new tanksim fan searching for the best

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Greetings all!
As a new member, but long addicted to sims since the dark ages of C64 and Amiga, I have been looking for "THE BEST TANKSIM" today. I still miss my old "Panzer Commander" but can't find it. The game store did not have one game in this area, so I ask you all..which is the best tanksim I can lay my hands on today? I am mainly into WWII but can adapt to modern warfare if necessary, as long as it is made of heavy steel.

I let you guys decide for me :)

Meanwhile I am installing Silent Hunter 4, it will do while waiting.

Signing out

[Onkel Neal]

Unfortunately, there has been a long drought of tanksims. Other than the recent T-72: Balkans of Fire!, (http://tanksim.com/review.htm)you have to reach back to 2000-2002 to find a really good tanksim, such as Panzer Elite (http://tanksim.com/reviews/panz_elite.htm) or Steel Beasts (http://tanksim.com/review.htm). Both are good games with loyal followings but neither measures up to the graphics level of the current crop of PC games. Worthy titles like Spearhead, (http://tanksim.com/review.htm)M1 Tank Platoon II, Armored Fist, and Panzer Commander are ebay refugees now, so at least you can have some cheap fun.

[elanaiba]

There's also Steel Beasts Professional (http://esimgames.com/steel_beasts_pro.htm) that you can buy, but:
a) its expensive - 125$
b) its not really a game with campaigns, so you need to build / get missions

Other than that, its got a very good reputation as a solid, deep & detailed tank simulation.

Also see:
http://steelbeasts.com/
http://www.simhq.com/_land2/land_060a.html

[GlobalExplorer]

Though I am not owning it, everyone is saying SBPro is the best, but it's more of a training tool than a game. If you're not so hardcore, T-72 Balkans on fire is good, or you might wait for the two new contenders, Steel Fury and T34 vs. Tiger, which both seem to have potential.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Gentlemen,
I thank you a lot for your swift responses and I must admit I am a bit hardcore, so I ordered the SBPro yesterday :)

Another small question is how you manage to change your personal pic's in here? They look very neat.

Til later.."Flank speed"

[HunterICX]

Another small question is how you manage to change your personal pic's in here? They look very neat.


As a Normal user the Avatar will change by the amounts of posts you make on this board.

if you want a Custom one you'll have to donate to this website and the Admin will change it for you to a picture you like to have as an Avatar.

Welcome to Subsim.com by the way Sgt.Hotcliff:up:

HunterICX

[Skybird]

Congrats on getting SBP. It is the benchmark, and an extremely welldone simulation even beyond it's genre. If the upcoming WWII-tank sim or -game "T34 vs Tiger can compete with it, remains to be seen.

And welcome aboard! ;)

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Thx Hunter ICX, I like this place already and also found a lot of info in FAQ, so I try to read more before I post next time.

Skybird,
thank's a lot for welcome! I do look forward very much for SBP here, especially after having read your wonderful review! It was very professional and a pleasure to read for an old ambulance pilot who loves heavy manuals, gas turbines,heavy diesels and stuff
Also, what I saw of "T34/Tiger" looks very promising but I think I will have my evenings booked for SBP for some time first.

Well, again, thx for welcome, I will sure be back soon. Now, back to work..

ps, could it be one week's delivery for SBP? :D ds

[Skybird]

ps, could it be one week's delivery for SBP? :D ds
Yes, it could be, but it must not be. They ship from America, I live in Germany, and for me it was less than a week.

Check the SBP sticky thread. ;)

[nikimcbee]

I still have my Panzer Commander and Panzer Elite disks.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

nikimcbee, cool! I wish I could find mine but unfortunately not..guess I dumped it when having problems running in XP years ago.

Skybird, thx, I see there are tons of info about SBP, also will have to do a lot of patching I guess.
Looking forward to delivery here..can't wait! :)

[Skybird]

Skybird, thx, I see there are tons of info about SBP, also will have to do a lot of patching I guess.
Not necessarily, they have updated the versions that sell on CD several times. Check your CD versions carefully.

A new major patch that also features addons will come in the next 3-5 months, I assume. but this will be - after several patches and several updates and 2 and a half year probably the first they will charge us for. If there are differences for latest customers, i do not know, it once was a rumour, long time ago.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

nickimcbee,

I am sorry you lost your dog, I know the feeling.

I had a chestnut brown German Wachtelhund for 5 yrs "Arrak", but he became more and more aggressive towards me, despite all hard dicipline training..showing teeth and growling when I commanded him. He was a definite alpha-male!
He was great in tracking game but his bad temper at home left me with the only solution, to put him away which I am still hurting from that moment.

