Steel Beasts Pro Personal Edition - Resources

[Skybird]

status of this info: 22-DEC-2017



actual SBP software version is 4.023 (22nd Decembre 2017)
actual dongle firmware version is 1.18 (first batch dongles) and 2.02 (newer dongles) (2014)
actual Codemeter Runtime environment version is 6.50c (Decembre 2017)






To order SBP, go here:
http://www.esimgames.com/?page_id=1361

To upgrade the Codemeter dongle Runtime Environment software, go here:
http://codemeter.com/us/service/downloads.html (http://codemeter.com/us/service/downloads.html)

To upgrade the firmware on the stick: right-click the Codemeter tray icon in the right down corner of the desktop (with the stick plugged in). The opening control center offers an option for automatic firmware updating. Leave the dongle plugged in until the procedure has been finished.


"Steel Beasts" is a virtual simulation of combined arms combat tactics ranging from the individual crew position up to battalion level. The prime focus of Steel Beasts is tactical training at company team level for armored and mechanized units. In addition, the classroom version supports basic and advanced gunnery training for [various versions of] the main battle tanks Leopard 1 [Danish and Australian versions], Leopard 2 [Danish, Swedish and Spanish versions], M1A1 "Abrams", and the M2/M3A2 "Bradley" infantry fighting vehicle [and the CV-90xx range of IFVs as well as the Pizarro]. Also artillery observer / indirect fire direction training is offered. "Steel Beasts" is being used by US Military Academy at West Point, and the armies of Australia, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the Canadian air force.


Steel Beasts Professional is a vehicle-centric virtual and constructive simulation for the Windows™ PC platform.
It covers the part task training spectrum for


Individual crew station (commander, gunner)
Crew procedure training (commander, driver, gunner, loader, mech squad leader)
Platoon level combat technique/battle drill rehearsal
Company level combined arms tactical training
Battalion level combined arms tactical training (and small operations command post exercises)
Brigade level tactical exercises without troops

An elevated level of fidelity is modeled in direct fire exterior and terminal ballistics, fire control systems and related crew procedures as well as the relationship between complementary elements of combatants in the tactical spectrum. Steel Beasts Professional can handle up to twelve sides per scenario including neutral forces, noncombatants/civilian population, enemy factions, and a dynamic change of attitudes/allegiance. The software is delivered with integrated editors for terrain and scenarios, and is suitable for both individual and collective education and training in a networked environment.
The simulation can be integrated with battlefield management systems (http://systematic.com/defence/products/by-name/sitaware-suite/sitaware-frontline/) (to stimulate them with a dynamic tactical environment), with other simulations (via HLA/DIS gateway (http://www.calytrix.com/products/lvcgame/introduction/), or by custom gateways like WISE Connectivity (http://www.saabgroup.com/en/Land/Training_and_Simulation/Collaborative-Environment/WISE_Connectivity/)), with traditional containerized crew trainer cabins, or appended to actual combat vehicles (http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/products/customer-supporttraining/training-training-systems/atlan-as.html). This way Steel Beasts Professional offers our customers a very high degree of flexibility in its use, and its integration into the training continuum. A possible additional benefit is that soldiers throughout their career will be using the same simulation at different stages, but in a different context – without having to adapt to a new simulation system (where the “natural” user interface like control handles and control panels cannot be provided).
Scenarios developed with Steel Beasts offer the instructor a high degree of control while maintaining a relatively simple and intuitive user interface. Existing electronic terrain databases can be imported via DTED and Shape™ files.



Regarding System Specs for version 4.x - IMPORTANT! -
http://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/10539-sb-pro-pe-40-hardware-recommendations/

Developer's Main Page:
http://www.esimgames.com/

Instead of a demo, there is the possibility to try a Guest Licence. Start here:
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?t=18921

Since release of SBP 3.0, time-limited licenses are being sold as well, for example 1-month, 3-months and 1-year licenses.

Prices are 125$ for an all new full version of 4.0 (August 2016), 80 $ for upgrading from SBP 2.5xx, 40$ for upgrading from SBP older than 2.5xx, 25$ for a secondary license, and da iscounted price model for time-limited licenses, starting with 10$ for a single month, 25$ for 3 months, and 40$ for 1 year.

Time limited licenses are serving the purpose of a demo.

Replacement discs (without dongle) seem to be discontinued, and can no longer be ordered. All game files can be downloaded at any time, for all versions.

