Preordering for SBP upgrade to v 2.460 now open [Archive]

Skybird

03-19-09, 05:30 PM

Finally...!

http://www.esimgames.com/purchase.htm

Price is currently (=during preorder phase) 25 without and 30 dollars with manual.

Complete new full packages currently 125 dollars.

Note that for upgrades you need a dongle from a previous version - the upgrades do not include the dongles, only the full version does.

The good times for tankers are coming back... Check out the upgrade preview video (tnx, Lieste, for announcing it first at tanksim.com):
Volcano and I put together a preview of some of the additions and enhancements in the upcoming release.

http://www.steelbeasts.com/video/SBProPE2_460_Preview.wmv

51MB, 8:18

Enjoy!

porphy

03-19-09, 05:45 PM

I have my pre-order done! CD + Manual. Yes! :woot:

If you want to know what is new, in detail, check out this document. (long read... :) Link (http://www.esimgames.com/downloads/SBProPE_2-460_Release_Notes.pdf) )

cheers Porphy

ReM

03-20-09, 04:16 PM

The vid looks great. The extras come at a very reasonable price; like an add-on for a regular pc 'game'.

Guess I will have to keep my creditcard ready......

Skybird

03-22-09, 05:45 AM

The prices above are valid only for preordering. After the baby is born, the upgrade will cost 30 dollars without and 40 dollars with printed manual.

A pdf-manual is included anyway.

A new full version of SBP now will come with the upgrade included. The price does not change: still 125 dollars! ;)

Skybird

03-22-09, 06:21 PM

Second video on features of the upgrade released:

http://www.steelbeasts.com/video/SBProPE2_460_Preview2.wmv

porphy

03-22-09, 06:46 PM

A new full version of SBP now will come with the upgrade included. The price does not change: still 125 dollars! ;)

That is a bargain for this fine product. If you ever thought of getting SB Pro PE now is the time!

Eugene

03-26-09, 11:08 AM

I've pre-ordered. Think of this as if they had marketed it as a significant "add-on" with patch. Which it is. The package includes new driveable simulated vehicles and many scenarios among much else.

At $20 it is less expensive than most add on packages to major commercial releases - of which there is a long list and tradition. BUT - as a ratio of the add on price to the original release, it is a fraction of what others charge. It's but 16% of the original price. Add ons from other companies are often 66% or more of the original.

ontos

03-26-09, 01:03 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and tank sims at that. I bought Steel Fury a month ago and got hooked on tank sims. I have heard so much about Steel Beast, and would like to try it out. I make skins for the flight sim. IL-2 and heard you can do skins in Steel Beast. Like I say I am a noobie, and not very good yet, is it practical for me to order Steel Beast Pro or should I get the older version "Steel Beast"? Also can you make skins in the regular version or do you have to have Pro?. Sorry for all these questions. Just part of being a noobie.

Cheers

Skybird

03-26-09, 04:28 PM

Get SB Pro PE. the first SB you mentioned is locked at software mode graphics 640x480, 256 colours, and visually is totally, completely, hopelessly outdated, due to it's high age. Functionality also do not compare, although SBP1 still is the number 2 in the arena, behind SBP-Pro. If money is a porblem, SB1 still delivers a blow in gameplay, though. Back then it redefined tank simulations on computers. SBP-Pro takes all that to completely new levels, and then adds much more.

The upgrade now implements a new data format for 3D models, so many old skins existing will not normally fit anymore. But the good news is that the skins for the vehciles are moddable, yes, separated for autmun, winter and spring/summer.

In the SBP ressources sticky on top of the forum list you find a link to a screenshot thread.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=97188

Pictures of the new vehicles you can find at the main and in the mod-forums of eSim, and here (beware the different dates!)
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/sbgallery/main.php?g2_itemId=15

Steel Fury and Steel Beasts Pro PE do not really compare. The latter plays in a league of it's own. That's why the military trains with it and pays 18000 dollars per 10-seats-licence. Plus expectionall quality standard, worldclass support and omnipresence of the developer in the support forum - since roughly ten years.

If you want realistic tanking and tactics, you can't go wrong with SBP, trust me. It's a superior choice.

ontos

03-26-09, 04:38 PM

Thanks Skybird, I think I'll get the Pro. Where can I order it. I can't find it on Amazon. Do you have to get it from the manufacturer?

porphy

03-26-09, 05:51 PM

Hi

Yes, you get it from eSim Games Link (http://www.esimgames.com/purchase.htm)

Shipping is free :yep:

cheers Porphy

Skybird

03-26-09, 06:25 PM

It may take some time currently. All old copies have been called back from the shelves, and the new version (including the new upgrade) can be preordered, and is expected to be delivered as soon as the CDs have left the factory, where they currently are being pressed.