Found a clip of a Wachtel looking very much like Arrak:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URTBgtOsnBM
Only difference is that mine would never lay that still! :)

Well, no more sentimental stuff here, we go for Steel Beasts instead! :)

"Jokes told by flight engineers are ignored;copilot jokes draw smiles;captain jokes send copilots and engineers into hysterics, none of which proves who tells the funniest jokes"
(Len Morgan)

I guess it is the same in the Sub-Navy
:lol:

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Skybird,

well, thx for the info..I will see when I get it what version I have.

Also, about joysticks, I just dusted off my own sitting here under the table..a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro..I used it when I was flying IL-2 Sturmovik..will it work well on SBP?

Been spending a few hours here drooling over all the video clips of SBP on Youtube :D

Planning on a raid to MediaMarkt tomorrow..invest in a new TFT-Screen..Acer have a 24" screen at a good price..I am addicted, I know..:rotfl:

[Sgt Hotcliff]

HunterICX,
I made a small donation..wondering how big it must be in order to change Avatar?..:)

besides, I guess your own signature pic is a Hawker Tempest IV, powered by a Napier Sabre VA?..Anyway, it's cool!

over and out

Sgt Hotcliff

[HunterICX]

HunterICX,
I made a small donation..wondering how big it must be in order to change Avatar?..:)

besides, I guess your own signature pic is a Hawker Tempest IV, powered by a Napier Sabre VA?..Anyway, it's cool!

over and out

Sgt Hotcliff

Well you can make contact with Neal Stevens (the Siteowner/Admin) about your avatar.

you're close but my signature is the Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB (tear drop canopy);)

HunterICX

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Well you can make contact with Neal Stevens (the Siteowner/Admin) about your avatar.

you're close but my signature is the Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB (tear drop canopy);)

HunterICX

Damned!..I made a terrible mistake! :oops: ..but admit I was close!..I just love English Warbirds and my favvo is the Seafury..watched it at Duxford, flown by Hoof Proudfoot, who sadly died in a crash..I met him outside London, in an attempt to fly aerobatic in a Cap10..
besides, I have an addiction for FW190..the most powerful and perfect machine of it's time..BMW rules :)

best regards,
Sgt Hotcliff

ps, I will talk to Neil Stevens..I have a great pic which I would like to use as Avatar :)

[Lieste]

Hello all.

Disclaimer: I am a Beta tester for SBProPE. But I am not employed by, nor can speak for eSimGames.

There may be a delay with shipping right now, as the original supply of manuals was exhausted and an updated version has been prepared for the reprinting. I don't know what time is required by their printer for supplying the new manuals will be.

I personally would recommend downloading the 2.370 (Public Beta) version and installing this instead of the version shipped on CD (which I assume will be 2.328) as it is the defacto on-line version and has a number of IMO important updates over the previous versions.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Lieste,
Aarrgh..my usual unluck!..why should my delivery be delayed..I am waiting for it..one week now!

I have reformatted my comp, cleaned it all..installed a new graphic card, XFX 8800GT with 1025 Mb memory, plus 4 GB RAM..all set to go..and I have to wait another week or more?

:down:
I that case I would like to have a notice from esimgames..that would be fair.

Flank Speed

Hotcliff

[Lieste]

I can't say whether your order has been affected, just thought that a heads up might be welcome.
The official SB forum has a thread explaining that SBProPE is currently on backorder, if you would like to know more you could post there or email Nils... Ssnake<at>eSimGames<dot>com.
The delay is unfortunate, but the manual is now updated to include the latest features, so is more useful than 'just' a reprint of the first version.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Lieste,

Well, I accept the fact if they are working on it..to make it better..but understand my frustration not having seen it yet..and it is one week since I ordered it..:down:

At least I would expect a small note that it has been delayde or something..that would be appropriate..

til later..

flank speed

Sgt Hotcliff

[porphy]

Sgt Hotcliff, any wait for SB PRO Pe is well worth it. And the developers are a good bunch with unrivaled community support and communication, although they seem to be a bit short on people implementing all the good stuff which is on the infamous "The list".
The next update seems to be very interesting indeed. The best simulator I have tried out. Thats all I can say. The hallmark of a good simulator is when you try to run it like a game end it quickly ends with a "ouch"... :up:

Nice to see a neighbour on the forum ;)

cheers porphy

[Skybird]

