War Thunder

War Thunder for PC and PS4 is an online free-to-play game that allows you to replay historical battles from the World War II and the Korean War periods. The hallmark of the title is the possibility to take part in combined battles, in which pilots, tankers, and marines fight on the same battlefield, while the victory depends on the cooperation between air forces, armored divisions, and the navy. The game was developed by Gajin Entertainment, a Russian studio which previously created such titles as Wings of Prey, Birds of Steel and Apache: Air Assault.

Gameplay

The players get a whole bunch of vehicles from the aforementioned historical periods at their disposal. We can sit in the cockpit of various fighters and bombers as well as drive tanks, tank destroyers, or anti-aircraft cannons, especially useful in the combined battles. At the moment, there are a few hundred airplanes (German, Russian, British, Japanese, and American) and dozens of armored vehicles (German and Russian) available. All machines are characterized with stats that recreate their actual properties. Fighting subsequent battles, we will have to regularly enlarge our vehicle collection and improve the ones we already own by upgrading their parts or choose the right sort of ammunition.

Game modes

Up to thirty players, divided into two teams, can take part in a single battle. We may play using only tanks or airplanes (arcade battles), or fight a combined battle with the use of both (realistic battles and simulations). We can go in alone or, alternatively, as a part of a platoon/squadron of up to four members.

War Thunder for PC and PS4 features an advanced, realistic system of physics and damage. Both airplanes and tanks behave like their real counterparts. Eliminating a hostile unit requires us to incapacitate its personnel or destroy key elements of the vehicle, such as the engine or ammunition storage. In arcade battles, the interface makes targeting the sensitive spots of enemy machines easier, while in realistic clashes, this facility is not available. Luckily, thanks to a number of extensive tutorials, the game is suitable for both pilots and tank crewmen that only begin their career, as well as seasoned players.

Technology

Gaijin Entertainment’s productions are known for their quality graphics, and War Thunder for PC and PS4 is no exception. All battlefields were created using modern satellite images, modified with the data from the 1940’s maps. Extensive social features allow the players to establish clans, enter alliances, and organize battles with rival groups.

Last updated on 21 November 2014