Manual as spiral book is available for 16$. A pdf however is included in all software installations.

Or order via German reseller:
http://www.okaysoft.de/sbp.htm
(more expensive than directly ordering from eSim, but might be your only chance in Germany if you do not want to pay by credit card)

Upgrading:
You need to have a dongle from an earlier version you own in order to run any upgrade over an earlier version you own. The upgrade is a completely new installation, it is NOT added to an existing old installation. Currently the price for upügrading to 3.0 is 40 US$. That is for a download of the new software, and getting access to a new licence put on your already existing dongle. You can download the simulation software alone, but without an new-licensed dongle it will not work.

The SBP Wiki:
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php/Main_Page#Playtesting


----------------------------


VIDEO STUFF:

Official eSim YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/eSimGamesDtl#

Tanksim's Video-Thread - beware, it's old videos of now obsolete versions of SBP, but still show some dramatic action :
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=150944

A three-part movie doing an exhibition of all included vehicles and their cockpits (SBP version 2.640):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4VAihWF_28&list=PL6C515FBEC8E724AF&index=3&feature=plpp_video
This is a great opportunity to get an impressionof what the vehicles look like from inside and outside, without needing to own the sim.


----------------------


VARIOUS TEXT STUFF - reviews, articles, essays... :

File path structure (needed for knowing where to drop additional maps and mods):
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?p=144244#post144244

The sim ships with the following height maps (some of them still wait for terrain texturing):
http://www.1stusvcav.com/downloads/SBMaps.pdf

A Flightsimmer's guide to Steel Beasts (2006):
http://www.simhq.com/_land2/land_062a.html

SimHQ special essay due to SBP's 10th birthday on 21st August, 2010:
http://www.simhq.com/_land3/land_160a.html

Skybird's Interview on SBP's background with technical director of eSim, "Ssnake" (first release of SBP-PE, April 2006):
http://www.tanksim.com/topic15_sbp_interview.htm (http://www.tanksim.com/topic15_sbp_interview.htm) ("Listening to the Voice of Steel Beasts, hssss!")

Multiple articles-series at simHQ ("Steel Beasts week")
compact review: http://www.simhq.com/_land2/land_060a.html
about the developement of the MBTs: http://www.simhq.com/_land2/land_061a.html

Review at Armchair General (SBP-PE original release April 2006)
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/articles.php?cat=21&p=2657&page=1

Another Interview in "The Escapist":
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/68349-eSim-Games-and-Steel-Beasts-Q-A-Part-1
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/68520-eSim-Games-and-Steel-Beasts-Q-A-Part-2

New downloadable scenarios, maps, skins, sounds for SBP-PE:
http://www.steelbeasts.com/files/

Steel Beasts Main Site and Forums:
http://www.steelbeasts.com/

And for the purists: original industry-standard replica of gunners' handles. Beware, these things are extremely expensive, and not meant for the toy-market. The customer usually is the military.
http://afvsim.com/



http://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/103...comment-152091 (http://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/10355-sb-pro-pe-40-discussion-thread/?page=33#comment-152091)

44 tanks
46 personell carriers and IFVs
16 trucks
14 artillery
16 technicals and civilian vehicles
25 "other" armoured and figthing support vehicles
9 engineer vehicles (repair, mine sweeper, bridge layer)
11 base units of infantry and fireteams
dozens and dozens of individually designed civilian pedestrians

Helicopters and air defence units are not shown in this list, but there should be around 8-10 different choppers, both gunships and transport, and one or two Flak-Panzer.

[ReM]

Combined arms

http://members.home.nl/rem/Combined%20Arms.jpg

Arty call


http://members.home.nl/rem/Arty.jpg



Just another day at the office....
http://members.home.nl/rem/Office%20day.jpg


Do I love this sim? You bet i do!

[dmagnusson]

have a few screens here :roll:
Not as good as the once you have... they rocked :-D

http://hem.passagen.se/dmagnusson1/kul/SBpro/

[ReM]

Damn Skybird, those are nice wintery pics.....especially the winter lighting looks real.....Great job..

[Zipuli]

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1425/ithappensnu7.jpg
It happens...

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7222/lastthingisawav9.jpg
Last thing I saw...

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7436/turretdownih4.jpg
Leopard 2 in turret-down position... he sees you with PERI, but what can you do?