1-4 weeks, I estimate. preorder list is said to be long already, and they'll work the shipping list off in sequence of ordering dates, they said.

ontos

03-26-09, 06:56 PM

I have another dumb question, what is a LAN License? and will this play only with key-board and joystick or do I have to buy something else. Thanks

Lieste

03-26-09, 10:33 PM

DRM is dongle based - this uses a physical dongle somewhere on your LAN, using default USB mas storage drivers and a runtime encryption. You must have one full license on the dongle, but you can optionally add up to 7 more licenses at reduced cost allowing networked use by multiple users.

You can freely install SB on as many machines as you have access to, but you must have a currently unused license and the dongle present to launch the program. Personally I find this much better than limited activations/installs tying you to one machine, or requiring online checks/starforce or any other DRM I've had the misfortune to notice (usually by program unavailability/poor performance :down:).

Control requirements for SB are keyboard and mouse. A joystick is optional and takes over some functions. Many people feel that the mouse is easier - I prefer the stick. If money is no object then $1000 a pop 'AFV' controllers are available, but this is probably uneccessary :D

Track IR does some things, but is unsupported, and probably not very useful - you spend much time locked facing forwards in an optical sight.
Widescreen (like triplehead etc) should be much better supported than previously.

Skybird

03-27-09, 06:40 AM

Yes, the dongle solution showed to work very well. They had a public vote in 2005 on what kind of copy protection their customers would prefer to live with. Starforce etc. lost, dongle won, and by a clear margin, if I remember correctly.

ontos

03-27-09, 11:06 AM

porphy

03-27-09, 01:04 PM

Hi Ontos

I think you will be just fine. I had done no tank sims at all when I got Steel Beast Pro PE. I didn’t find it hard to get into. Driving the tank is very easy with a keyboard. Using the gun optics efficient takes a little training, but it's more or less a point and click affair with mouse and keyboard, nothing fancy. There is a tank range to train aiming and shooting, which is good instead of going into a battle and try to learn. Going into a big battle unprepared will get you slaughtered in no time. :)

Steel Beast Pro PE is not like a flight simulator where taking of or general flying might be hard to achieve without any former practice. The sim is in my view very friendly to start out with, and you quickly get used to interfaces and map functions. Just keep doing the tutorials, but pick one tank and concentrate on that one first. The good thing is the depth and scale you can keep expanding into, when you get used to the basics like moving, shooting etc. There is so much I haven't even tried or learned yet in SB Pro PE!

You don't need to master it all to enjoy it. I was simply hooked when I realised the unforgiving nature of tank battles, in that respect SB Pro PE doesn't really give a rookie an easy day. Prepare to be very nervous when moving in open terrain or coming over a crest! But if that part of the sim was any other way, it wouldn't be a sim, and the army would not use it. :yep:

And as a final consolation, if you somehow find yourself overwhelmed and want to put your money into something else, SB Pro Pe can easily be sold second hand for 80-100 dollars. So the risk isn't as big as the retail price might suggest. Not many computer sims have that second hand value.

cheers Porphy

andym

03-27-09, 01:08 PM

Thank all of you for the information. I guess now my over all and final question is; For someone like me who has never driven a tank before except like in "Steel Fury" (which doesn't compare to "Steel Beast"), and my knowledge of computers is not that great, would it be worth buying, or is "Steel Beast Pro" still a good sim. for a old rookie? I wish they had a demo. you could play. I'm sorry for these questions, I just don't want to get over my head.

Its a great Sim.The main thing is to start simple and then work up to bigger units.The learning curve is steep but all of a sudden you click and its chocks away.Ok it doent have the Cimematic eye candy that some PC games do but it doesnt detract.There really isnt time to admire the countryside to be honest.Yes $125 IS a lot but how many games have you bought and not played more than once?I havent had a day since i bought it last december that i havent played at least 1 mission.Go on you tube and search for "steel beasts pro",it will give you a good idea of whats on offer.i certainly didnt feel shortchanged by SB pro at all,Its the best modern Tank sim around IMHO.

Lieste

03-27-09, 01:10 PM

Depends on what you want from it...

