I've ranted and raved a bit about how there's no good single player tank experience out there today that falls somewhere between arcade and Steel Beasts ($130 but high-fidelity) and doesn't involve "free to play massive multiplayer."
Looks like someone actually did something about it:
https://gunnerheatpcdev.itch.io/gunner-heat-pc-development-test-build
It's got a tech demo available for it, too, and a Patreon page if you wanna support development.
(https://gunnerheatpc.com/photos/2020/04/16/2bg32l1u6d_thermals_in_2018.4_deferred.PNG)
(https://gunnerheatpc.com/photos/2020/04/16/82bgfn1k93_T_72M_all_ammo_high_low_FoV.png)
(https://gunnerheatpc.com/photos/2020/04/16/6ej4lv7j49_meadow_scene.PNG)
(https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/023/309/825/large/harry-ridgeway-m60-5.jpg?1578792602)
(https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/025/712/713/large/harry-ridgeway-72-03.jpg?1586703388)
Sweet, thanks for posting.
Thanks for this. Downloading. Great concept. The video looked almost exactly like steel beasts.
I only have one question; will it have infantry? :P
EDIT: Just played it and makes me want to buy tank crew :P Even without infantry.
You never know what you'll find on itch.io...
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 06, 2020, 07:47:37 AM
You never know what you'll find on itch.io...
True. I've found some interesting games on there.
About itch.io....last time I logged in, I got a pop up about a data breach and a warning to change my password. Think I got a similar msg from Greenmangaming about the same time.
Quote from: steve58 on May 06, 2020, 02:13:26 PM
About itch.io....last time I logged in, I got a pop up about a data breach and a warning to change my password. Think I got a similar msg from Greenmangaming about the same time.
Sounds like you might want to do a malware scan on your system, tbh
This game would certainly scratch an itch. ;D
What's the status of this game?
Also @Hellfish6, how is it you only have ~70 posts? I feel like I see you around here all the time! ???
Quote from: Toonces on May 06, 2020, 09:17:13 PM
What's the status of this game?
Also @Hellfish6, how is it you only have ~70 posts? I feel like I see you around here all the time! ???
The game has two tech demos out now - the older (and free one) lets you try a bunch of tanks and fire gunnery and is actually quite good. The newest one for Patreon subscribers just lets you drive an M60A3. Kinda weird... the older free one is a lot more fun.
I just joined recently, when I googled for into on TF Admiral and Sea Power and found the only place to get information on them was this forum. Now, with quarantine still in place, I have too much time to bloviate. Apologies for the spamming.
^ I didn't mean to imply you're spamming. You offer a lot of great comments; I guess I'm just surprised it took you so long to join us. I'm glad you're here! :hug:
Devlog today... I think their vision will resonate with some people around here.
https://gunnerheatpc.com/news/articles/dev-log-number-2-why-we-fight
Dev Log #2: Why we fight
(https://manakeep.com/df/W1siZiIsIjIwMjAvMDUvMDgvNnczdjZxZ2V0Y19NNjBBM19wb3NlLnBuZyJdXQ/M60A3%20pose.png)
With the GHPC Discord server hopping and the small but dedicated dev team hard at work on the Patreon-only vertical slice build, it seems like a good time to explain what the project is about.
Gunner, HEAT, PC! was started by tank nerds, driven by our experiences playing tank games. We remember the well crafted sim-lite titles from decades past, and we think there's a place for that kind of game again. GHPC is not another free-to-play arena TDM game, and it's not a full-blown simulator you need a manual and a week of training to use. We intend to fuse game and simulation in a way that preserves player experience yet doesn't sacrifice on realism where it really counts.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/TPD-K1%20illuminated%20smaller.jpg)
In order to bring about the kind of experience we would want to play, the design of GHPC will adhere to some ground rules:
Controls are unified and do not require re-learning muscle memory for each vehicle
Minor or unique functions of each vehicle are easily accessible through context sensitive interfaces
All characteristics of vehicles and equipment, from the armor performance to the ballistics to the gun sight reticles, are depicted realistically
The focus of the game is primarily on single player and co-op multiplayer (though PvP will also exist)
Teamwork and communication are paramount
There is no pay-to-win content whatsoever, including premium vehicles or research grind with paid skipping
Far from the simple proof of concept demo previously created by one person and posted on itch.io, GHPC is being redesigned from the ground up with high fidelity vehicle modeling, improved weapon and armor systems, more flexible crew control, multiple game modes, infantry/air support units, and multiplayer. In particular, there are several upcoming features we're excited for:
A game mode for everyone - GHPC will offer a variety of ways to play your favorite vehicles. These include single- and multiplayer scenario missions (historical and fictional), dynamic single player campaign, custom missions, and unique multiplayer game modes. Whether you're searching for a compelling strategic experience or just some quick action, we've got you covered.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/uaz.jpg)
A place for every role - Each vehicle type will be utilized according to its abilities. A scout car won't be brawling with enemy MBTs, but it can do recon and spotting work that allows the rest of the team to outmaneuver the enemy and apply direct firepower effectively. An IFV won't stand a chance in a knife fight, but it can unload infantry, secure a key town, and directly bring about a win. Whatever role you choose to take, it will be important.