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4563/ddriy8.jpg
Held der Arbeit

Zip

[porphy]

Ok I will add a few, just to prove that i do own SBPro Pe :D This is vanilla, no mods. Just everything cranked up 1600x 1200 and all visual distances for ground and objects to 100%. This sim is amazing and the graphics is very good. i have never seen a landscape done this good with not to fancy graphics engine. Colors, contours etc feels very real. And then we haven't even started to talk about the tank simulation...:up:


a bit nervous with all this fog...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_00_09_25.jpg


got ya!
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_00_13_08.jpg

yep, better run... Leo on the horizon.. spot it
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_00_26_35.jpg

birds view with leo and it's prey in distance
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_00_28_09.jpg

[eddie]

Either I need to get new video drivers, or this sim needs some serious texture upgrades!:rotfl:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v138/Thony/s3-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v138/Thony/s2-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v138/Thony/s4-2.jpg

Seriously though, have been checking SBP over, and looks like I might be close to ordering it! Have to say "M1 Tank Platoon II" is getting a little long in the tooth!!!:lol:

[eddie]

I know, just making a little comparison on how far graphics have come,lol Have been reading all the indepth reviews of SBP, and with its size of nearly 2 GB installed, I've yet to see a definitive description of what areas of the world this sim will show?

[Gary Owen]

The following is a link to a document listing the height maps that ship with the game:
SB Maps (http://www.1stusvcav.com/downloads/SBMaps.pdf)

The height maps are just the elevation or relief data for that area. There is a map editor with which a wide variety of themed (woodland winter or Australian, e.g.) vegetation can be painted onto the relief data to create a terrain map. A good number of terrain maps are included as well. While the terrain maps can be altered, changed, or improved in the editor, the height maps cannot. There are, however, a small number of maps floating about that are not part of the initial release.

Given the variety of height maps, the versatility of the map editor, the number of themes, and sufficient time, any non-urban area (there are very few man-made objects available in the editor), except maybe the polar ice caps, could be simulated.

[smithcorp]

http://www.smithcorp.com.au/images/sb/leopard.jpg

[Enigma65]

where did you find those skins?

They haven't been released yet. They were made for a mission I've been working on. He is going to release them I believe this week including versions for a darker woodland area like for use in the vietnam maps and he also has winter scheme versions. I'll post some screenshots in a bit.

I'm also releasing the mission that these were made for at the end of this week.

[woofiedog]

A few screens from the night mission map of the Steel Fury demo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/woofiedog/ScreenShot013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/woofiedog/ScreenShot025.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/woofiedog/ScreenShot011.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/woofiedog/ScreenShot009-1.jpg

[Schroeder]

Nice report.:D

[andym]

Only just getting to grips with iut.Some shots from the Leopard Recon mission.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2605/sb44je7.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sb44je7.jpg)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9360/ss000228fv5.jpg (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ss000228fv5.jpg)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/2135/ss225318pq7.jpg (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ss225318pq7.jpg)

[HunterICX]

it indeed looks very nice :)

HunterICX

[porphy]

I will put in two more for good measure :) And this is without experimenting with the new sky boxes and time of day lightning... Even if the graphics isn't fully modern, and lacks shadows etc, I still think this sim on quite a few maps manages to create one of the best feelings of being in a real landscape.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_11_12_36.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/Porphyr/SS_11_11_47.jpg

[ReM]

Even if the graphics isn't fully modern, and lacks shadows etc, I still think this sim on quite a few maps manages to create one of the best feelings of being in a real landscape.

I can only second that: awaiting delivery of 2.460.......can't wait to get my hands on it! Nice looking shots btw.

[darius359au]

Finally got Steel Beasts Pro PE so here's a couple of shots I took while messing around with the scenario editor.

Australian Leopard AS1's at Cunungra QLD
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2575/leoas12.jpg


http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1932/canungraleo.jpg

[Lieste]

*** The mistake in the above essay that is found and described here, has been corrected. :) Sky. ***

------------

Your description of the 'theme' components is slightly wrong..

Bumpiness does have a minor effect on movement rates, but its primary effect is to induce vibration on the sights, drastically reducing accuracy in GAS, especially when the stabilisation is down (GPS sights are more stable than the GAS, even when the FCS is operating fully, as the GPS head mirror is a light component with a mass of ~1kg, compared to the gun tube at ~3 tonnes. This means that the stabilisation of the GPS mirror can be much more precise than the GAS/guntube - although this won't apply if the stab. is switched off or damaged).