Wait for the Spanish Leopard 2s. They are incredibly tough bugs to crack open, I think. Roof even should be able to resist ICM artillery.

now if only the Spnaish defense ministry would get it'S homework done. As long as they do not have accepted the delivery of the orders they have placed, the new addon will not be released. It is a package much focussed on Spanish vehicles.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Sgt Hotcliff, any wait for SB PRO Pe is well worth it. And the developers are a good bunch with unrivaled community support and communication, although they seem to be a bit short on people implementing all the good stuff which is on the infamous "The list".
The next update seems to be very interesting indeed. The best simulator I have tried out. Thats all I can say. The hallmark of a good simulator is when you try to run it like a game end it quickly ends with a "ouch"... :up:

Nice to see a neighbour on the forum ;)

cheers porphy

porphy,
greetings neighbour! :)

last night I got home after a "hockey-night" with a project team from Detroit/Michigan US..decided to go all the way in the dark to my mailbox and.."WOW!"..SB PE PRO!!! ..DELIVERANCE! :lol:
it was late already, but I just had to install it! ..just great!
a heavy manual, just what I like..and tons of info to get into..As I said, it became a long night! :)
The Americans are staying til thursday so I have to stay sharp..delay
gaming until coming weekend I guess..:damn:
But first glance gave me goose-pimples!..what a lovely sim!

My version is 2.328, not sure whether it is the latest?

But at first glance, it seems just wonderful! :)

I'll be back soon with more comments..
for now, I'll just dig into it!

best regards,
Sgt Hotcliff

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Wait for the Spanish Leopard 2s. They are incredibly tough bugs to crack open, I think. Roof even should be able to resist ICM artillery.

now if only the Spnaish defense ministry would get it'S homework done. As long as they do not have accepted the delivery of the orders they have placed, the new addon will not be released. It is a package much focussed on Spanish vehicles.

naahh, I'll stick to the Swedish "Strv 122" for patriotic reasons :)

:rock:
Sgt Hotcliff

[Skybird]

No you won't :) - the Leo-2E has not only tougher armour, but also features IVIS-style life map in the commander's position. If that thing is fully functional, you do not need separate map view anymore to "simulate" IVIS-style systems. That makes the E-version of the Leo-2 unique in the SBP world. and since it looks like the map view, I expect it to be fully functional indeed.

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/2858/ss105620sm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

simultaneous triple scene rendering this is: vision blocks, thermals monitor, map display.

I'm a cockpit junkey. I plan to move my postal adress into that pit.

P.S. Enjoy your new delivery, though. version 328 is the latest regular release so far, but you could get the beta that is out and that will be completed sometime this winter. Be advsied though that the Beta was not fully tested and thus is delivered as is, for the time being. But as far as I know it is standard in online matches, and features some corrections that justify the minor issues in it.

[porphy]

I'm a cockpit junkey. I plan to move my postal adress into that pit.

No problem, the slot for mail is already there on the right hand side of the vision block. :D

cheers Porphy

[Lieste]

Glad to hear it arrived.

I'm not sure that the initial TC map will be fully functional. It will display exactly what you would get on the 2d map, but you may not be able to input anything to it.

(This is sight unseen, but is based on the increased difficulty of interacting with a 3d object with a mouse over the 2d view. Different capabilities of 2d and 3d interfaces is relatively common still, although a few engines have made the transition with varying degrees of success.)

[Task Force]

How long untill that new WW2 tanksim is gona come out.:D

[Sgt Hotcliff]

No you won't :) - the Leo-2E has not only tougher armour, but also features IVIS-style life map in the commander's position.


Sir, yes Sir!
Sgt Hotcliff will go for Leo 2E, Sir! :D

By the way,did Finland purchase the Leo too?

Anyway, thank's everyone for your inspiration and support!
I will have a difficult time at work now and for a long time..I even sneaked in the SBPro Manual in my briefcase here, just in case I get some time..besides it looks as technichal like a manual for 3D-plant design, so noone will know! :up:

till later,

slow ahead...

Sgt Hotcliff
Leo-2E rookie

[Dogger]

I still have my Panzer Commander and Panzer Elite disks.

well I couldn't pass this up at all :) I to have my disk use to play PC way back when it first came out on a modem :( I was fortunate enough to do the beta on PE :) and had allot of fun with it. I tried loading PC the other day and it wont work on my system xp64.
PE though does ok started it up and the graphics diffinately had hit (BONK!) oh well be nice if they would upgrade these.

[Onkel Neal]

Hotcliff, glad to hear you like SB pro, it is an amazing piece of work.