It is much 'easier' to use than SF (or at least the demo version of it). No obscure and complicated 4 different keys to operate a vision block or sight - a standard F1-F4, and occassionally Alt-F1 or Alt-F4 cover all sights for all vehicles, or you can click directly into the sight optic to use it.

Driving is simplified - other crew members can request the driver to move forwards, back or to turn left/right. The commander can click on a destination and instruct the driver to head to it, or routes can be made from the map view. The driver has slightly finer control of speed and a better view of what the hull is doing - the big turrets can completely obscure the hull for the commander of the Leopard 2A5 and M1A1.

Ballistics are fairly well modelled, and the important engagement procedures are presented well - different tanks offer slight variations on the presentation of the same lead and superelevation information, and can handle partial failures of the systems with varying levels of gracefullness.

The important restrictions on operating tanks are covered - limited ammunition supply, only part of which is immediately available, requiring a protracted halt in a safe area to move ammunition into the ready racks. Tanks have thick frontal armour over most of the front (but some weakened areas denying complete immunity), thin armour on the sides and rear - most are not any better protected than a Tiger 1 over most of the flank area. APC/IFV have very little armour at all, so they have to be used with care.

Is it a game? Not really... Is it fun to use? If tanks are interesting, and you don't have objections to modern stuff.. Heck Yes!.

(It is probably only fair to say that I'm a Beta Tester for SB ProPE, so I see it warts and all - hopefully there are a few fewer warts left by the time it reaches you guys...)

porphy

03-27-09, 01:29 PM

Go on you tube and search for "steel beasts pro",it will give you a good idea of whats on offer.i certainly didnt feel shortchanged by SB pro at all,Its the best modern Tank sim around IMHO.

Good advice

These two videos are very good. The first one is what SB Pro Pe can be in multiplayer and taking part in a big engagement. Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSrkijbiem0)

The second one gives a good feeling of your own perspective in playing through the optics, and it captures the hectic and brutal feeling on the battlefield. (Be aware!, this video has a very loud soundtrack, turn down speakers before watching! :cool:) Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owoSuhryAfM&feature=related)

andym

03-27-09, 01:46 PM

It doesnt take too long to realise that modern tank warfare is very unforgiving,but you soon learn that full tilt ahead with all guns blazing just doesnt work!:up:

ontos

03-27-09, 02:56 PM

Lieste

03-27-09, 03:43 PM

You'll get a response if you post here, SimHQ or at the official Steelbeasts forum.

You should look at the information held at the Steelbeasts wiki as it contains more detailed information than the manual and includes pictures... Still a work in progress, most of the vehicle pages are (cough) brief, but there are good 'using the vehicle' pages for the M1A1(HA), Leopard 2A4, Leopard 2A5DK and Leopardo 2E - the pages on scenario design, multiplayer, mission planning etc are useful as well.

btw if you spot any obvious stupidities in the vehicle pages let me know and I'll fix it. I know that there are some missing images (I need to annotate the missing screen shots and haven't got around to it yet...)

andym

03-27-09, 04:21 PM

Well I went and did it, I just ordered SBP, after watching those videos and what you all said who can resist. I know I will have quite a few questions when I start. Is this forum where I would ask question about the sim, or is there another site for how to questions and get downloads. Also is there online games with units etc.

www.steelbeasts.com (http://www.steelbeasts.com) is THE place for SBPP and its mods and add ons.They also have regular online games eachfriday,also there are a few "Virtual Units" you can join for online Ops.

Skybird

03-27-09, 04:31 PM

Thank all of you for the information. I guess now my over all and final question is; For someone like me who has never driven a tank before except like in "Steel Fury" (which doesn't compare to "Steel Beast"), and my knowledge of computers is not that great, would it be worth buying, or is "Steel Beast Pro" still a good sim. for a old rookie? I wish they had a demo. you could play. I'm sorry for these questions, I just don't want to get over my head.

the tanks are not as difficult to handle as for example managing the avionics in the Falcon 4.0 pit. The challenge in SBP lies in tactics. Regarding that it is totally different than what you may expect after Tank Platoon II by microprose or Steel Fury. steering a tank in this sim is easy,, and there is no mystery in handling the guns, both with and without technical assistance - it's and issue of routine. Reading the map in the vertical, to time and synchronise your forces, doing a good work in tactical planning - that is what makes it a sim with a challenging learning curve. You will die a lot without even knopwing why and how. Hang on, and you'll improve. This sim is no game you get tired of playing after some months. This is business you will keep attached to for years to come. Much help to find in this forum and the forum at eSim, so if you feel intimidated or helpless, just ask. there will always be several guys helping you out.

ontos

03-27-09, 04:32 PM

Thanks to all, I can't wait to start this adventure.

andym

03-27-09, 04:37 PM

Thanks to all, I can't wait to start this adventure.