The main method of controlling off-road speed is to increase the 'drag' of the theme. Full drag of 1.0 will practically immobilise some vehicles and will leave none capable of faster than ~20kph cross country. Drag will produce greater effects on mobility than bumpiness will in the current versions.

Traction (is not functioning as intended in the current version) but is intended to restrict slope climbing ability and can immobilise a vehicle completely. For now leave this at a high value (preferred is 100%) for all terrain types to avoid undesired behaviour.

Hardness allows a visual effect to represent the approximate drag behaviour of the terrain, values less than 0.3 will add a 'bog' shading to the map, and vehicles will 'sink' into the ground to a depth appropriate to the value. The drag is not directly linked to this parameter, and should still be set from the 'drag' slider. This is a new feature as mentioned in the 2.483 release notes published earlier this week.



Other methods of restricting speeds include damaging the suspension component - this will cause much more effect from the bumpiness settings, and the AI can be reluctant to move in some terrain types, even though technically movement is possible.
As far as I am aware, none of the currently available modifiers reduce the on-road speeds possible - these are always at (or near) the full speeds, even with damaged suspension. AI routes can be set to only use slow or fast speeds, and not to use top, but this cannot be imposed on player controlled units, except by an 'honour' system.

[Highbury]

I greatly applaud your efforts here Skybird, it is very much appreciated. I am certainly one of those people who prefers sims of WWII tanks.

Unfortunately, with all of the best intentions and settings in the world they will still be modern tanks with restricted abilities. Unless we are riding in a Tiger, or Sherman or...(fill in your favorite) then the effect is lost.

I know from your posts you obviously love SBP and want others to as well, but for people not enthusiastic about modern tanks a $125 price tag is hard to swallow. Even harder if you are going to pay it just to turn off many of the tank's abilities. Usually simmers are willing to put money into the genre to help it grow, but in this case money spent will go to making more advance modern tank simulations, as the company involved would probably get little interest from the Defence industry if they switched to WWII simulators.

I know and have accepted that my likes are under-served in the sim market and for all I know will never be served again. I just don't see a gain in spending alot of money on a title that would have to be basically bastardized to come near to serving my wants, from a company that has no intention of serving them.

Again, I appreciate you input and tips, I just think unless someone also has an interest in a modern armor simulation it will not hold interest long.

[Highbury]

Oh I certainly know about paying for my sims and the price is not a problem. I have a good stick, throttle quadrant, pedals, TIR5, Logitech steering wheel, etc etc etc, but they are all things I knew I would get use out of for years.

I am not shooting down SBP in any way at all. For those of you that enjoy this genre it is great that you are so well served. Many types of simming as you know are greatly neglected or ignored. I am just saying that for me having a good sim of a type that is close to my interest, but not close enough would be frustrating and I would put it down soon.

I should really have just kept my mouth (or fingers) shut lol. I started by trying to express that SBP would never quite scratch my itch, and end by trying to be sure my comments are not taken the wrong way :)

[andym]

I thought i would post a few screenshots of a small Mission i have almost finished.Its a small Recon Mission,early morning start with limited visability.Units are a mix of ASLAVS,CV90's and 2 PIZZARO/SCIMITARS.

SCIMITAR observing the Woods(is there something there?)
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8962/ss173320.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/ss173320.jpg/)
Something lurks.
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6269/ss173241.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/ss173241.jpg/)
SHOOT!
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/3769/ss173335.jpg (http://img117.imageshack.us/i/ss173335.jpg/)
Meanwhile with the ASLAVs
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2919/ss172849.jpg (http://img237.imageshack.us/i/ss172849.jpg/)
Look what they found!
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/831/ss172900.jpg (http://img180.imageshack.us/i/ss172900.jpg/)

[Dowly]

Winterimpression

Damn, that looks natural. :up:

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Damn, that looks natural. :up:

"Hyvää päive kirvisvartta!"

:)

[Sgt Hotcliff]

I am amazed..wonderful screenshots! :)

:yeah:

[Sockeye]

Haven't been to the fields of iron for a while now, but here's some oldies of mine from previous versions:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2711/fsscr064.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2277/fsscr180.jpg


http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4017/ss122313.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4017/ss122313.jpg)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3850/winterabrams03v2.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8724/ss125412z.jpg

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/9971/ss191048.jpg

[darius359au]

I like that last one "Beware the Beast that lurks in the mist"

[smithlanger]

Does it make any sense that we can get SBP from ebay very cheap but not in market. If anyone get so then ebay or any other shopping cart is best for purchasing of SBP.

