Omega

OMEGA is a computer game published by Origin Systems in 1989. The game puts the player in the role of a cyber-tank designer and programmer. Given a limited budget, the player must design a tank that can defeat a series of ever more challenging opponent tanks. Each successful design yields a higher security clearance, and a larger budget, ultimately resulting in an OMEGA clearance and an unlimited budget. What makes this game different is that the real focus isn't on the combat but on programming the tank itself.

The tanks are programmed using a built-in text editor allows the player to program the tank using various AI script commands, similar in structure to BASIC. The programming language permits control of various aspects of the tank, and also allows teams of tanks to communicate and to coordinate their actions. While commands exist to allow the player to exert anything from minor to full control of the tank, successful designs tend to be automated. Decision making is an important part of the design process as the programming must reflect the equipment placed on the tank.

The original game came on 5 1/4" floppies, but had no copy protection, so could be copied to 3 1/2" or a hard drive.