[Castout]

3D crews in SBProPE would be nice though:)

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Hotcliff, glad to hear you like SB pro, it is an amazing piece of work.

yes sir it really is..:up:

but my sudden forum radio silence is due to my late nights with SB Manual in my knee, working those tutorials..I am in Ground School!
It is really a lot to learn..but having mastered the the technique of driving between waypoints, I am very happy this morning! :lol:

will probably ask for advice soon..

til later,
slow ahead..

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Now, after a week , full of work/travelling and distraction, I have tried to complete the tutorials, reading the manual, writing down all essence..
Trained as Gunner, as Driver, as Tank Commander..thought I was doing pretty good until I dared to try the first test..

I was Gunner in a Leo2A5 hull down on a hill.. "russkies" where flowing at us..I aimed, and fired..got one..then my tank moved back in hull down position..I only saw grass..My commander shouted "fire!"..but I only saw grass!

Frustrated, I fired blind..then he moved up over the edge, and I could see 3 tanks , tried to focus and get the nearest into sight.."BOOM"..I was dead!

I am not sure about the pedagogic side of this tutorial, but for me it seems like a disaster..When am I supposed to fire?..Can I control the situation as a gunner better?..How can I see targets when my vision is blocked by grass?

A bit frustrating this I must admit..

After this I tried a scenario,but I will not tell you what happened..it seems too embarrassing and makes me feel even more as a novice..

it's hard..very hard to learn..hope I will endure my own tutorial..

Sgt Hotcliff
:roll:

[Onkel Neal]

Well, at least you have this consolation: scads of treadheads have mastered what you are going through and came out with love for the sim, so you know you are closer to that stage as well.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Well, at least you have this consolation: scads of treadheads have mastered what you are going through and came out with love for the sim, so you know you are closer to that stage as well.

Neil..I DO LOVE IT!! :up:

even if I feel like a dork right now, I am sure I will get through this "baptism of fire" and come out on the other side , with a big smile..:p

I know, it would be hard, and I really try to find solutions to everything..but on the other hand, it is quite ingenious this..it makes my brain work 24 hrs a day! '

My work is second hand now..I am designing a new chemichal plant in Escanaba, Michigan, but my mind is on the battlefield in a Leo 2A5! :rotfl:

That is the first time I think, I have been soo addicted!

I just wish there were a little bit better tutorials maybe..that's all I have to complain about.

But I admit..in the scenario I played..sitting up buttoned..watching my own and the other 4 Leos rushing ahead as support for our troops..snow, blowing around our tracks..I felt a little like "Kelly's Heroes" :p

Wonderful graphics..great sound...just ..addictive! :)

Sgt Hotcliff

[Skybird]

Use the "Identify!" command to make the TC point the gun at where your target is. If you play as gunner and TC is constantly overriding you, messing up your target solution, keep hitting the "Target!" command every 8 seconds or so, and TC will let you have your way. It is confirmed that the time the TC will not interfere once you hit that command, will be increased in the next patch.

Be advised that currently certain types of ground objects like bushes and grass are cosmetical for the AI. they hinder the human eye, but not the AI's "eye". Thus it shoots at you in such circumastances while you don't see a thing. It is "on the list". Set the graphics slider close to zero to decrease the range at which grass is rendered.

In most situations, this is not an issue, and in desert scenarios never.

You want more tutorials? Show me a sim that has so many already!

If you have problems of any kind, keep posting them, and we see if we can help you out.

Since you were posting on the AI's field of view, be advised that in the current version AI tanks have the same awareness at all aspects of their vehilces, thzat means they have a 360° master-eye. It is a bug that has been fixed meanwhile. the fix comes with the next patch/addon package.

when that patch comes? They wait - since longer time now - for approval of the newly delivered content by their spanish customer, the spanish army. Once they accepted the new spanish vehicles for their military licences, the wide public will get the spanish package as well. Minimum from now on: 6-7 weeks

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Use the "Identify!" command to make the TC point the gun at where your target is. If you play as gunner and TC is constantly overriding you, messing up your target solution, keep hitting the "Target!" command every 8 seconds or so, and TC will let you have your way. It is confirmed that the time the TC will not interfere once you hit that command, will be increased in the next patch.


Thks Skybird for the tips..I will try it tomorrow.

Besides, in the scenario I tried..I went with my four Leo's and identified the enemy tank..ordered "fire" but nothing happened..it seemed like I had no crew!
Anyway..after a while I got hit and "smoked".."defeated" it said..
I am not sure I am doing things right..