[murkz]

Great thread Skybird, I have read all the post I can find, as I have now ordered SB Pro.

[murkz]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4884325259_364006af78_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28614429@N02/4884325259/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[murkz]

Skybird, did you ever create a WW2 mission using you're above settings?

[murkz]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4892872669_d32777a126_b.jpg

[smithcorp]

Here's a couple of mine...

http://www.smithcorp.com.au/images/sb/cv9001a.jpg



http://www.smithcorp.com.au/images/sb/M103.jpg

[stringy]

I am trying to purchase SBproPE at the offer price of $85 but cannot get through to the credit card verification. I have left a message on the site but as yet no reply anybody else having a problem with the esim store?

I am UK based but I am sure that is not the problem.

Update: Problem solved seemed to be an issue with Firefox

[porphy]

Playable T-72 coming to SB Pro PE with next uppgrade, that is 2.6. :salute:

[Spike88]

I'm interested in trying Steel Beasts Pro, despite the high price, and the $20 dollar patches, but i have a few questions first:

1. Is the inside of the tank(s) clickable, or is it all keyboard shortcuts?

2. How obtrusive is the little dongle required?

3. Is there start up sequences for the tank(s)? Or are they always on?

4. Are all the functions of the tanks modeled?

5. Are there random failures?

[Gerald]

@ Smithlanger! Welcome to SubSim :sunny:

[Gorshkov]

1. Is the inside of the tank(s) clickable, or is it all keyboard shortcuts?

Some buttons are clickable but majority of things is done via shortcurts and mouse because that's the only viable solution to fight in all tanksims. You can attach joystick if you wish.


2. How obtrusive is the little dongle required?

Very obtrusive! Think about parallel port dongles - where are they today? You will be able to play this game until computers with USB ports will be in stores. If you have more software with such form of copy protection (fortunately which is unlikely), you can be in trouble in the future due to lack of USB ports available or mess with many dongles. Additionally dongle may constitute large portion of SBPro PE final price.


3. Is there start up sequences for the tank(s)? Or are they always on?

Basically - Engine On/Off. Driving simulation is very basic or even non-existent. No engine start procedures or whatsoever. Playing as a commander or gunner you can drive tank using WSAD-like keymapping exactly as on driver's position. Driver's view is also very obscure and identical in all crewable vehicles. I think games like SFK42 and TvT have more driver's functionality implemented.


4. Are all the functions of the tanks modeled?


All functions? Nope, buddy. SBPro is basically a PC tank shooter training software selling as an off-shot of its military version for civilian market. Thus you have fire control system and observation devices implemented on gunner's and commander's positions. That is almost all. Don't expect something like Ka-50 and A-10C cockpit functionality found in DCS series.


5. Are there random failures?

Something like that is present but I don't think it is very important here.


Besides be careful about several facts about SBPro PE:

- its graphic engine is very dated so it looks nowhere near to present PC games. No shadows, maybe still some sprites, no suspension effects in moving tanks, I am not sure about weather effects. So don't be surprised.

- there is no campaign, career mode or similar single-player features. You have only independent single missions to play and mission editor to make your own scenarios. AFAIK map editor is not fully functional in civilian version.

- there is multi-player over LAN and on the Internet (you have to know host IP address)

- vast majority of playable vehicles do not possess interior graphics. Therefore you can only operate them seeing via various sights, visors and in unbuttoned commander's position.

- I personally strongly doubt SBPro PE as a product for civilian market realistically replicates capabilities and performance of most modern military stuff present in this sim (Leo-2A5, M1A2 etc.) like ammunition power, armor protection, thermal sights range viewing through different obstacles, because they are top secret data after all.

- the game alone costs 125 bucks (boxed version with printed manual). However remember next there are also payware upgrades costing 20-30 bucks apiece. I don't know how many of them was released in the past five years but you should calculate this too before purchasing SBPro PE.

[Gorshkov]

- as for interior graphics it's present basically inside those vehicles only: Abrams, Leopard-2, Leopard-1A5, T-72M1 tanks and Bradley, CV90, Pizarro IFVs and Centauro reconnaissance vehicle. So it's vast minority of playable stuff...that is not important for military users but I think for hardcore tanksim enthusiasts it can be an important issue.

