PC Gamer readers have chosen the Mammoth Tank from Command & Conquer: Red Alert as the greatest Real-Time Strategy unit of all time. The decision came after a month-long, four-round voting process that culminated in a final showdown between the robust Soviet tank and the Priest from Age of Empires. The Mammoth Tank secured victory with 52% of the vote.
The Final Showdown
The competition began with 16 iconic RTS units. The final battle pitted the powerful Mammoth Tank against the religiously charged Priest. While the Priest demonstrated significant strength throughout the tournament, notably winning 80% of its first-round votes against Total Annihilation's Peewee, it ultimately could not overcome the Mammoth Tank's popularity.
Both finalists had parallel journeys to the end. In the quarterfinals, the Mammoth Tank faced off against Warcraft's Peon, while the Priest contended with Red Alert 2's Dolphin. Both units also survived challenging semifinals, where they went head-to-head against massive spaceships.
A Tank's Triumph
Josh, a representative from PC Gamer, offered a celebratory statement, attributing the Mammoth Tank's win to its sheer power and iconic status. "Comrades, fighters, tankisti. This is a triumph, but not a surprise, for how could anyone be shocked that iron and gunpowder beat hoary dogma?" he remarked. He further elaborated on the appeal of the Mammoth Tank, contrasting its "indomitable Soviet war machine" persona with the "organisational religion" of the Priest, and noting the popular appeal of the game's soundtrack, "Hell March."
The voting process, organized by PC Gamer, aimed to settle a long-standing debate among strategy game enthusiasts. The outcome signifies a strong reader preference for military might and iconic gameplay elements within the RTS genre. The publication concluded the announcement by suggesting a celebratory 24-hour listening session of the "Hell March" theme song.