| Review: Steel Beasts | |
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Each tank has a set of 20 tutorials, which discuss the essential functions and positions. Tutorials are text-based instructions followed by real-time action and go over basic tank commands, gunnery, driving commands, tank command, calling in artillery, and command of multiple units. The tutorials are exceptional and necessary for having any chance of success. They do not simply glaze over a series of keyboard or joystick controls but explain the real workings of the tank, how it works in Steel Beasts, and why. Accompanied by an 80-page manual, you'll be amazed at the amount of information at your fingertips. Your new tank training also includes a gunnery range to hone your skills and newfound knowledge of firing the big gun.
The main criticism of Steel Beasts is the lack of 3d acceleration and really polished graphics. This is not to say that SB is an ugly sim, but you will not see gradient shadows or wispy clouds of gunsmoke that seem to be par for the course of other sims. Instead, the objects are more 2-dimensional, though still very detailed in appearance. The rendering of trees, infantry, and other vehicles (such as APCs) is adequate. It is doubtful that graphics were traded for realism, but even if it were the case, it was a welcome decision. The graphics do not distract and once you are accustomed to the environment, you simply forget that it isn't as pretty as the other sim you just bought and probably shelved for its simple gameplay.
Missions in Steel Beasts are fairly linear, and there is no Dynamic Campaign. However, the objectives and theme behind each mission are well thought out and varied. In addition, the transition between tank commander and gunnery, command of several units, and calling in artillery create a great depth in gameplay. I found myself replaying missions in gunnery or tank commander roles, mainly to see how much faster kills were delivered when I was the TC and not gunning.
Unlike many other sims, Steel Beasts comes with a map editor and mission editor. They are both easy to use and offer a good set of tools to customize a scenario. There is also a multiplayer mode that offers the same possibilities as single player - act as TC or gunner, with other simmers taking the opposite role in the same tank or other tanks. You can also choose a "deathmatch" style of play or co-op.
Steel Beasts is an excellent example of the power of the independent developer to create a compelling sim that hugely enhances the offerings of our genre. This review may seem like I'm in Shrapnel Games' pocket, but if so, they must have paid just about every major publication who collectively consider this the best there is in tank sim to date (see sidebar for other reviews from around the Net).
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