Buy this game for its multiplayer value only!
In multiplayer mode, you pick from a variety of battle arenas that stretch across the armageddon-torn United States. There are plenty of arenas and gameplay types, such as capture-the-flag, that give it an average replay value. Depending on the arena you chose will most likely determine which five-tank line-up you'll choose.
There aren't many tanks to choose from (three from what I remember). Basically, it's large, medium or small. Even though there are only three, each has a very unique purpose.
The small tank, which is built like a heavily armored three-wheeled motorcycle, is faster than the other two tank types. It's purpose is generally for hit and run tactics, ammo hording, or flag-capturing. If a player knows an arena well enough, they can simply hide in different areas of the map while they constantly let loose on player-guided missles. This tank can also set quick mine traps for enemy tanks it knows will cross a certain path. Because you're so fast, you can even set the mines right in front of an enemy tank while it's moving, but you have to be real good for that. The major disadvantage as you can imagine would be two things. One, you can actually be crushed by a large tank. Two, just one hit from a large tank and you're toast!
The medium tank is a great balance of speed, power and maneuverability. In my experience, they serve as great escorts for the larger tanks, which is why these tanks usually are the brunt of your fighting force. They can take quite a few hits from a large tank. If you're a really good driver, you can actually stand toe-to-toe with a large tank in open terrain by simply out-maneuvering the slow behemoth. You'll also have an easier time picking off any small tanks that swarm around you like hornets.
Finally, the large tanks are built for power alone. They serve two purposes, destroy and defend. Being the big kid on the block defintely has it's advantages. These behemoths freely roam arenas without much fear of being destroyed. Even when they are showing extensive physical damage, you can take quite a few more hits before you find some health to restore it. The pain it can deal out is enormous unless it's standing toe-to-toe with another large tank. This is why the medium tank is a great compliment to the large ones. As you would guess, these large tanks are slow and difficult to maneuver. They're something to fear in urban maps but are somewhat vulnerable in open terrain. Small tanks love to swarm around these guys in the open. The true uniqueness of the large tank is it's ability to defend a base in capture-the-flag mode. At the beginning of the game, these tanks are attached to a bases rail system that gives it the abililty to quickly move from side-to-side. The tanks also experience double its fire rate making it extremely dangerous for ANY lone take to enter its territory. If need be, you can actually detach the tank from the rail system to use in the front lines just like you would pull a goalee in hockey. Since the detachment is permanent, make sure you're absolutely sure before you do.
Overall, if you have an environment with a bunch of roomies who don't mind mindless fun, I would definitely buy this game. Since it costs just as much now to rent it, you might as well buy it.