Publisher: Wargaming.net
Developer: Wargaming.net
System Requirements: Not yet listed
Genre: Action MMO
ESRB rating: Not yet rated
Release date: TBA

There is a feeling of power associated with tanks. Driving over obstacles, blowing targets up with large caliber high explosive shells, and being impervious to small arms fire are some of the perks associated with these great armored beasts of land battles. Hoping to capitalize on these gaming inclinations, Wargaming.net has already begun closed beta-testing of World of Tanks, an MMO dedicated to the tactical employment of armor in World War II battles.

World of Tanks gives players access to a full set of both German and Soviet tanks from World War II, with everything from light Leopard tanks, to the ridiculously heavy and experimental Maus, and even self-propelled artillery. Each player gets access to a single light tank design from the beginning. After playing matches, cash is awarded and can be used to repair vehicles, buy ammunition, and purchase upgrades. But technological upgrades themselves require experience points to research, with new kinds of tanks requiring certain minimum technologies. Thus, you cannot start out with a high-tech Tiger tank, but instead you must work your way up to it. Adding to all of this is the experience of the crew of your tank. Doing well in battles enables your crew to perform better, but you must often choose between spending experience on your crew and spending it on technological upgrades.

Despite what you may expect, World of Tanks does not cater to a single, pre-defined awesome tank, crew, and set of upgrades for both the Soviet and German armies. Each weight class of tank, tank destroyer, and self-propelled gun fulfill various battlefield roles, requiring players to work together in order to achieve victory. Heavy tanks can swat around lighter tanks without too much effort, but artillery tends to demolish them when they are spotted at range by their enemies. Tank destroyers work well in ambushes, but get massacred in stand-up fights. Self-propelled guns can destroy any tank at long range with proper spotting, but do poorly when faced with lighter tanks who get up close and personal. When these game mechanics are combined with a battlefield that has no pesky, slow-moving infantry and widely varying terrain, you have the perfect setup for satisfying tank battles. The game even models the effects of armor penetration and the varying armor thicknesses on the different sides of various tanks. Trying to shoot through the front armor of a Tiger is a waste of time for most vehicles, while almost any tank can be heavily damaged with a shot of the right kind of ammunition to its rear.

Currently, World of Tanks is in closed beta, and the game is only at patch 0.57. Wargaming.net certainly has their work cut out for them, but they are well on their way. The title has the potential to become an addictive game for those who have a love of armored vehicles and large caliber guns.