- while it is true new customers do not pay for previous upgrades what I'd like to underline is new customers will be charged for next payware upgrades that are not cheap! As one can see price of two payware upgrades (patches) released so far constitutes about a half of SBPro PE unit price.

- referring to SBPro versus SBPro PE I still strongly doubt both are almost the same product because one SBPro desktop license costs military customers 1800 USD (derived from fact that price of SBPro classroom license for ten desktops is 18000 USD (http://www.tanksim.com/topic15_sbp_interview.htm)) while price of SBPro PE individual license is only 100-125 USD . I do not think eSim sells identical product more than ten times cheaper on civilian market...I suppose SBPro PE includes opensource i.e. not very realistic or even misleading data while SBPro can be modified by military users with their own realistic data.

[Gorshkov]

The reason that PE exists is that they gave up on SB2 which was played as a dedicated developement for the game market, and, in the words of their technical director, they now just do not stop the civilian customer to buy what basically is the military's toy.

And that is exactly what I am afraid of - no military will pay such a high price for...a toy! Civilian enthusiasts paying fifteen times less...maybe?


But so many of the major vehicles of interest are playable and have cockpits right now, so - what is the point? I play just the same two or three vehicles since 5 years!

The point is not everyone is obliged to follow your way of playing SBPro PE.


Doing a quick counting:
There are 20 MBTs and light tanks, of which 11 are crewable and 8 have virtual cockpits.

You forgot two Abrams tank variants (M1, M1A1HA) have the same cockpit and three Leo-2 tank variants (DK, Strv122, Leopardo-2E) also have the same cockpit.


There are 23 IFVs and APCs, of which 15 are crewable and 7 have virtual cockpits.

You also forgot four of those seven IFVs are CV90 derivatives.


So... what sim out there, no matter the genre, offers so many different well-simulated platforms?

SFK42 with free mods offers plenty of playable tanks.


The price. eSim said on release in early Spring 2006 that they plan to do updates on a regular basis, and do the initial updates for free, but cannot afford to run the work for upgrades all for free for unlimited time.

Today, in Germany a new standard PC game costs 39 or 49 Euros, that is currently 51 and 64 dollars. Often, these games last only some weeks and months on the HD when they are good, and when you made a bad choice, you kill them after just some days. SBP players for the most run the sim regularly over years.

Not sure who else pays 125 bucks for six years old game (except cumulative cost of subscription of some MMO games)...


Since this sim is no simulated ammunition testing environment and no virtual laboratory for explosives, this probably simply is not inside the military's focus of interest.

What is very strange taking into consideration proper simulation of tank battles on tactical level is impossible without realistic and unfortunately top secret data. Otherwise result of such battles is purely fictional and thus offering no tactical experience.

[Gorshkov]

They do pay. in a dozen nations. It is a save bet they do not waste that kmoney on a purpose they are not cionvinced of. Hell, they even order addtions to the packages that they got.

Yes, but you still cannot notice military users most probably pay much more for completely different tank-sim than civilian users. :)


The Abrams share the same cockpit because principally the M1A1 and the M1A1HA share the same design.

So count them as one cockpit. The same applies to M2A2 and M2A3 Bradleys - that's also one cockpit.


On the Leopard-2, you are wrong. All Leopard-2s (A4, A5DK, Strv-122, 2-E,) in the game have different cockpits, though sharing many design features, since they are the same family. But some aspects function and are designed quite different. TC override in the A4 workjs very different than in the other Leopards. The A5 has no digitised map. The 122 has different GSS, the 2E also, I recall. And so on. protection values are different for the armnour. Gun is different. Ammo is. Sorry, this is not about science fiuction ideas of future tanks, but about modelling the real counterparts. It is four diferent tanks. And four different cockpits.

Nope, buddy! You are - possibly intentionally - wrong because I did not mentioned Leopard-2A4 but only Leopard-2A5 clones. Their cockpits are almost identical except tactical map display which is anyway accessible in other tanks too by pressing F5 key. Moreover I don't know why you mentioned their guns and armor differences because all that has noting in common with interior graphics. Simply stop seeking artificial arguments to improve poor interior numbers available in SBPro PE vehicles.


While the CV-9040 Bravoi and Charly are quite close, the CV9035 and CV9030 look and function quite differently, have different interiors, different handling, and different procedures from programming that highly sophisticated ammunition they use.