Seamless control and vehicle swapping - This isn't a team deathmatch game where you use up your spawns and return to the hangar to soak in the defeat. GHPC mission scenarios will allow you to select and control an existing unit in your team's force. If you should get in over your head and lose that unit in combat, you'll be able to stay in the fight by switching to another vehicle presently controlled by AI - or maybe even joining another player's crew.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/T-55%20commander.jpg)
Multicrew - Work as a highly coordinated group to push your vehicle to its full potential... or at least have a lot of fun in the attempt. Players will be able to team up by sharing responsibilities within a single crew. If you've ever wanted an excuse to holler initial fire commands at your friends in a video game, here's your chance to shine.
Seamless player joining and leaving - Didn't make it into the queue on time? Don't worry. GHPC handles player input by giving you temporary control over the already functional AI crew members in a vehicle. If you join late, or disconnect, or switch roles, the mission proceeds without a hitch.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/M60A3%20TTS%20reticle%20on%20T-72A.jpg)
Realistic weapons and armor - Health bars can't do justice to the chaotic struggle between tanks and anti-tank weapons. We know these systems are complex and deadly in real life, and we've done our best to model them thoroughly in GHPC. Every projectile flies true, affected by gravity, air resistance, local air density, even the temperature of the propellant when it ignited. Every piece of armor is marked for material composition and thickness. Explosive reactive armor tiles detonate and disappear. HEAT rounds fuze and shred steel with plasticized copper; APFSDS normalizes and rips through slopes; HE-frag shells throw dense clouds of shrapnel; and ATGMs bob and weave their way to their mark.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/3OF26%20in%20racks.jpg)
Detailed system and component damage models - Even if the ammo and armor are the core of the GHPC combat system, the damage modeling is the key. Live and die by the state of individual elements of your vehicle. Every piece of ammunition in the ready rack is modeled and can be hit with realistic results, down to the difference between propellant and penetrator. Every gunsight, every crewman, every fuel tank and engine are present in their places - and if they're damaged, you'll deal with the consequences. A single shot to the right place is worth more than any number of overpenetrations that strike nothing of value.
Immersive crew communication - "Gunner, HEAT, PC!" Hear the sounds of teamwork in authentic form: your AI crew members will shout out fire commands and responses in line with their current actions. From the loader yelling "UP!", to the gunner calling ranges and hits, you'll get the full audio experience.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/manakeep/users/5e37578e7263831073f7cb84/2020-05-08/smoko2.jpg)
The future of GHPC is going to be awesome, and we hope you'll come along for the ride. If you love what we're making as much as we do, consider supporting us on Patreon, or just follow along on our Discord server and YouTube channel. If you haven't played the early proof of concept demo, it's free and still available to try out at any time.
Sounds fantastic. Eventually, they may have some competition too, with the reemergence of Microprose!
Or maybe they will become Microprose's 4th title!
Is this JUST tanks? Are infantry going to be modeled?
If there's one thing I'm tired of....its having 4 games that do 4 different things
1 game for infantry
1 game for tanks
1 game for planes
1 game for warships
Sounds promising!
Infantry support sounds modeled but not playable per se.
QuoteA place for every role - Each vehicle type will be utilized according to its abilities. A scout car won't be brawling with enemy MBTs, but it can do recon and spotting work that allows the rest of the team to outmaneuver the enemy and apply direct firepower effectively. An IFV won't stand a chance in a knife fight, but it can unload infantry, secure a key town, and directly bring about a win. Whatever role you choose to take, it will be important.