You certainly WONT regret it.Take time to read the MAnual and definatly DO the Training Missions.Or you will be just smoking junk in a field!Also you need to be good on the Gunnery Range as it does have an impact on the accuraccy of your troops under your command.Try some of the small 1 tank scenarios to practise on.

ontos

03-31-09, 06:02 PM

I checked out the SBP PE forum it is really great. I just mentioned I was interested in making some skins for the tanks etc. and I was give several templates to use. Wow that was great. I can't do anything until I get the game of course. Has anyone received theirs yet ? I know it probably won't be till mid April or so. Just anxious I guess. Cheers

andym

04-01-09, 01:38 PM

Has anyone received theirs yet ? I know it probably won't be till mid April or so. Just anxious I guess. Cheers

I havent got the upgrade yet,i beleive its starting to be shipped at the the end of the week.It took only 3 days to get mine in the UK from the US last december.

Skybird

04-01-09, 05:39 PM

[/URL]
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2572/achtung.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=achtungschild.jpg)

The dongle-related postings have been moved to a new separate threat:

[URL]http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=150109

Thank you for your understanding.

porphy

04-05-09, 07:15 AM

Apparently, the pre ordered upgrades are getting packed during the weekend, and will be shipping to customers during next week :up:

Cheers Porphy

Chucky

04-05-09, 07:35 AM

I'm not excited,I'm not excited :yeah:

ontos

04-05-09, 12:14 PM

Wow thats great. Does anyone know about the pre-orders for the full game? Is this just for the upgrade? Can't wait. :yeah::rock:

porphy

04-05-09, 03:20 PM

I would guess both will ship now, at least SB Pro PE is not listed as on backorder any more.

cheers Porphy

Skybird

04-05-09, 03:57 PM

I assume they do no separate it, since both the upgrade and the full version -are one and the same disc. the upgrade is not attached to an existing old installation, but is a fresh new installation. The difference is that "upgrade" is orderd by people already having a codemeter dongle with the digital license, while ordering "full version" means to order the dongle as well, else the disc alone is useless if you have no dongle from a previous installation/version. the only additonal difference is that "upgrade" can be ordered with and without hardcopy manual. A pdf is included anyway.

porphy

04-05-09, 04:44 PM

True, it should be the same cd. Now, I wish it was here already. Can't wait to be a smoldering wreck in dusk or dawn light conditions. :salute:

ontos

04-05-09, 04:56 PM

Thanks I appreciate the info. Can't Waite to get rolling. Training first of course.

ontos

04-06-09, 05:28 PM

OOOHHHH yea, just got my copy today, infact 10 minutes ago. Going to load it tonight and read the manual then see what happens. :salute::D:woot::up:

Skybird

04-06-09, 07:37 PM

Ontos, I assume you live in North America...!?

We Europeans need to be a bit more patiently, I'm afraid.

ontos

04-06-09, 08:59 PM

Thats affirmative. andym lives in the UK and said he received his last one in three days, you all should get it pretty quick. I'm new at this tank sim, sorry I got so excited. I'm starting with the first tutorial and going down the list. It's hard to just sit and watch and not be able to do anything. This sim does teach you patience. This sim is great, the graphics are way beyond what I expected.

Skybird

04-07-09, 04:44 AM

andym

04-07-09, 11:45 AM

Still awaiting the Postman to call,its just like Christmas all over again!:har:

porphy

04-07-09, 01:19 PM

No upgrade here yet... :wah:

In the meantime I'm enjoying the arrival of the first Swedish edition from 1935 of Olaf Stapledon Last and First Men. The pages are still uncut. :yep:

Skybird

04-07-09, 03:42 PM

Ah, Stapledon, a name from the great golden era of classic science fiction literature, 1950s-1980s.

As far as the waiting is concerned, I kill time with being outside (biking in spring temperatures over here), chess, and Armed Assault in the evening.

porphy

04-08-09, 07:55 AM

A new video from the upgrade was made available by Magnum from SimHQ.