Yet those four "different" vehicles are basically variants of the same IFV. I suppose it is clear to you, isn't it? Of course marketing strategy advice to create as many "different" vehicle types as possible but customers should know they are not different models. Maybe instead of introducing tenth CV90 variant into this game eSim should think about modeling interiors of dozens of playable, yet still "internally castrated", vehicles?


I had that title, as well as Steel fury. Both did not coinvince me. They are gamish, and partially heavily flawed in functionality. I had a draft posted with a review of SF. Neal never released the final version since the reaction to my listing of its weaknesses caused so many hostilities. The draft is still somewhere on this site. Especially the terrible sound engine, the bad AI and the often suicidal path finding caught my antipathy. The tanks themselves felt not likm, tanks, but like light matchbox toys. And the two occaisons I saw TvT on someobody elser'S system, did not made me break out in hooray, too. None iof that compared to the immersion and realism one gets from a well-written SBP scenario, or as they also point out: multiplayer.

We are not interested in your review of Graviteam games. You asked about any other game possessing many playable vehicles and I provided you with such title. You cannot disagree SFK42 with modes offers plenty of playable armored vehicles so you have started some rant about how bad SFK is. I think the "worst" is SFK42 mods are free while SBPro patches are heavily priced. That fact you cannot deny!



2.640 is not even two months old. The graphics engine is old, the sim is new.

Nope, buddy. SBPro 2.640 patch is a month old. Don't mix up games with game patches... ;)


You may want to discuss that with those incompetent defense ministries willing the costs for buying that useless and fictional stuff that offers no tactcial experience. Heck, the Austraölians were even so insane to equip all members of their tank troops with copies of the sim, for training purposes. They muist all be dumb and not knowing their stuff, else they would not waste their time with this useless game and burn hundreds of thousands of dollars over it.

You still cannot spot what is my point. So my point is I strongly suspect military customers buy professional tanksim paying fifteen times more than civilian enthusiasts paying 125 bucks for significantly stripped down and open-sourced toy.


But some of the info you give here, simply is wrong and misleading, and unfair, and I cannot help but think that on a few occasions you even started hairsplitting just to try to give it a bad name.

Now you really sound like salesman... :)


SBP has deficits, and features they want to include, but still had no resource and time free to include. But I stick to it, and SBP users agree with me there: what you already get right now beats hands down any 3D mechanised ground warfare simulation on the market, and brings you as close to the tactics and realities of tank warfare as you can get on PC today. [...]
Point is that there are no showstopping issues or design flaws - and that'S what makes a difference to many others.

I don't even have to try SBPro PE to rebut your claims. SBPro PE users made it themselves! I have only needed to look at eSim forum to find out that. For instance in this thread (http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?t=16027) many users complain that armor modeling of lightly armored vehicles is a derision. So eSim guys to rebuff them provided users with their BMP-1 frontal armor estimated thickness. Yet eSim guys included...engine as a part of frontal armor thickness! That finally proves PE game is a childish toy made for people knowing nothing about military hardware. :rotfl2:

Now I think brand-new Graviteam production - Steel Armor: Blaze of War - is much superior to SBPro overpriced oldie. It has much much better graphics and wonderful tactical commanding experience intelligently linked with advanced tank simulation. Let's wait for free SA:BoW mods and multiplayer patch. Then we will say goodbye to eSim toy. During Christmas Holidays you could buy SA:BoW for only...15 bucks!

I don't see any reason to continue this discussion with Skybird. I am sure other forum members will be able to draw right conclusions about SBPro PE game after reading this thread. :)

[Gorshkov]

For the lazy heads, again: an upgrade adds new content and improves the functionality and/or scope of existing stuff. A patch just fixes broken issues in existing stuff, and does bug-fixing.

For the lazy heads once again: Why to wait a year for free patch that will address bugs introduced by payware patch you bought before? Isn't it too funny? Why to wait a year to be able to kill "panzer-engined" BMP without emptying all ammo loadout in your IFV?

Live needn't necessarily be so complicated! Here you are brand-new Steel Armor: Blaze of War (http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-SABW/steel-armor-blaze-of-war) - realistic tactical and simulation experience with stunning graphics costing you only...30 bucks! Remember - you will not be charged for patches. All patches will be free! Also multiplayer feature will be most possibly added! Next - in accordance with previous Graviteam's games tradition - free mods will follow transforming SA:BoW into a new benchmark of tanksim games. Do you really need anything else??? Of course not! :rock:

[Gorshkov]

Maybe you want to work on your aiming precision. The BMP can be stopped and killed from front right now. You only need to learn where to aim.