How much of that brief roll mentioned is modeled is unclear from the promo; from the brevity it could be abstracted by an "unload for x seconds within radius of r." Or it might be 'cloud' infantry who will create effects and fight each other and take damage from area strikes but won't be very visible (similar to how infantry were depicted in the Microprose classic game(s) this is clearly aiming to remake for modern systems). Or it could be squad infantry groups (from single snipers up) like in Combat Mission, some of whom have an anti-tank role.
On Discord they've said they're not sure how far they want to go with it. I've pushed for infantry myself, but I'm one voice.
New public demo dropped.
https://gunnerheatpcdev.itch.io/gunner-heat-pc-development-test-build (https://gunnerheatpcdev.itch.io/gunner-heat-pc-development-test-build)
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/563889828350001172/794108609612087336/aftermath.PNG?width=1049&height=609)
I had totally forgotten about this game. Boy, this sure does sound fantastic!
I'm a big, big fan of the sim-lite games more and more of late. Games that capture the essence of simulating whatever it is they're simulating, but streamlining the minutia. That, of course, is just my opinion, but it's my sweet-spot for gaming. This sounds like it's right there where I like my sims to be.
Quote from: Toonces on January 31, 2021, 11:13:14 PM
I had totally forgotten about this game. Boy, this sure does sound fantastic!
I'm a big, big fan of the sim-lite games more and more of late. Games that capture the essence of simulating whatever it is they're simulating, but streamlining the minutia. That, of course, is just my opinion, but it's my sweet-spot for gaming. This sounds like it's right there where I like my sims to be.
I agree, but tank sims are not my cup of tea. I sort of play everything in sim lite mode (especially DCS).
Quote from: Apocalypse 31 on May 08, 2020, 08:15:39 PM
Is this JUST tanks? Are infantry going to be modeled?
If there's one thing I'm tired of....its having 4 games that do 4 different things
1 game for infantry
1 game for tanks
1 game for planes
1 game for warships
Isn't DCS attempting to merge all of that into one large game? I only fly Falcon 4 BMS so I haven't checked out much of DCS "plane" stuff, but from what I've gathered they also have tank modules that plug into the base game so human tanks and human planes can co-exist on the same battlefield. Pretty sure they will add infantry at some point.
WW2 online does this as well, but probably a bit arcadey (IDK, the last monthly subscription I paid was to iEntertainment Network's "Warbirds" in the 90s).
GHPC will have infantry and aviation at some point. The models are there, but the programming time isn't yet. I hadn't heard anything about DCS getting crewable ships... or infantry.
Also, some more new GHPC shots:
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/360697525780348928/805728719095201792/unknown.png?width=788&height=609)
(https://images-ext-2.discordapp.net/external/5GIEiycY21TGyZ8VvT2sFEuOPX4-zc4Oy1Mq4xSgMWs/%3F1604563414/https/cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/covers/images/031/775/939/large/harry-ridgeway-harry-ridgeway-thumb.jpg)
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/563889828350001172/764003563860525076/M1IP_driving_1.jpg?width=1083&height=609)
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/563889828350001172/738981891226468412/ingame_4.jpg?width=1083&height=609)
This looks really good. Do hope they add a more combined arms battlefield though. That will be really important for immersion.
Give the new demo a shot. It's addictive.
Quote from: hellfish6 on February 01, 2021, 05:00:01 PM
Give the new demo a shot. It's addictive.
I definitely will. Already downloaded. Just need to find the time.
Quote from: rustyshackleford on February 01, 2021, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: Apocalypse 31 on May 08, 2020, 08:15:39 PM
Is this JUST tanks? Are infantry going to be modeled?
If there's one thing I'm tired of....its having 4 games that do 4 different things
1 game for infantry
1 game for tanks
1 game for planes
1 game for warships
Isn't DCS attempting to merge all of that into one large game? I only fly Falcon 4 BMS so I haven't checked out much of DCS "plane" stuff, but from what I've gathered they also have tank modules that plug into the base game so human tanks and human planes can co-exist on the same battlefield. Pretty sure they will add infantry at some point.
WW2 online does this as well, but probably a bit arcadey (IDK, the last monthly subscription I paid was to iEntertainment Network's "Warbirds" in the 90s).