I know, I shouldn't load this forum with novice stuff like this..sorry

Sgt Hotcliff
:dead:

[Skybird]

Thks Skybird for the tips..I will try it tomorrow.

Besides, in the scenario I tried..I went with my four Leo's and identified the enemy tank..ordered "fire" but nothing happened..it seemed like I had no crew!
Anyway..after a while I got hit and "smoked".."defeated" it said..
I am not sure I am doing things right..
You probably don't do some things right, because bugs like this thing you described never existed and most of the serious other bugs, if not all, have been worked out in the past 30 months.

You have to take into account this: depending on tank and used visual sensor, the TC must not but eventually can have better sights than the gunner. Also, it can be that the gunner looks over a ridge and sees a tank in his GPS, and still the gun tube does not point over that ridge, because the periscope and thermal sensors (feeding the GPS) are positioned higher on the tank than the optical GSS (secondary sight) which is mounted on same height and parallel to the gun barrel. Test this, drive to a ridge, switch to gunner's secondary sight, and move forward so that you just see the ridgeline wandering down in the sight. Then switch to primary sight, and you will see, that the ridgeline already is no longer in sight, while you still see the rest in the secondary sight. Now crawl back, until in primary sight the ridgeline appears at the bottom again, not more. when you switch to secondary, you probabaly already can't see anything anymore. The secondary represents best what the gun barrel can see, so in case of doubt, use this to check.

Two tips linked to this: in close range skirmishes, when reaction speed is of the essence and due to close range ballistic calculations are unimportant, switch laser to fixed battlesight range, and either use primary sight without lasing, or use secondary sight to be safe from being blocked from ridgelines. Don't forget that in the Leopard's secondary you nevertheless need to tune the sight to the range, manually. Set it to 1000m in advance, and then fire at everything in sight, you have high kill probability at first shot even beyond that range. - However, when you have manouvered your tank into a position where you need to fight at close range, you already have made errors long before. Both the Abrams and the Leopards are superior to the T-80 and T-72 in the medium to long range, here their superior sights, guns and ammunitions rule over the Russian models, but beyond ranges of 3500 (up to 5500m!) T-80s will engage you with gun-launched wire-guided mini-missiles, while they are out of effective range for your gun at 4000+ meters (beware! these "mini"-missiles eventually can kill you from the front!), and below ranges of 2000m you give up the advantage of your tank, and the enemy's ammunition becomes effective enough to defeat your armour at same chances like your gun can defeat his. At 1000m it does not matter wether you use german, American or Russian ammunitions and guns: you are always in the overkill zone here. I have made it a rule to exchange shots at ranges between 2000 and 3000m, and to manouver to keep this distance, avoiding the enemy to move closer or farther away. at closer range, it is 50:50, at the very long range (4000+) you are under fire, but cannot shot back - bad way to wage battle! It is 0:100, then.

Don't take the range values I gave as the holy bible, I just made a quick estimation here.

I know, I shouldn't load this forum with novice stuff like this..sorry

Sgt Hotcliff
:dead:
Consider it to be your contribution to keep the forum amused! :smug:

[Sgt Hotcliff]

[You probably don't do some things right..

Thank's for all info and tips you gave me, I really appreciate it! :yep:

I skipped the Beta for now, don't have the energy to deal with it at the moment.

Your advice on concentrating on a single mission has really paid off!
I have edited the patrol recon scenario and made it a single tank mission, giving me some control of events and my own learning curve.
Almost made it to the end with 6 kills on the way, but got too confident, sat unbuttoned , saw the tank just before he hit me!..popped smoke and tried to retreat, but TC (me) was "injured" and the next hit ended it all..Damned!..soo close..:damn: but..a good lesson,

Unfortunately r/t work is a pain when all I do is to get on tanking! :D

til later,

slow ahead..

Sgt Hotcliff

[Skybird]

You mean one tank or one platoon?

On a sidenote, the simulator techncially can handle batallion-soized fores and more, but the design foucs is for optimization vehilce and platoon level so that the guys can train onboard-interaction of a crew, and platoon management. Many scenarios offer company siozed forces. But doing a mission like "platoon recon" with just one tank is unrealisrtic, I assume, and i assume very strong so. keep it a platoon, the other two will follow and help you by their own anyway.

What input devices do you use? It pays off to have a HOTAS with a good key command scheme for SBP.

