Investigations

Battle Zone

JavaScript February 2026

A 3D wireframe tank game inspired by the 1980 Atari classic, built with JavaScript and Canvas.

Battle Zone recreates the iconic 1980 Atari arcade game in the browser. You're driving a tank in a 3D wireframe world, targeting enemy tanks and dodging their shots. The green vector graphics on black give it that authentic CRT arcade feel.

The 3D rendering is done entirely in 2D Canvas using manual perspective projection — no WebGL or Three.js. Lines are drawn with the classic vector game glow effect. Enemy tanks have basic AI: they patrol, turn to face you when in range, and fire.

Turret rotation, movement, and projectile physics all work in 3D space but render as 2D projections. The radar at the bottom shows enemy positions relative to your tank. It's minimal but captures the essence of the original.

What this project demonstrates

3D wireframe rendering on 2D Canvas
Manual perspective projection — no WebGL
Vector glow effect matching original CRT aesthetic
Enemy tank AI with patrol, targeting, and firing
Turret rotation and projectile physics in 3D space
Bottom radar showing enemy positions

Technologies

CanvasGameRetro3DWireframe

© 2026 Jonathan Leahy · v1.0.1-8-g3ed7c56