Eric, it’s Space Harrier. You were thinking of Space Harrier.
Alex, according to gamefaqs, the tanks are just used for point bonuses when you kill the bosses. Makes sense, as this is all that the stars did in Tobidase Daisakusen / 3D Worldrunner. You can get other powerups by running into (non-fire) columns. Avoid the orb-looking ones, though, since they kill you instantly.
Eric, it’s Space Harrier. You were thinking of Space Harrier.
Alex, according to gamefaqs, the tanks are just used for point bonuses when you kill the bosses. Makes sense, as this is all that the stars did in Tobidase Daisakusen / 3D Worldrunner. You can get other powerups by running into (non-fire) columns. Avoid the orb-looking ones, though, since they kill you instantly.