[ReM]

I had roughly the same experience Sgt Hotcliff. I for myself tried to master the simple Byto ´mini campaign´.
Byto orders you to recon an area with 3 MBT (Leo 1´s), the following missions present an attack and a subsequent counterattack. You start with relatively few forces, but if your resources get depleted you may call in reinforcements. Relatively easy, but challenging nonetheless.

SBPpe can be very frustrating at times......:damn:

[Sgt Hotcliff]

You mean one tank or one platoon?

I mean one tank only. First I tried it as is, with a platoon, i.e 3 tanks including mine, but found that my "buddies" where so quick and made all kills even before I could find the enemy..so I am testing a single tank patrol now, feeling much better here, unrealistic, maybe, but for me it is very realistic! I have done this recon mission about 5 times now and learning more and more each time..:-?

As for the joystick, it's a Logitech Wingman 3d extreme, works fine for me, all 12 buttons assigned, but at the moment hard to remember what when the action get's frantic..could it be aging symptoms? :o

Tankwise, I stick to the Leo2A5 for all missions, found a high res interior mod that looks wonderful!

I admit, I am a bit stubborn..will go on like this for a while.

slow ahead

Sgt Hotcliff

[Sgt Hotcliff]

I had roughly the same experience Sgt Hotcliff. I for myself tried to master the simple Byto ´mini campaign´

Yes ReM, that ,Byto_1' was my first trial, but in my opinion, too much to deal with at the same time, so I went and edited this 'platoon_recon' instead.

"It's a long way to Tipperary" but I feel quite good now, making slow but still progress..:D

slow ahead,

Sgt Hotcliff

[ReM]

Yes ReM, that ,Byto_1' was my first trial, but in my opinion, too much to deal with at the same time, so I went and edited this 'platoon_recon' instead.
Sgt Hotcliff

Then here's another tip for you: if you find the 3 MBT's in Byto 1 too much to manage, or find that you buddies are stealing all your kills, you can also choose to 'divide unit' on the map. This splits a Leo from your unit, and it can now be controlled individually....meaning you can go forward with one tank and leave the rest of the unit well behind out of the danger zone. If for some reason your first tank get's brewed up, you can bring up another from the rear. You only have to worry about the 3MBT's in your zone and stay within the boundaries of this alloted zone. Anything that happens to your right doesn't really concern you although it would be advisable to keep something of a straight line when advancing.....just have a peek to see if there are 'panzers near Byto'.....and then return to the first village.....mission completed and a nice score depending on your performance. I could tell you a lot more, but I don't want to spoil the fun for you. I now play Byto for a 'quickie' and usually complete it within 15 mins....

Heck, if you are smart enough to design a chemical plant, you will master this game in no time! ;)

[Sgt Hotcliff]

[Heck, if you are smart enough to design a chemical plant, you will master this game in no time! ;)

Thank's for the tip, it really sounds like a good idea in Byto, I know I tried to engage on the right flank too, messing it all up at first.

I am also found (in the 'docs' folder) a lot of info doc's in pdf, which I have now printed out..like the Swedish Strv122 manual, battle tactics and a lot of stuff. Maybe I should switch over to Strv122 if not, only for patriotic reasons? :lol:

Well, at work here while this whole office is free cause of Halloween, trying to design this chemichal plant in Michigan, but it's frustrating knowing my Leo2A5 is idling back home..probably will make it a "half-day" here and get back in the TC's seat asap :rotfl:

happy halloween!:rock:

[ReM]

Sgt Hotcliff,

Considering that you are from Sweden, it might be possible that you have at least some knowledge of the German language. If so you might want to download the German Benutzerhandbuch from the Steel Beasts website (http://www.steelbeasts.com/plugins/p13_download_manager/getfile.php?categoryid=5&p13_sectionid=257&p13_fileid=1344&p13_versionid=5185). Although the manual that comes with the game is pretty good, the German version is much more detailed and reminds me of manuals that used to ship with games about a decade ago (the nice spiral bound manuals to M1 tank platoon, Total Air war etc..... )

I have thought about translating it into English, but I have too little time, because my kids, wife, games and job (in that order) gobble up most of the time.......maybe later.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Considering that you are from Sweden, it might be possible that you have at least some knowledge of the German language..

Mein freund!

well, I have a pretty good basic knowledge in technichal German language, reading a lot of manuals from German manufacturers, so maybe..

I can try download it here right now and take a look.

thanks,
:)

[Skybird]

Alter Schwede!

The Strv-122 is a Leo2A% with upgraded roof armour, mine protection, and some minor chnages, it also features different sights in GAS, and different ammunition. no bad choice. Only the spanish versions of the Leo2 are more heavily armoured - they are said to even withstand ICM.

