Just a correction: the sequel was released in 1999 as Battlezone 2: Combat Commander. It was a AAA release and picked up the original alternate history storyline 30 years after the events of the first game, with all Earth-based factions now forming an official alliance and fighting a new common threat. It was insanely cool for a teenager back then.

While the sequel was technically far superior, I did miss the cold war tone of US vs Soviet conflict that was present in the first game.

I also loved the interpretation of Greek mythology through the “ancient aliens” lens (Hercules Brigade and all the other stuff, quite along the lines of what Stargate SG1 was doing at the time) that was revealed to you through briefings and pre-mission voiceovers. I think this was also more pronounced in the first game.

“However, World Bank data comes from the statistics provided by member countries, and Russia has in the past been accused of fudging figures as part of its ongoing “information war” against the West.”

Alternate headline: Russia says sanctions are making Russia stronger

The turret cooked off, presumably killing the commander and gunner. The escaping crew member is very likely the driver who sits in a separate compartment in the tank chassis.

This should illustrate: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T72B3-Crew.svg