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Magnifiers activated!
—A Prism Tank moments before a building is turned to dust

The Prism Tank is the iconic siege vehicle used by the European Alliance, utilizing a powerful long-ranged prism refractor mounted on a tank chassis.

Official description[]

When it comes to artillery, the Prism Tank is the go-to for every European commander, bending light into a solid beam capable of inflicting great destructive force. Due to the hefty weight of the tank, the charge couplings usually built in Prism Towers were removed to allow for better mobility. This makes the Prism Tank ineffective against armored vehicles. The tank's prism refractor is not only effective at destroying enemy structures, but can also function as an anti-infantry weapon in a pinch.[1]

Overview[]

For a detailed list of changes from the original game, click here.

Out of the three main Allied siege units, the Prism Tank represents the most direct approach to tackling long-range support and base sieges. Its main weapon, the prism refractor, attacks by charging then firing a prism beam at its target. Its prism beams deliver strong, vaporizing strikes that are highly effective against both infantry and structures, usually taking just a few hits to destroy most buildings it encounters. When grouped, these capabilities get much more lethal - a small group of Prism Tanks will easily and swiftly lay waste to a poorly-defended base. The powerful and deadly beam of light launched from the Prism Tank's refractor also radiates from the target to hit multiple enemies nearby. This, combined with its strong damage output makes it an excellent counter to groups of infantry.

Prism Tanks hit their targets instantly and accurately. Their prism beams involve no projectiles nor target locks and therefore cannot be evaded one the shot is taken. Unlike most other siege vehicles, Prism Tanks are capable of striking targets at almost point blank range, ensuring that it's not completely defenseless against enemies that close the gap. It's also the fastest of the Allied siege vehicles, allowing it a certain degree of mobility and flexibility on the battlefield.

For all their raw power and might, the Prism Tank still suffers from various drawbacks. The most apparent one is its paper-thin armor, meaning that anything able to withstand its prism refractor's beams is a lethal threat. It suffers from a relatively slow rate of fire, and its prism beams deal poor damage against heavy armor. While aircraft is a solid counter to all siege units, the Prism Tank's lack of armor makes it even more vulnerable to precision bombing runs - armored tanks and air units are therefore perfect counters against the Prism Tank, unless it is escorted by other units like Cavalier Tanks, Mirage Tanks and Archon AMCs. Despite having excellent siege capabilities, Prism Tanks suffer from a relatively short maximum range for a siege unit, especially when compared to champions of long-range siege like Pacific Front Hailstorms and Soviet Scud Launchers. As such, they cannot outrange long-range base defenses such as Hammer Defenses, Grand Cannons or Antares Batteries, and will promptly perish if a direct assault is attempted.

AI behavior[]

Prism Tanks controlled by the AI have the following attack patterns:

All difficulties[]

  • 2x targeting structures, accompanied by 6 Siege Cadres
  • 2x targeting base defenses
    • This task force may be accompanied by 2 additional Prism Tanks

Easy[]

  • 4x targeting production structures
    • The AI will use Chronoshift on this task force to teleport them near an enemy War Factory
    • This task force is accompanied by a Spy that will infiltrate a power plant

Medium/Hard[]

  • 2x targeting infantry
    • This task force may be accompanied by 2 additional Prism Tanks
  • 2x targeting infantry, accompanied by 2 Robot Tanks
    • This task force may be accompanied by 2 additional Prism Tanks
  • 2x guarding friendly base
    • This task force may be accompanied by 2 additional Prism Tanks
  • 4x targeting structures
    • The AI may use Chronoboost on this task force
    • If possible, Shadow Ring may also be applied
  • 6x targeting production structures
    • The AI will use Chronoshift on this task force to teleport them near an enemy War Factory
    • This task force is accompanied by a Spy that will infiltrate a power plant
    • Hard AI is more likely to build this task force than Medium AI

Appearances[]

SteinsTech sent us the blueprint of their new siege and anti-infantry unit, the Prism Tank.
—Allied intel during Operation: Panic Cycle

Act One[]

  • The Prism Tank makes its first appearance in Panic Cycle, where it becomes buildable once the player takes control of the European base.

Act Two[]

Your overreliance on a single unit in combat is a decision that continues to puzzle us. It is a strategy that might not be as effective as you think in the future battles to come.
—Allied intel during Operation: Relentless
  • In Stormbringer, where the player is playing as the Pacific Front, similar to Obstinate, Prism Tanks replace Hailstorms as a buildable unit, requiring a Robot Ops Control Center instead of a Shield Command like normal.
  • In Relentless, if the player builds too many Prism Tanks and only Prism Tanks, the quote above will appear that serves to discourage the player from relying on building only one unit. This is a reference to a common Allied strategy in Red Alert 2, as mass Prism Tanks in the original game excel at destroying everything on the ground.


Special Ops[]

Assessment[]

Pros Cons
  • Very effective against enemy structures and infantry.
  • Outranges most enemy base defenses.
  • Prism refractor beam disperses and damages multiple targets.
  • Hits targets instantly and accurately.
  • Lightly armored.
  • Vulnerable to aerial and anti-armor threats.
  • Weapon ineffective against enemy tanks.

See also[]

External links[]

References[]

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