The Antisocial Gamer

  Could this be the WWII sim we’ve been waiting for?   With every update, Aces & Armour is shaping up to deliver a rich and immersive experience grounded in realism and historical authenticity. But the developers are careful to balance ambition with practicality, focusing on delivering a thoughtful and polished game. Here’s what we know so far. Aiming for Realism At its heart, Aces & Armour is aiming to create a detailed and authentic WWII experience. Set across various theatres of the war, including the Eastern Front (1942), North Africa, and the Pacific, players will only be able to use vehicles and equipment that were historically present in each region. The focus is on real vehicles that saw significant action. While occasional prototypes or paper vehicles might make limited appearances, 95% of battles will feature iconic tanks like the Panzer IV, Sherman, and T-34—not the experimental or fantastical. Key Features Here’s what stands out about Aces &...

"Attempt to Increase Terrain LOD in WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger – Challenges in Matching Binocular View Detail"   I've been trying to increase terrain LOD in WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger to get the regular camera view to render terrain as fully detailed as it appears in binocular view. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve done so far: ZNear Setting (PlayerUnit.script) : The binocular view uses a ZNear of 0.1f , so I tried applying that to the regular camera (default is 1.5f ). I thought it might impact LOD by reducing the near clipping distance, but no improvement—no visible change in distant terrain detail. Field of View (FOV) (PlayerUnit.script) : The binoculars use a narrower FOV, which might be forcing maximum LOD at further distances (just our guess). Tried applying this FOV setting to the normal camera, but it didn’t affect terrain detail outside binocular mode. Control State and Link Settings (PlayerUnit.script) : The binocular view uses SetControlState(0)...

While tinkering with T-34 vs. Tiger , I came across something interesting in the script files—a reference to a "Cu_veh_t34_76_42_InsideModel." It looks like the devs might have planned to include a fully playable T-34/76, but it never made it into the final game. Considering the T-34/85 is fully realized, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think they intended to finish the T-34/76 too. I’m thinking it might be possible to adapt the T-34/85’s interior model for the T-34/76. They’re pretty close in design, and this could be a quick win to get the T-34/76 into playable shape, even if it was left unfinished. Fixing the Sound Issue in MMP7 On a different note, if you’ve been getting an error about a missing "bullethit_armour04.wav" sound in MMP7, I’ve fixed it. The missing sound file is restored, and I’ve made it JSGME-ready. Just drop it into the mods folder, activate it, and the error is gone. Download the fix here.

A Quick Note Before We Dive In If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know it’s usually focused on tanks and military simulations. But after 12 years of writing, I thought I’d take a brief detour into something a bit different. This post is all about my recent experience re-engaging with Star Citizen , a space sim I’ve had a long and complicated relationship with. While it might seem like a departure from my usual content, there are still plenty of parallels—complex mechanics, immersive worlds, and the joy (and frustration) of getting lost in a simulation. So, if you’re up for something a little out of left field, stick around! TL;DR After nearly a year away from Star Citizen, I returned to find a game that’s improved in many ways, though it still has its frustrations. Performance is smoother, the graphics remain stunning, and features like the new HUD and jump drive system are much better than I expected, despite the negative buzz. I’ve decided to stop spending money on ...

Screenshot from Panzer Elite, a classic tank simulation game. If you had told me in 1998 that I'd still be playing Panzer Elite in 2024, I might have looked at you like you'd grown a second head. Yet here I am, deeply entrenched in the captivating world of one of the most enduring tank simulators ever created. What makes this game from the last millennium still worth my time? Let me take you through the myriad reasons that keep me coming back to Panzer Elite, year after year. A Historical Journey Like No Other Panzer Elite offers a unique experience that few other tank sims can match: you start your career as a tanker at the dawn of World War II and carry it through to the bitter end. This long-term progression is not just a series of missions; it's a journey through history. Watching your crew evolve, your tanks upgrade, and the war unfold in a historically accurate manner provides an immersive experience that modern games often fail to replicate. Panther created updated b...

Join me in this tank battle with Easy Red 2's "Kursk - Blood and Sunflowers" mission by Nutella the Hun / Iggra. The historic Operation Zitadelle unfolds with battles between the German and Soviet forces. Mission Details: - Map: Kharkov South - 7/10/1943 - Game mode: Operation (5 phases) - Invaders: Axis - Defenders: Allies I am facing off against Soviet defences, and navigating through realistic battlefield conditions updated to match historical weather reports.

As a dedicated fan of tank simulations and a seasoned gamer, I'm always searching for titles that offer a rich, immersive battlefield experience. Easy Red 2, an indie game developed by Marco Amadei, promises large-scale battles, historical accuracy, and a variety of vehicles, making it a standout for those of us who love tank warfare. But what really sets this game apart is its approach to combined arms simulation. Here’s a tanker's take on why Easy Red 2 deserves your attention.    First Impressions From the moment you boot up Easy Red 2, the game pleases with its straightforward yet comprehensive menu system. It offers a built-in mission editor and a full map editor, allowing for extensive customization and replayability. This feature alone is a dream come true for any simulation enthusiast, providing endless possibilities for creating and tailoring battles to your liking.   Combined Arms Warfare Easy Red 2 excels in delivering a semi-realistic (from a tankers perspect...