Yes, you cannot aim at ridiculous BMP's "panzer-engine" which is inflammable after hit! On the opposite this engine transforms majority of BMP frontal armor into equivalent of tank frontal armor. Do you ever hear about engine as part of frontal armor plate thickness calculations??? Moreover BMP fuel tanks also seems to be immune to enemy fire. That's essence of "reality for civilians" found in SBPro PE toy. :rotfl2:


When you call THAT realistic, then this explains most of the nonsense you are blasting away.

Of course, because in "realistic" SBPro PE toy even hundreds of anti-armor DU rounds are not enough to kill BMP. I am sure you won't find anything like that in "Steel Armor: Blaze of War" - now premiere tank simulation software featuring modern tank warfare at tactical level!


And check an IT expert to explain to you the difference between a patch and an upgrade.

Obviously 30 bucks worth "upgrades" you will be charged after buying SBPro PE toy for 125 bucks are OK, because each "upgrade" costs you exactly the same amount of money as brand-new and stunning "Steel Armor: Blaze of War" - new benchmark of tank simulation software.

You know - that's "an upgrade", not a patch! So don't hesitate any longer and buy "an upgrade" at once! Later wait for...FREE patches bug-fixing your "upgrade". :rotfl2:

[Gorshkov]

Hi, guys!

Another SBPro PE flaws have just surfaced after latests pay-ware patch release! Read this thread (http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?t=16110) on eSim forum:

It looks like not only BMP armor is a derision in this SB Pro PE toy but Challenger-2 tank overall capabilities, too! Its engine is very weak like some car engine, so this tank cannot keep up even with APCs! Additionally Challenger-2 cannot kill anything above T-72 and is on par with this ancient Soviet tank. In real life Challenger-2 is one of the best tanks worldwide - without any doubt!

Challenger-2 firepower is ridiculously weak in SBPro PE toy while in reality it possesses one of the best L-27/L-28 APFSDS rounds on this planet.

What eSim guy told customers on their forum is a clear idiocy! He "thinks" that armor penetration of old Soviet gun-launched "Reflex B" ATGM is 1300 mm. That is obviously not true - this ATGM has...almost two times lower penetration! Additionally this guy stated "SB, through some helpful information and educated assumptions from tankers, seemingly exposes those [Challenger-2] flaws " supposedly secretly guarded by British Army!

What a joke! What else will they figure out to rebuff customers??? It looks like entire armor protection model is broken in this toy, probably after applying 2.640 payware patch worth...30 bucks. Now premiere Western tank is very weak, and Eastern stuff rules thanks to silly too powerful ammunition and "panzer-engined armor improvements". Of course one should know today Western armor is way better than old Soviet gear but eSim guys don't care about such "subtle differences". However it is quite "understandable" - magical "game balance" is most important feature in all console games and...now also "military grade tank-sims for civilian market" sold for 125 bucks!

It seems they introduced first playable Soviet tank and subsequently "tuned down" Western stuff capabilities not to doom to certain defeat new T-72M1 drivers playing this toy... :rotfl2:

That's way now it's time to try "STEEL ARMOR: BLAZE OF WAR" - brand-new realistic and well-documented tank simulation software! In the basic package you'll get two historically balanced and carefully chosen tanks: Soviet T-62 and American M60A1. Now you can fight each other with full accordance with historical and technical realities - each tank has its own pros and cons but both are very-well suited for balanced tank battles on tactical scale.

In 2012 we can forget about ancient overpriced sim-toys, now we can experience real and beautifully looking tank-sims! :rock:

[Sledgehammer427]

Gorshkov, you have a PM.

[Sledgehammer427]

Gorshkov, enough is enough. I'm closing this thread.

Now, as I said via PM, you can either post your own thread, or I can just close every thread you comment on until you can't do anything but. Up to you.

[Deamon]

I have a question regarding guided missile AI in SBP. Does the AI have the ability to acquire a new target while the missile is in midair already, when the original target got wiped out by something else ?

[bstanko6]

https://youtu.be/haBfo9feMzg?si=aFxHa-1tP11Dk9XG