
However, as even light tanks weigh several tons, these machines can easily crush infantry by running them over. Generally, tanks have one or more cannons which deal decent damage to structures, vehicles, and other tanks, but have difficulty accurately hitting smaller infantry, and therefore dealt less damage via shrapnel. Historically, Tanks first appeared during the First World War, earning their name from the water tanks they were disguised as. Tanks are armored vehicles with treads, that often make up the backbone of offensive taskforces. Tanks are the key to any victory as you will know! The large Chinese tanks were originally intended for a US faction that would have emphasized armor, but this was changed by the final game, which gave China its own tank general and the Crusader to the United States base faction.Crusader Tanks can in mass be a undefeatable threat.
The early design of crusader resembles the design of the Chinese Overlord tank. Its model and its texture can still be accessed by browsing through the game's files.
In some ways, the early design's chassis slightly resembled the Siege tank from the StarCraft series.
Much like the Raptor's early design, the Crusader also used a gold skin and completely different tread design. It was likely removed for balancing reasons. Coding of the machine gun is still present in the game codes, being merely commented out instead of removed. The Crusader was originally going to be armed with a coaxial machine gun in addition to its main cannon. Interestingly, this tank combines the resemblance of a real life Leopard 2 & M1 Abrams main battle tanks (further reinforced by the fact that the model's name is 'AVLeopard'). Therefore, it does not appear in the Generals Challenge outside of several cutscenes. None of the American generals utilize the Crusader. However it is easily countered by anti-tank infantry and aircraft, as well as long-range units such as the GLA's Rocket Buggy, against which it has little defense. This tank retains its usefulness even in late-game matches, being able to go head-on with all other vehicles in its same class. The Crusader has an edge over most other tanks due to its superior armor.
Purchasable at any Strategy Center for $1500 Allowed Crusader, along with all other USA units gain veteran status twice as fast.