50 caliber machine gun is available for use against light armor units. In this role, you can assume control of the main gun, take aim, and fire the gun yourself once the gunner shouts "identified," or let the gunner take control. The TC viewpoint is through the gunner's primary sight, which allows you to evaluate the target and decide whether to fire or not. As TC, you control the tank itself, issuing orders to the gunner and driver, or hopping from tank to tank to assess the situation and acquire new targets. Arrow keys are used to move the turret after you sight an enemy. The gunner has the best view of the battlefield, making use of primary, auxiliary and unity sights, as well as thermal imaging, which allows him to differentiate a mottled green/brown camouflaged tank from the green brown world. The two most important positions in each playable tank are the tank commander (TC) and gunner. Units can be given specific way points and standing orders, including formations and speed to target, and react intelligently to the very good enemy AI by seeking cover and returning fire. A useful map displays routes and initial unit placements. Just before each mission, you receive a briefing of the objectives and garner some intelligence on what to expect. The lack of continuity in the missions, which for some may pose a problem, actually gives you the sense of how random war can be from one day to the next. Even though each tutorial covers only one concept, a verbal walk through would have enhanced this aspect.Īll the tutorials and preparation offered prior to going into battle still won't be enough - which is a good thing. There are a dozen tutorials for each tank and eight all-purpose lessons covering nearly every aspect of tank management, ranging from the main gun to ordering units on the battlefield. You can use any combination of mouse, joystick and keyboard, or all three, if you're dexterous. The best is the Thermal Imaging System (TIS), which shows heat sources in shades of green and offers a solid method for targeting and killing enemies due to the smoke and dust kicked up during battle. The interface is easy to use and precise, with every gunnery and command station providing several ways to view the battlefield. Unfortunately, the less armored units will realistically suffer heavy losses.Įven though micro-management of your tank army isn't required, there's still quite a lot of detail, but it won't overwhelm the beginner. The AI is smart, enough so that units not only follow your battle plan orders, but also look for cover when under fire and actually engage new threats when they appear. You have command and control over several platoons of tanks, Infantry Fighting Vehicles, artillery and squads of light infantry and must form them into a cohesive single fighting force. The common denominator running through all missions is the emphasis on combined arms tactics.
Combat ranges from tank-to-tank combat to regimental battles. You are always put in the lead tank so you can get a better view of the battlefield. There are 46 missions that take place in Iraq, Korea, Germany and North America, and thanks to the AI and graphics, each gives you a distinct experience. The tanks, such as the Russian Cold War era T-80 and T-72, are accurate and usually kill in two or three hits.
The AI is superb and offers a challenge for even the most seasoned simulation fan. Most of your time is spent scanning the surroundings, moving units, and firing weapons. What is offered are pure battlefield tactics from a first-person perspective.
This straightforward simulation has no campaign mode or CGI movies of tanks rolling into battle, no voiceovers, and no one talks you through the instructional lessons. Add to this the varied battlefields of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, a battalion level, and a tactical planner and you have a solid, fun and satisfying game. Steel Beasts gives you the chance to command the US M1A1 and German Leopard 2A4 tanks without having to obsess about every gauge, dial and scope, nor does it force the strict policies and procedures of the military on you.
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