Arma does it, although probably warboats rather than warships
First kill:
(https://i.postimg.cc/zByZxds6/Image1.png)
Losing a track 5 minutes later (pic is from the AAR):
(https://i.postimg.cc/T3c615j7/2021-02-03-T053903.png)
They're off to a good start. Driving seems a little wonky but is manageable with a little practice. Miss the crew voices from Steel Beasts but I imagine something is in the works. Shooting felt good, the results are rather hilariously detailed. AI seemed pretty scripted, but they're dead shots, don't dally or you'll brew. Sounds like they are planning for multi-crew and coop missions as well as PvP. Only thing I would wish for after that would be a version of the "command" part of Steel Beasts where you planned your battle on the map and had control of other units depending on your position.
Still clearly in an alpha state. I hit a BRDM 5 times with HEAT rounds that penetrated and it kept on shooting at me in spite of both crew being wounded multiple times. The gunner took at least 10 wounds. Tough bastards.
This is the fourth hit:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gp7nJ05v/2021-02-03-T221934.png)
While I was shooting at the BRDM I got knocked out by an AT missile from over 800m away through multiple tree lines and no obvious line of sight. Possible, I suppose, but given his first three shots went into the dirt 30 yards in front of him I don't think he's that good lol!
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDv30DnR/2021-02-03-T221725.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W4fwwS6d/2021-02-03-T221738.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCJyxHtt/2021-02-03-T221750.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8LGYQrm/2021-02-03-T221800.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/h4m1VLJG/2021-02-03-T221822.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wj2V791c/2021-02-03-T221826.png)
My crew was equally hardy though, they kept shooting during the brew up:
(https://i.postimg.cc/yYMqvXjr/2021-02-03-T222318.png)
Good times.
That's a pretty darn impressive missile shot.
If it wasn't the 80's I would think he had locked in on my cellphone ;D
New version of the demo out.
https://gunnerheatpcdev.itch.io/gunner-heat-pc-development-test-build
Not sure how much was changed but there is a changelog when you start it up. I skipped that to get to the exploding part. ;D
Haven't looked too closely at this but at a glance it's not any better than steel beasts. If they are going sim lite, I'd focus on game play like immersive campaign system like m1 tank platoon.
To be frank, after delving into high fidelity flight sims, having to sim lite ground vehicles is laughable. There's nothing in steel beasts that seemed too complicated to learn. I think it was more accessibility with the drm, pay for updates, and limited sp focused content is what scares people away. But I see nothing here yet that's going to get me to give up my dongle....yes I said it..... lol
The GHPC devs have stated from the start that they're not attempting to compete with Steel Beasts. If anything, I think they're going for something between War Thunder (free, but to get anything modern you have to invest time or money and exclusively multiplayer matches) and Steel Beasts (which has an expensive entry point and isn't a game). I think it fits in closer to M1 Tank Platoon 2 than anything else. In concept, anyways.
I love Steel Beasts but it isn't fun made to be fun. GHPC's design philosophy is for it to be fun first.
^ That's a good way of putting it. Steel Beasts is a good simulation, but I've never played it and found it to be fun. Like, it's not entertaining in that way.
Different things for different audiences. I certainly wouldn't mind some streamlining of the details if there is a good game in there. Of course, that's just old man Toonces talking. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to want to invest the time in true study sims anymore. 25 years ago? Sure. Now, I just would prefer to skip the BS and have fun.
There is a sweet spot for me...probably "sim-lite" or some such term. Probably a good topic for a future thread...
Yeah, I've been eyeballing the DCS F/A-18 for a few years now, but whenever I'm about to pull the trigger I recall that I don't even have the patience or time to learn any of the aircraft that actually come with the game.
And it's not a simple matter of looking up how to do something in the manual either, because to even get to the point in the manual where you're looking up how to select and lock on an AIM-9, you've had to spend much more time learning what switches to flick to start the engine, how to get in the air, how to navigate, etc. Every time I play DCS I spend more time reading than I do playing - and the tutorials are often TERRIBLE.
Admittedly Steel Beasts isn't nearly that complicated, and to drive and shoot an Abrams you don't really need to do much (and the controls are fairly intuitive) but there is other stuff in games that I like besides crossing an LD at 0545, bounding for 10km, and getting zapped by a T-90 from 5000m because you edged a little too close to the military crest.
Sometimes I just wanna blow shit up, ya know, and not worry about teamkilling or vengeance kamikaze Me-109s (looking at you, War Thunder)
I here you, I learn dcs modules back wards. I air start or auto start cheat and only learn the weapons and radar just so I can go right to blowing stuff up. Usually that's enough to get me exited to go back and learn some of the non combat systems as I'm blowing stuff up, then after a couple weeks I fully know the aircraft top to bottom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POCc4Xvrf24&t=129s
Abroomz tomorrow
Excellent. Been meaning to try the latest demo, will wait till tomorrow now.