You will not always stick to the two scenarios you currently deal with, Recon and Byto. ReM had good advise with his hint on splitting up platoon. Ypou could edit the mission and make it a platoon of four, then splitting it into pairs, having your wingman traling behind in ehecelon or column and formation distance set to "wide", the the leading tank is not alone if he gets into trouble nevertheless will be the one facing new challenges first, most often. Then you use both sections to overwatch your general advance, which is a tactcic you really MUST adapt to if you want to survive in SBP. One sets up guard, the other unit from the rear advances, makes the new fonrtline, switches to guard, and the the other advances.

If you are patriotic about sweden, the Strv-122 can be nicely accompanied later on with the Swedish CV-9040 B/C.

And then I would urge you to start learning to fight with GPS gone, stabilization gone, and turret mode switched to "off". You will get damage din other scenarios, and often your 100% okay status will not last long in battle. If then you do not have some experience in how to use the GAS sights to estimate distances and add lead manually, you're cold meat. Also, it adds tension and excitement, also hectic and drama :lol: Fighting from GAS is really a challenge, and get be very tense.

In both scenarios a major factor is beign ignroed: artillery. Very often you will come under artillery fire if you stay in a position too long and the enemy has seen you there. Yoiu NEED to make it a common procedure of yours to cinstantly relocate after a minute or less, to avoid incoming HE or worse: ICM. ICM barrages often will kill you, or do major damage and disable crew members. Three hotkeys you should have - amongst others - on your input device: popping smoke, button up, and closing the armour shield for the GPS.

when you are under small arms fire or engaged in urban terrain, you may want to consider to keep your GPS closed anyway, to protect it from getting dmaaged by small callibre fire, and stick with the GAS anyway. Set it to battlesight range. You then must not worry about wether or not the gun tube has clear line of sight to the target - if you see it in GAS and sight is not blocked, in the M1 sight never will be blöocked indeed, and in the Leo-2A5 most often not (the new Leos have the GAS optics no longer attached to the gun tube's elevation like the A4, but on the roof as well).

So as much fun a single tank stalking may be, take care that you do not get used to flawed behavior that way, and learn wrong tactics. On a modern battlefield, one tank alone - is nothing. Only teams of forces prevail. Consider your units to be pieces in chess, and move them on the board to strong positions. Sometimes one by one. Sometimes simultaneously. It depends.

And never underestimate infantry close to you, and flanking. The Russian'S latest Panzerfausts and the German PF-III can kill you, no matter your tank. eventually I even got killed by frontal shots, at least I received major damage and crew losses.

[ReM]

So as much fun a single tank stalking may be, take care that you do not get used to flawed behavior that way, and learn wrong tactics.

That's a good point: having played many, many offline sessions, I still get overwhelmed when playing with very large units....(and I have been schooled in the military). Let's face it, SBPpe is a real simulator as advertised, and not a game and it can be very very, unforgiving; having fun with it is not the reason it was brought out. It still is very much fun though and will be very rewarding if you are willing to invest time in it (but that goes for most sims).

[Sgt Hotcliff]

If you are patriotic about sweden, the Strv-122 can be nicely accompanied later on with the Swedish CV-9040 B/C.

Sehr geerte Herren!

Vielen dank for your concern and willingness to share your xp with me, I am very grateful and will consider it all carefully :up:

But for now, "Alte Schwede" has just bought himself a new car..Strv122!

I'll report back to HQ after the test drive tonight..

til later,

http://www.kamratoff.se/images/Strv%20122%20sand.jpg (http://www.kamratoff.se/images/Strv%20122%20sand.jpg)

Sgt Hotcliff

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Skybird,

it took me a friday evening and a six pack of Mariestads Export beer but now, everything is under control..:D

SBProPE Beta is running here under XP on the stationary, as well as on the laptop under Vista Business 32..it wasn't that hard after all!
Guess the problem was a corrupt file, probably the 6th rar file actually.
But with new downloads, and a refresh of codemeter v.3.3 it all went well.

As things went so well, I did go back to platoon recon and did score well :up: until I died..that last piece of land is so hard to cross!

But as you say.."probably I am not doing things right"

Besides, I just love the "Strv122"..the skin is just perfect with some "christmas tree-camo" on the turret and gun barrel..sounds beefed up too..just lovely!

And now feeling the power of a platoon..you are right..it is awesome to control a group of tanks..giving support, having support..just bliss! :yep:

late night here and they say it's Halloween..??

