World of Tanks

World of Tanks is an extremely popular online shooter based on a free-to-play business model in which players fight with each other using tanks. The original version of the game debuted in 2011 on PC. In 2013, the Xbox 360 version was released, followed by releases on Xbox One a year later and on PlayStation 4 in 2016. Developers from Wargaming.net studio published a simplified mobile version titled World of Tanks Blitz and a card game World of Tanks Generals.

Game mechanics

The core of World of Tanks’ gameplay is fighting with other players in form short mini-campaigns or tournaments, as well as single battles in one of the game’s many modes. There is also something for those who prefer playing by themselves, as they can try one of a few story campaigns.

World of Tanks uses third-person perspective (TPP) and focuses on simulation, with some action, strategy and RPG features. Wargaming.net’s title lets players control one of a few hundred tanks and armored vehicles from various eras – from World War II to the Cold War. Each machine is assigned a country represented in the game: USA, USRR, Poland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Japan, China, Czechoslovakia, Italy, and Sweden. Vehicles are also divided into five main classes: light, medium, heavy, destroyers, and self-propelled guns. Additionally, each of them belongs to one of the ten tiers corresponding to its technological advancement.

We start only with tier I vehicles and unlock higher options on each technological tree by progressing through the game and gaining experience. We also earn credit that can be spent upgrade e.g. an engine, a turret, suspension, cannon, and radio system. Interestingly, most of them are historically valid, if not as produced models, then as prototypes. We can also buy many useful gadgets like camouflage, modern guiding systems, repair kits, and medkits. It must also be noted that a crew of our tank also earns an experience, improving their battle prowess.

Game modes

World of Tanks offers a huge variety of game modes, with each update gradually introducing even more. Major variants include random battle, team battle, clan wars, assault, and stronghold. Each battle is between two teams of up to 30 players each, which might also be divided into platoons made of 2-3 people. Story campaigns are also worth mentioning, as they can be played alone or in cooperation with a friend. Fitting for an online game, World of Tanks features clans consisting of maximally 100 players that can rival in clan competition to conquest areas on the world map.

Technical aspects

World of Tanks uses BigWorld Technology engine, modified by Wargaming.net for this game. High-quality visuals and simulation-like game mechanics let us feel like a real tank commander. One of the game’s standouts comes with an advanced destruction model system. It takes into account many factors, like a hitting angle of the bullet and armor thickness etc., and calculates possible penetration, damage to each module and a crew using percentage values.

Last updated on September 24, 2018