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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