I don't know..I only feel gunsmoke! :lol:

Sgt Hotcliff

[Skybird]

I was about pointing you to the many different skins available, but since a new data standard comes with the models in the new upgrade that we hope to get this winter (damn those sleepy Spanish :D ), I am not sure if the old skins will work anymore.

Links to a fan's skin catalogue and eSim's skin download section in the SBP resources sticky, decide yourself wether or not it is worth the time for you. I run CV9040s in Bundeswehr camo, for example, and Russian tanks in Finnish skins. both look much better than the default skins.

There are tasty sound mods as well, for engines, tracks and weapons. Plus ambient warzone sounds, you launch it via media player before launching SBP, it gives the accoustic feedback of various weapons firing on a battlefield with many kilometers of width and depth: Mod-download section at eSims.

[Lieste]

The only model that has changed to my knowledge *so far* is the M1A1(HA) which has a new and much better model.

External skins for most of the others should still work in the new release.

There are a few older models still in circulation, which both benefit greatly from an updated skin, and which will be replaced as time permits. These include the BMD-2 and the YPR-765 & variants (AIFV for non Dutch users).

[Sgt Hotcliff]

There are tasty sound mods as well, for engines, tracks and weapons. Plus ambient warzone sounds,

Skybird,
as always, you are my source of wisdom here and I thank you for all help you have given this novice so far..I am honoured. :up:

I just love the variety and the mods available, it gives me "goose skin" to see my Swedish Strv122 in woodlands camo..hearing the correct voices as I remember they spoke in the military service..just love it all!

I am in an euphoric state right now, hard to say what I like most..beeing killed so often or just the pleasure of thundering over the plains in a group of 3 tanks..trying to remember to be tactical..:doh:

Anyway, it has been an overwhelming experience this so far..and I havent even yet got into the REAL gameplay..just skimming the surface..
I look forward to a long time with SBPro..having reorganized my game-zone here, joystick permanentely attached, lowered the desktop for better ergonomy, keyboard-printouts on the wall..tons of reference litterature on tank warfare nearby, heavy manuals printed out in full size A4..planning on building a steel structure around it all.. maybe I could fina one of those Russian padded tanker-cloth-helmets? I know, I am insane, but I love it! :rotfl:

By the way, looking at the clock..just a quick dinner, probably pasta, then it's time for another session of "platoon_recon" :yep:

"Strength and Honour"

Sgt Hotcliff

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Skybird,

serious now..

I am a very addicted person to military history..reading all I can get my hands on in this world of history, all from Julius Ceasar's life to Gustaf Mannerheim and the Finnish struggle against the Russians..

War history is my main interest.."Gaming" is just a relief and a small reminder of what happened, not yet a man's age ago..Let us hope it will never happen again..:up:

It may seem that I am a war romantic, but that is not true..I respect the history and am scared when seeing all drama that took place during those years..Still it is fascinating..wondering what had happened if I was born 30 years earlier..no one will know the answer.

In my youth, I was picked for "Panzer kill duty" at P4 in Skövde, Sweden, but I had enlisted volontary for the Paratroopers here in Sweden, and spend 3 humiliating weeks there until ending up as a ships mechanic in the Coastal Artillery..(see my tag pic) :D That is my military history.

I have a lot of humour and love to joke about everything including the wars but at heart I am a dedicated man to history and fact..especially I admire our fathers generation for doing what they did..It would never happen like that today, I am sure..

Since I have met a Finnish woman at my age, I have learned a lot about their history too, and it really makes me amazed how a small country like that could defeat the Russian war machine, let be with some German help, but still..they had "Sisu" as they call it..a "damned personal power"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xuv9RVss_Y&feature=related:D

no words needed here

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/hayha.html

the worlds most efficient sniper..Simo Häyhä..542 kills in 3 months!

they are special those Finns! :)

I am not sure why, but I guess I just wanted to tell you, I am serious with the history..that's all..

"slow ahead"

Sgt Hotcliff

[Skybird]

Way to go! ;)

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Way to go! ;)

yeah, feeling confident enough to take on the Byto mision again...no matter what the outcome will be..tank platoon it is :)

Sgt Hotcliff

[Sgt Hotcliff]

are there any essential patches needed for SB ProPE Beta?

[Lieste]

Nothing yet, but a winter update is planned which contains everything* in the sticky thread^^.

*A few features are SBPro only, and won't be in SBProPE, or will be available at a later date once they have been made more polished.

[Sgt Hotcliff]

Oki, I'll just go on practising here..:up: