The ultimate tank simulation


I guess this can be classed a follow on to the previous article found here:


A hypothetical list of what would we create if we had the skills to make a tank simulation based off the current crop of tank simulations and technology. What would we bring in from the three main tank simulations?

Let's start with T34 vs Tiger. The driving model in T34 vs Tiger is a sublime simulation of how the Tiger and T34 perform in the real world, which has carried over to the simulation. The weight and feel of the tanks is  unmatched by any other current tank simulation. The views we have in T34 vs Tiger are on a par and possibly better than any other tank simulation made or currently available, plus all the interiors move with the various tasks being carried out, change gear and you will see all the correct things move to carry out changing gear. The same is true on the outside of the tank, hatches open and close tracks move up and down with the undulating terrain etc...


We then have Steel Beasts Pro PE, a great modern tank simulation with many good features. The view distance being for me the most important and it's saving grace. Ballistics and damage model would also be on my list from this simulation, as would the map interface and pre planning. All done simply but very effectively.

The excellent Tiger from I44

Last but not least we have ArmA 2, a massive simulation with a gentle nod towards tank warfare. Out of the box A2 is the poor cousin of tank simulations for tankers with light weight, floaty tanks, hit points and very crude aiming and firing system. ArmA2 has superb multi player set-up, with no problems hosting or joining.

Add the Ace2 mod and the whole dynamic changes for the tanker. Ace2 brings with it a FCS, damage model based on projectile speed and hit angle, heavy feeling tanks, new sounds and many more subtle features. Though from Arma2 I would like to bring the massive world maps, from the Arctic to the Desert and everything in between and the vast array of vehicles this simulation has to offer and solid multi -player. ArmA2 above all others captures the feeling of being there, in a war, with it all kicking off around you.

A short summary of the above:

T34 vs Tiger
Driving Model
Animations of tank and components
Attention to detail.

Steel Beast Pro PE
View distance
Ballistics
Damage Model
Map interface
Planning Screen

ArmA2
Huge Environments
Vast amount of vehicles
Rock Solid Multi-player, with join in progress.

Would we have the ultimate tank sim? Maybe, maybe not, one thing I have come to understand, many people have many different views on what is best, so this is just my opinion of what would float my boat...

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