.