Introduction Modding communities play a crucial role in extending the life of video games, introducing new features, and enhancing player experiences. This deep dive explores the personal journeys, technical breakthroughs, and collaborative efforts within the modding community, particularly focusing on the game "Panzer Elite." Q: How do you view your (Brit44) contribution to the developments mentioned in relation to other modders? A: While I have initiated several advancements in PE, it's important to recognize that my contributions are part of a larger group effort. Figures like the L&L brothers have been particularly instrumental during critical transitional periods after original team members departed, helping to sustain and evolve the game's modding landscape. Q: Describe your entry into the world of development software. A:   I joined PEDG after the release of Panzer Elite as a 3D modeler.  Around the time Wings Simulations was sold to JoWood, and af...

  Introduction As an avid enthusiast of WWII tank simulators, it's disheartening to witness the missed opportunities in this genre, particularly concerning Graviteam's "Steel Fury: Kharkov 1942." Despite its promising foundations, "Steel Fury" was left behind as its developer, Andrey from Graviteam Tactics, shifted focus to the real-time strategy game "Mius Front." Every time I play "Mius Front," I am reminded of the untapped potential that "Steel Fury" held—potential that Andrey could have maybe capitalized on, and perhaps still might, though it's unlikely. The Evolution of Mius Front and the Overlooked Steel Fury "Mius Front" has thrived, growing stronger with each update. It boasts numerous upgrades, varied Eastern Front theatre's of war, and an extensive array of units. Some notable theatre's added to "Mius Front" include: Operation Star: Focuses on the winter offensive of 1943. Shield of the...

Hello tank enthusiasts and WWII gaming fans! We have some exciting news to share with you. To bring our community closer and provide a space for real-time discussions, we have launched the PanzerSims Discord server! Why Join Our Discord Server? : Our Discord server is the perfect place to connect with fellow tank simulation fans. Here are some of the great benefits of joining: Real-Time Chats : Engage in live discussions about your favourite tank games and WWII history. Exclusive Game Nights : Participate in special game nights and events organized just for our community. Modding Tips : Share and discover tips and tricks for modding your favourite games. Direct Access to Moderators : Get help and support from our moderators instantly. What to Expect : Upon joining, you’ll find a variety of channels tailored to different interests: #general : For general discussions and chit-chat. #clips-and-highlights : Share your best gameplay moments and screenshots. #modding : A dedicated space for ...

Here is my low poly Hetzer I created over 10 years ago now. I have now managed to Export it from SketchUp and into Blender, also with the help of a Blender GPT I can section it into parts ready for export. This was always a sticking point for me, as of today I can ask the GPT a specific question and get the correct answer, saving me time and focuses on learning only what I need to know!  

  Hello fellow tankers, For those interested in trying out the ZeeWolf sample mod, here's the  LINK  and summary of some essential points for installation and optimal performance. You will require a working copy of the T34 vs Tiger. Installation Notes: Place the DLLs if needed in the root directory of the game (where TvsT.exe is located). Do not run shadows on full, as this causes graphical errors. Adjust anti-aliasing (AA) through your graphics card control panel, not in-game. Set terrain, forest, and water settings to the lowest for the best performance. Features of ZeeWolf's Gift Mod (Ver 2.0): New F6 View with Zoom : Use F6 and keypad + and - keys. Improved Vehicle Damage Model : Allows reloading/repairing your tank (use the "b" key). New AI Tank Improvements : Customizable ammo power and skins for multiplayer. Human Animation Behaviour : Enhanced German uniform skin. Concrete Pillbox and Barrier Gun Position : New models added. Working Nebelwerfer : Reloads every...

"Panzer Front Ausf. B," playable through modern emulation on the PC with PCSX2, allows gamers to revisit or discover one of the more niche WWII tank simulations. This title by Japanese developer Enterbrain stands out not just for its detailed approach to armoured combat but also for its authentic portrayal of historical military engagements. This game does more than just simulate; it educates. By placing players in less capable tanks such as the Italian M11/39 or L3/33 against formidable adversaries like the British Matilda, "Panzer Front Ausf. B" effectively illustrates the real challenges faced by Italian forces during WWII—challenges that were more about poor leadership and inferior technology than the cowardice often joked about in British humour. This attention to historical detail enriches the gaming experience, offering a stark reflection on the realities of war. Unlike its contemporaries, which often opt for a more arcade-like, first-person shooter style, ...

An up coming addition to Tank Crew : Ground Forces AQM mode. Similar to its aerial counterpart, this innovative feature offers players the ability to select mission types, thereby influencing the composition and positioning of their forces. With options like Strongpoint Defence, Enemy Strongpoint Attack, Breakthrough, and Enemy Rear Area Attack, players can tailor their gameplay experience to suit their strategic preferences. In this mode, players can set various parameters, including the initial distance from the enemy, considering the slower pace of ground vehicles compared to aircraft. Additionally, players can customize the strength of their own forces, the opposing enemy forces, and even coordinate air support. This new mode promises to add depth and complexity to Tank Crew gameplay, providing players with even more opportunities for strategic planning and immersive combat experiences. Whether defending strongpoints, launching attacks on enemy positions, or executing breakthrough...