Besides the crazy controls you have to deal with some awkward situations such as the sudden defeat caused by the death of the tank commander, which doesn't necessary put an end to the mission. After getting accustomed with the game, players will tend to settle on the commander's seat because they can select targets, instruct the driver about the right direction or choosing ammunition. All too often the crew continues the fight, ignoring the window announcing your defeat and you are unable to switch with any of your teammates, which is downright silly.

Those willing to play a tank simulator will prefer in an overwhelming majority to sit on the commander's place no matter the drawbacks, and the more optimistic ones will probably think they will eventually overcome any inconvenience. Even if they get lucky and won't find themselves watching how the rest of the crew fights a losing battle, the constant issues about designating targets will sooner or later get on their nerves. Sometimes, although the enemy vehicles are within striking range and clearly in sight, the gunner won't react in any way to your orders and the only solution is to take his place and finish the job yourself.

Speaking about annoying situations it would be impossible not to mention the fact that the main gun seems to be crafted out of plastic, always being the first to break down after sustaining damage. I understand that this key part of the vehicle is not indestructible and it's probably more vulnerable than the actual tank, but the rate of failures caused by its downfall is simply frustrating. Add to this issue the fact that you'll frequently receive the information that the main gun is damaged too late, and you've got the whole picture, a very unpleasant one as well.

There are of course some powerful scenes like destroying an AT Gun with a well placed shell, while the crew is scrambling to keep the gun facing you and then leveling the site with the tracks. Even when it's not firing its devastating gun, the tank is a mighty weapon that can knock down trees or even houses and it's only fair to say that during some intense combat scenes the environment looks alive and you experience at first hand the turmoil generated by war. It pays off to be extra careful regarding the terrain, because the tank is really difficult to steer, just like the real thing and ascending on a steep slope during a firefight can lead to disaster.

The developers made considerable efforts to craft a game aiming to recreate the actual feeling that a tank commander experienced in the brutal conflicts of World War II, and they were determined to stick to the plan even if they risked launching a title unplayable for most gamers. In this context it's even more surprising that there are a couple of settings available that players can choose from, with the risk of altering the entire gaming experience. These are nothing more than poorly disguised cheats, such as invincibility, high morale, increased shell damage or insanely weak AI, that one can select to make sure every single mission will be completed even if they use less than 10% of all those commands available.

 

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