Friday Timewaster

Armored Warfare has entered open beta with no future wipes -- which, as we've learned, is code for "released." Like the game which inspired it, World of Tanks, it's free-to-play. Even better, as they don't charge you for garage slots, a practice which I always found a bit sketchy.

The game uses the latest iteration of the Crytek graphics engine. As you can see, it's quite gorgbeautimous:



This is another one I spent some time alpha testing, and I must say it's rather good. The developers listened to feedback from testers and have taken great pains to give each class of vehicles their own missions. If you try to play an IFV like a MBT, you'll end up a greasy spot in very short order. The IFV is there to spot enemies, designate targets and capture strategic points quickly, not get into toe-to-toe slugging matches. Play it accordingly and it's quite rewarding.

Unlike World of Tanks and War Thunder, this game focuses on post-WWII armored vehicles, up to and including the latest to roll out onto the battlefield. That means you get to play around with some very odd ducks indeed, such as the M551 Sheridan with its quirky 152mm gun/missile launcher, (and paper-thin armor). There's also artillery (but not game-breaking like it is in WoT) and dedicated guided missile platforms, along with the expected variety of AFVs, IFVs, tanks small and large, and a surprisingly robust array of wheeled attack vehicles.

There's also an interesting base-building mechanic. It's a mini-game wherein you use resources to improve the buildings of your own personal military base in order to give your vehicle crews advantages, increase experience gain, get more money per match, and a number of other perks. A teamwork PvE mode rounds it out for those who are averse to constant PvP stress-fests. I admit to ducking into a PvE match myself from time-to-time, as there's considerably less pressure to win.

It's free-to-play, so have a go.


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