I don't know how to actually use the youtube widget.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=934kE1-L7xY
On Youtube, click the Share button to get a shortened link that looks like this: https://youtu.be/934kE1-L7xY
Cheers, thanks.
That trailer was...intense.
idk, kinda boring looking at green hue thermal sights all the time.
Gunner Heat PC now has a steam page and is scheduled for release in Summer 2022. Although you may still be able to get the free demo that has been out for a while off the website. The game is a fusion of simulation and accessability. Infantry is planned as is a coop mode. Could this replace the hardcore modern tank simulator - steel beasts pro PE (which originally came with an encryption usb key that had to be plugged in while the game was played). Time will tell...
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1705180/Gunner_HEAT_PC/
Quote from: Destraex on December 26, 2021, 06:30:07 PM
Could this replace the hardcore modern tank simulator - steel beasts pro PE (which originally came with an encryption usb key that had to be plugged in while the game was played). Time will tell...
You mean it doesn't still require a........dongle?
Hehe, I just tried to delete a speck of food from my computer screen while typing!!!!
Quote from: bobarossa on December 26, 2021, 06:33:04 PM
Quote from: Destraex on December 26, 2021, 06:30:07 PM
Could this replace the hardcore modern tank simulator - steel beasts pro PE (which originally came with an encryption usb key that had to be plugged in while the game was played). Time will tell...
You mean it doesn't still require a........dongle?
Hehe, I just tried to delete a speck of food from my computer screen while typing!!!!
They have time limited licenses also available which doesn't require the physical device but still have the physical device as an option.
Quote from: Destraex on December 26, 2021, 06:30:07 PM
Gunner Heat PC now has a steam page and is scheduled for release in Summer 2022. Although you may still be able to get the free demo that has been out for a while off the website. The game is a fusion of simulation and accessability. Infantry is planned as is a coop mode. Could this replace the hardcore modern tank simulator - steel beasts pro PE (which originally came with an encryption usb key that had to be plugged in while the game was played). Time will tell...
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1705180/Gunner_HEAT_PC/
I've played this a little. I set up "Itch" and did the Patreon download thing. The T72s do blow up pretty convincingly...you know the jack-in-the-box type events.
I'll probably get this when it's released on steam, I'm a sucker for well depicted tank warfare. I have been playing Steel Beasts pretty heavy lately in my quest to simulate the Russo Ukraine War 2022. It's still top notch. GHPC will be insta buy though if they have infantry and arty with release. I can't do armor without combined arms represented.
Release into first access is sept 6, $30 with a 10% discount during launch week
Quote from: Skoop on April 28, 2022, 04:22:45 PM
...I can't do armor without combined arms represented.
Yup.
This game is going to be absolutely epic. My favorite parts so far are the ballistic modeling and the sounds. God damn, the crew's excitement in combat rips through my speakers!
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/302344559_10159553648112702_6201909131858039739_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=kp5kFeveVewAX_i1jJ-&_nc_oc=AQnKcSDetIkhVMmB-pLPdo1E87VRlQApUQqMo31cpdy8qHh2N6ebp2SVauTs_Z8d1ZE&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AT9B7IB51uDzn9YO1kE5W-586atsrqNn24G42YPOKHcptg&oe=6312FAE7)
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/302180567_10159553648192702_996728917530902412_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=OAhvz7liA28AX9dz2r6&tn=PPCj6d929_uIIQkY&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AT_ZUvHz3Jg02C8xD02w1vqixZTb_E33frY0f0JoMNYxPQ&oe=63118401)
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/302032131_10159553648397702_8676797440870406045_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=ygP8We2FMQAAX9rr5l9&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AT8whcGt6Z76p3s3-_EEzFZ3-grLdh6wNpm12UADfK138w&oe=631221F4)
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/302082898_10159553648157702_3672935951730916273_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=r27Vi2TsbeYAX__BP31&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AT8exR0rrNMXBJesuNdzc9j1U_b3WHR9qa1qptCmNNMYVA&oe=6311844E)
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/302214976_10159553648012702_3992979977327411097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=qB3bGcicMzMAX9XaR4R&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AT97DKoskZBR2RylLwZXsbY-er_l82VkZ87zcM7Q0yIuVQ&oe=631250C2)
You're involved in testing?
