Electronic Arts marked the European release of Battlefield 3 by unleashing a fleet of 33,000 pound “tanksis” to ferry commuters around the city of London.
With a top speed of 29 mph, the FV433 “Abbot” isn’t going to get you from point A to point B in any kind of record-setting time. It’s also probably not the quietest or most comfortable ride you’ve ever had, and I imagine the fuel economy isn’t great either. Parallel parking is probably a nightmare.
On the other hand, it’s a tank, so the odds of you being cut off [and flipped off] by one of the many jerkwad idiots who prowl the roads on a daily basis is probably pretty thin. Armor plating and a 105mm gun has a way of getting people’s attention. And did I mention they weigh 33,000 pounds?
Commuters in London didn’t get to drive them but a lucky few did get a ride on the “tanksis” that EA turned loose on the city to mark the launch of Battlefield 3. Even better, the rides were free, although I’d happily pay a fare for a tank ride across the city. The tanksis ran all day yesterday around Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Westminster and Buckingham Palace, and returned to action today.
“Tanksis have been brought to the Capital to make the urban battlefield that is London’s roads more of a joy than the daily chore they currently are,” said EA’s Tom Golberger. “We wanted to launch Battlefield 3 in style and are looking forward to ferrying excited game fans and commuters around the city today.”
First FEARcats, now tanks. Why does London always get the cool stuff?
