Terra is an online game developed by Terra Outlands in June 1997. This action game requires a Windows OS, in which you have to play as a vehicle operator in a 24×7 3D virtual world individual or clan based battle game.
Terra is a virtual world played from the first-person perspective with one of several vehicles, originally limited to a medium tank (Rhino), light scout vehicle (Goat), or a heavy long-range self-propelled howitzer (Buffalo). A light attack helicopter (Shrike) was added sometime in 1997 and several other vehicle types have been added since, including a heavy tank (Armadillo) and fast laser-armed recon vehicles both land (Scarab) and air (Phoenix). Also, stationary fort defenses which existed from the start of the game (Thugs) as AI’s have been made player-usable.
The game has some role-playing aspects to it as each player makes a character whose statistics are tracked continuously. Each player aligns themselves with a clan, and all players start in one of two clans called the “Desert Rats” or “AMOK”. Players move from these two beginner/introductory clans by either pledging to existing primary clans or by forming their own clans. While many players do form their own clans most shortly wind up with established large clans since the Terra environment tends to not be friendly to such independent-minded players.
Terra is one of the few on-line games still playable by older computers and modems. In battle areas, where there is heavy vehicle traffic and weapons fire, the slowdowns are apparent but the game is still playable.
Ranks
Players are given rank status for the kill ratios they have attained. Higher rank means more privileges, although some of that is controlled by the clan leader for clan security reasons. Higher rank also allows the ability to create ones own clan, build forts and associated defences. Ranks go from Recruit at 0 kills, Trooper at 10 kills, Lance Corporal at 20 kills, Corporal at 50 kills, Sergeant at 100 kills (can withdraw money), Sergeant 1st Class at 150 kills (can build fuel and ammo dumps (depots)), Second Lieutenant at 200 kills (can build defenses), First Lieutenant at 250 kills (can form alliances), Captain at 300 kills (can build forts (castles), mobilebases, and powerplants), to Major at 500 kills. At Major, players can form their own clan, transfer bases, and designate a base as the clan’s “home fort.” After the rank of Major, the ranks go from Lt. Colonel at 150 kills, all the way up to Emperor at 500,000 kills.
You can play this game here.