Introduction

Simulation fans can be a rabid species. They know what they want and can be extremely vocal if they don't get what they believed they were promised ... perhaps even more vocal than the tabulated-data-loving grognards that frequent The Wargamer and other similar sites. So it is with some trepidation that publishers release a "realistic simulation" in today's gaming market. The Gunship! fiasco is a perfect example of how it can all turn into a horrible nightmare for the development team and the publisher. If a big-name publisher failed miserably in securing support for a hot product, how in the world could eSim and Shrapnel hope to win over a somewhat jaded gaming public with an out-of-left-field main battle tank simulator?

Well, I'm pleased to announce that Steel Beasts has done all of that and more. This latest armoured combat simulator has exceeded my expectations, and from the general comments on message boards around the Web, it appears to have done the same for almost everyone else. Tank Platoon! died a horrible death following Gunship!, effectively destroying the true successor to M1 Tank Platoon 2... Steel Beasts has rolled in more than qualified to accept and run away with the crown.

Steel Beasts is a modern tank simulator built around two of the most common main battle tanks in Western inventories: The M1A1 Abrams and Leopard 2A4, tanks that were common in the US and German armies shortly after the Persian Gulf War in 1991 (the game's actual time frame is 1993 to 1997). The tanks can be operated from the gunner or crew commander's position, with the player usually leading a tank platoon in battle. For those with the knack, controlling the movement and tactics of large mechanised battlegroups is also possible.


Make your choice	Steel Beasts simulates modern mechanised warfare

The game simulates the reality of armoured warfare; it is noisy, dusty (although unless someone is pouring a bucket of bulldust over your head while playing the game, it doesn't really have the same effect), engagements are horrifyingly quick and brutal, and situational awareness is the number-one rule for survival. As in real life, it is also the hardest aspect to safely maintain.

The game is marketed at hard-core (although I hate using the word) simmers and military personnel but most people should be able to install the game and be shooting well within a couple of hours. Learning the intricacies of a modern armoured battle may take a little longer however. What's more, the game will also appeal to wargamers with its ability to step back from the vehicles and control the battle from a command-post-like map.

Steel Beasts ships with more than 50 scenarios but no organised campaign, has a complete mission and map editing tool, and can be played as a single-player, or in multi-player via a TCP/IP connection.

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