Quote from: Gusington on August 29, 2022, 07:21:51 PM
You're involved in testing?
I have beta code to get a head start on impressions.
Quote from: Gusington on August 29, 2022, 07:21:51 PM
You're involved in testing?
Patreon supporters have had the latest build for a while.
I've been backing long enough I should get a free key on release. And yes, this game is going to rock.
Is it looking better than the typical 'early access'?
It's rough around the edges but yeah, I'd say it's got a lot of good content already.
I really like where they're going with the single player content and atmosphere. They have the engine put together really well and it plays extremely cleanly. It just needs polish.
Quote from: SirAndrewD on August 29, 2022, 08:44:38 PM
It's rough around the edges but yeah, I'd say it's got a lot of good content already.
I really like where they're going with the single player content and atmosphere. They have the engine put together really well and it plays extremely cleanly. It just needs polish.
I agree overall, but it needs a lot more than polish. It needs a shit-ton of content. It needs interiors, it needs crew models, it needs infantry, artillery and aviation. It needs mission planning tools and a much more robust command system...all of this is on the roadmap, but the point is that as good as it seems, there is a long way to go.
Wait? They changed course on interiors? If so that's great news.
A few Patreon live chats ago they were pretty adamant that wasn't happening.
Quote from: SirAndrewD on August 29, 2022, 09:26:52 PM
Wait? They changed course on interiors? If so that's great news.
A few Patreon live chats ago they were pretty adamant that wasn't happening.
Oh, then I'm not sure. It certainly needs them. Without that, although it can still be great, the game will be held back somewhat.
Thanks guys.
Got my Steam Key last night and it looks like it'll have a release this afternoon.
Not expecting a lot of differences from the last Pateron build, but still a good milestone.
Wow time flies. Post impressions!!
Well, my impressions are unchanged.
The EA release version is mostly the last Patreon build, so nothing therein was a mystery. Didn't even have to rebind anything.
There are a lot of missions and the tanks and control schemes are very fleshed out. The shell of the dynamic campaign is there and gives a good feel for the vehicles and their systems.
Works fine with "niche" controllers like my Virpil rig. I could pretty easily bind everything to my stick and control boxes even though the stick's still a bit sensitive for my tastes. I'm planning on going to the shorter stick extension later this month so that might make things a bit better.
Lots of vehicles are already modeled and playable.
Just make sure you note, this is a gunner sim. There's no complex vehicle management, interiors, or commander views or systems beyond setting waypoints and giving platoon orders. Some of that stuff is coming in the roadmap.
Overall this has a lot of missions to enjoy from both sides, and some rudimentary campaign gameplay. If you're getting in at this stage you're doing so to fund development. I think its worth it.
^Thanks D. I'm going in.
Oh I can only support SirAndrew's opinion - all the more considering I got to know them early on - that's one of these zero risk moves you can make this year, and God knows how few and precious these ones have become :coolsmiley:
Games really fun, will be epic when it's fleshed out. Adding infantry and arty will go along way, also some form of air power even if it's abstracted. Interesting to see how the campaign will shake out. I'm fine with it being SP focus, but would be great to pve the campaign with 2 to 4 friends.
Quote from: Skoop on September 07, 2022, 11:25:50 AM
Games really fun, will be epic when it's fleshed out. Adding infantry and arty will go along way, also some form of air power even if it's abstracted. Interesting to see how the campaign will shake out. I'm fine with it being SP focus, but would be great to pve the campaign with 2 to 4 friends.
Do you have Steel Beasts ?
If so, how would you compare them ?
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 07, 2022, 12:12:26 PM
Do you have Steel Beasts ?
If so, how would you compare them ?
Different animals.
Steel Beasts is a full on simulator, while it's got a lot of missions available for it, it's first and foremost a full sim of the workings of the study tanks it simulates. It's a great sim but it has a high learning curve and its single player does leave a lot to be desired. It's not trying to be a game or even be fun, although it can be.
Gunner HEAT is a lot closer to the kind of games they used to make but don't anymore. It's a game, but it has far more simulator elements than say, something like War Thunder. It's first and foremost working to give a good single player experience with enough sim elements to let you know they care about what they're modeling. It's like the old Microprose classics, M1 Tank Platoon I-II, F-19/F117 Stealth Fighter, F-15 Strike Eagle series ect. It's aiming to give you fun missions with a challenge, and a SP dynamic campaign.
