Easy Red 2: A Tanker's Perspective on This Semi-Realistic Combined Arms Sim

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 perspective) combined arms experience. As a tanker, the game’s emphasis on integrating infantry, tanks, artillery, and planes into cohesive battles is particularly appealing. The synergy between these different elements creates a dynamic and immersive battlefield environment that few games manage to capture.

- Infantry Support: Tanks in Easy Red 2 aren't just lone wolves; they rely on infantry to clear paths, spot enemies, and secure objectives. This interaction adds a layer of strategy and realism, as you must coordinate with ground troops to succeed.

- Massive Bot Presence: One of the standout features of Easy Red 2 is the sheer number of AI-controlled infantry. These bots are not just filler; they actively participate in the battle, creating a chaotic and intense atmosphere. The constant presence of these AI soldiers pulls you into the mission, making every engagement feel like a crucial part of the larger war effort.

- Artillery Support: The inclusion of artillery strikes means you need to consider the broader battlefield tactics, not just your immediate surroundings. Calling in a well-timed bombardment can turn the tide of battle but requires careful planning and communication.

- Vehicle Variety, Views and Optics: The game features a range of historically correct vehicles, each with semi-unique handling and combat characteristics. Whether you’re in a Sherman, Tiger, or any other iconic tank, the game captures the essence of WWII armoured warfare. Tankers have generic viewports and sadly static optics, though using the correct sight image, you range by aiming at the target. There are no turned out views at all but a 3rd person view if desired. When your tank is destroyed, if you have any crewmen left you become that crewman on foot. (makes for some exciting mix ups)

Visual and Audio Experience

While Easy Red 2 may not boast the photorealistic graphics of AAA titles, it compensates with atmospheric effects and immersive sound design. The game’s environments are detailed and dynamic, with realistic lighting and weather effects that enhance the overall experience. The sound design, while more than adequate, could benefit from more depth, particularly in terms of ambient battlefield noise.

Semi-Realistic Tank Gameplay

Easy Red 2 strikes a balance between realism and accessibility. The tank mechanics are designed to be realistic enough to satisfy hardcore simulation fans, yet accessible enough for those new to the genre, making it a thoughtful and engaging experience.

Workshop and Community Content

One of the most impressive aspects of Easy Red 2 is its active and talented community. The Steam Workshop is filled with a variety of user-created missions and maps that add significant value to the game. These missions, often based on historical events at historical locations, are crafted with care and precision, providing additional content that enhances the overall experience. Whether you want to relive the intense battles of the Eastern Front or partake in the strategic assaults of the Normandy landings, the community-created content offers a wealth of options to explore.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, Easy Red 2 has room for refinement:

- AI Behaviour: Enhancements to the AI’s tactical decision-making would make battles even more challenging and realistic.

- Menu and UI Design: The in-game menus could use a more polished design to improve usability and aesthetics.

Conclusion

From a tanker's perspective, Easy Red 2 is a standout title that offers a semi-realistic combined arms experience. Its balance of historical accuracy, gameplay, and immersive environments makes it a must-play for anyone interested in WWII simulations. The game’s emphasis on combined arms warfare, involving infantry, tanks, artillery, and planes, creates a dynamic and engaging battlefield that keeps you coming back for more.

The active community and the wealth of user-generated content in the Steam Workshop further enhance the game’s replayability and depth. Whether you're storming the beaches of Normandy, fighting through the streets of Stalingrad, or commanding a tank in any of the game’s expansive maps, Easy Red 2 delivers a rewarding and authentic experience. Despite a few rough edges, the game’s core strengths make it a fantastic addition to any simulation enthusiast's library. Dive into Easy Red 2 and experience the thrill of combined arms warfare like never before.