Watch the mayhem here... Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1P7RjE5fgU) :DL

andym

04-08-09, 10:41 AM

Hurrah!Its arrived!:yeah::yeah::yeah:

Skybird

04-08-09, 10:46 AM

Hotter sound, or what?! :DL

Chucky

04-08-09, 12:16 PM

Hurrah!Its arrived!:yeah::yeah::yeah:

Damn,I'm in the UK and still no sign.Hopefully tomorrow :yep:

andym

04-08-09, 02:11 PM

Well so far, better sound,love the airstrike and the infantry and........and........and........Ooooooooooooooooo ooooooo i Love this !:har:

porphy

04-09-09, 10:50 AM

Noooo, nothing today. :cry: And I know for fact that another Swedish guy far up north got it by now...

Ok,the arrival of the scarce Thomas Ligotti book In a Foreign Town, in a Foreign Land made my mood quite a bit better though. At least this literature fits very well with the theme of Easter and the old horror story about this guy getting killed in a very painful way and then coming back from the dead...

cheers Porphy

Skybird

04-09-09, 04:10 PM

and the old horror story about this guy getting killed in a very painful way and then coming back from the dead...
Yes, mine hasn't arrived so far, too. :D

Eugene

04-10-09, 01:19 AM

No upgrade here yet... :wah:

In the meantime I'm enjoying the arrival of the first Swedish edition from 1935 of Olaf Stapledon Last and First Men. The pages are still uncut. :yep:

An excellent novel! I read that as a teen way back, well, better not say how long ago that was! You know he wrote that prior to what is called the Golden Age of science fiction, when it seemed like so many of the outstanding works were still influenced by an underlying sense of gloom, stemming first from the turn of the century and then from the wonders of all the emerging technology turning into the creation of terrible weapons and mass deaths of WWI. And then science itself moving past "wonders" and through advanced physics and cosmology revealing a vision of the universe suggesting that no matter what technology and humankind might do and create, that life, the planets, and ultimately the stars and galaxies would all end in the heat death of the universe. We were cosmically screwed. Aliens (HG Wells, "The Invasion From Mars" were aggressive, powerful and malevolent. Earth, home...our only refuge, even if only temporarily.

Stapledon certainly created a breathtaking, sweeping vision. But he was part of that pre-Atomic Age era of SF. I recall Astounding magazine and editor John Campbell in the very very late thirties beginning of the 40's changing the nature of SF towards a more optimistic basis. Humans could not only survive, but by adapting and embracing the changing universe, even evolving to higher consciousness - could eventually master whatever challenges arose. Aliens became more complex characters, and might be allies rather than invaders. Heinlein, Asimov, Van Vogt, and the rest in that era established a more optimistic view of the future. I guess it remains to be seen who was right.

Whew! Sorry - Stapledon brought back fond memories. Meanwhile, just finished SB Pro revised Steinbach Ambush scenario. The graphics, the sound files, intense arty strikes - well worth the wait. Just scratching the surface of the upgrade so far though. I haven't found a scenario in which the new UAV implementation is available, or the many of the vehicle advances. But it runs as smoothly as the beta. A great job from the people at eSim. I haven't heard about any serious bugs or issues yet, either.

porphy

04-10-09, 06:15 AM

Thanks Eugene, that brings Stapledons work into good perspective. Glad to hear we have a long term SF reader on board. :) At the moment I'm exploring my way through the genre, and I do some good detours into the branch of weird tales and horror as well.

We have very nice weather here at the moment, and after a running seesion i will now read some good SF stuff on the balcony. perhaps it was a good thing the SB upgrade did'nt arrive this weekend. I would be glued to the screen indoors if I had it avaible right now. You guys with the upgrade can enjoy getting arty strikes on your head this whole Easter.... :salute:

cheers Porphy

Chucky

04-10-09, 01:01 PM

I wonder where my copy is?
What's worrying me is that I can't find my e-mail confirmation of purchase,although I do have it on my card statement.
Come on Mr.Postman,get the lead out!

Eugene

04-10-09, 02:44 PM

Glad to hear we have a long term SF reader on board. :)

We have very nice weather here at the moment, and after a running seesion i will now read some good SF stuff on the balcony. :salute:

cheers Porphy

Ahhhh, Porphy! That sounds like The Life!

Re SF reading - likewise! Hope you enjoy. "Astounding" had a great companion magazine for several years called "Unknown." It leaned in the direction of "Weird Tales" relative to the science-based/rooted "Astounding." But it still required rigorous working out of implications and logic, despite its more fantasy-like elements. Some great, classic stories by major SF writers were published there, rather than in sister "Astounding."

Hope to be engaging in MP SB Pro this Monday evening with other lucky receivers of the new version.