If you're a tank enthusiast there's room for both, I have both and DCS Combined Arms and Great Battles Tank Crew. If you'd have to pick one, for a guy like me it'd be Gunner HEAT, and that's from a guy that's spent more money on DCS than his own medical care.
Quote from: SirAndrewD on September 07, 2022, 01:38:55 PM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 07, 2022, 12:12:26 PM
Do you have Steel Beasts ?
If so, how would you compare them ?
Different animals.
Steel Beasts is a full on simulator, while it's got a lot of missions available for it, it's first and foremost a full sim of the workings of the study tanks it simulates. It's a great sim but it has a high learning curve and its single player does leave a lot to be desired. It's not trying to be a game or even be fun, although it can be.
Gunner HEAT is a lot closer to the kind of games they used to make but don't anymore. It's a game, but it has far more simulator elements than say, something like War Thunder. It's first and foremost working to give a good single player experience with enough sim elements to let you know they care about what they're modeling. It's like the old Microprose classics, M1 Tank Platoon I-II, F-19/F117 Stealth Fighter, F-15 Strike Eagle series ect. It's aiming to give you fun missions with a challenge, and a SP dynamic campaign.
If you're a tank enthusiast there's room for both, I have both and DCS Combined Arms and Great Battles Tank Crew. If you'd have to pick one, for a guy like me it'd be Gunner HEAT, and that's from a guy that's spent more money on DCS than his own medical care.
Thank you for the info.
I have Steel Beasts and I'll probably have Gunner Heat in a few days :-[.
I couldn't help but think, when I saw Gunner Heat game play videos, how alike they looked.
downloading now.
so efffing tired of WoT.
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 07, 2022, 03:29:40 PM
It's a great sim but it has a high learning curve
What specifically do you think gives SB a high learning curve?
I hear this a lot - especially from gamers who want to approach SB but are.....'afraid' that its going to some sort of complex machine like an aircraft in DCS.
I've been playing SB since 2007 - the same year I learned how to operate an M1A1 in real life - I can tell you that after about 8 hours in gunnery simulators, it wasn't very difficult, and I think SB does a great job replicating how
easy the M1 fire control system is.
I just think there's misconception that SB is some super in-depth 'simulator', and its off-putting to most newcomers.
Tanks were literally designed so that a young 18-year old Private could learn how to operate the vehicle as quickly as possible. It's not an F-18.
Lase, Track, Fire.
This is the best video review I've seen.....at least it's honest.
There are a few deal-breakers for GHPC that I see.
AI seeing & shooting through vegetation is a deal breaker, as is the current AI pathfinding.
If it's a game about fighting in a tank and commanding a platoon then the AI platoon-wingmen need to be decent.....not doing circles around the platoon area, confused, like something out of ARMA 3.
Quote from: Apocalypse 31 on September 07, 2022, 07:52:56 PM
What specifically do you think gives SB a high learning curve?
I don't think in particular it's that high. It's no DCS that's for sure. I was referring to it relative to Gunner HEAT. Perhaps I should've said "higher" compared to "high".
I know others that consider Steel Beasts sim aspects to be too deep for their tastes, especially learning the interface, operation the commander's station, getting the map interface.
I actually have an easier time with Steel Beasts than Arma 3.
I don't think anyone on here really would find Steel Beasts too hard, but compared to Gunner HEAT, it's like comparing DCS to F19.
QuoteI don't think in particular it's that high. It's no DCS that's for sure. I was referring to it relative to Gunner HEAT. Perhaps I should've said "higher" compared to "high".
Gotcha.
Quote from: Apocalypse 31 on September 07, 2022, 07:55:22 PM
AI seeing & shooting through vegetation is a deal breaker, as is the current AI pathfinding.
I posted this back in February 2021:
Quote from: Bardolph on February 03, 2021, 05:51:13 PM
While I was shooting at the BRDM I got knocked out by an AT missile from over 800m away through multiple tree lines and no obvious line of sight. Possible, I suppose, but given his first three shots went into the dirt 30 yards in front of him I don't think he's that good lol!
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDv30DnR/2021-02-03-T221725.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/W4fwwS6d/2021-02-03-T221738.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCJyxHtt/2021-02-03-T221750.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8LGYQrm/2021-02-03-T221800.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/h4m1VLJG/2021-02-03-T221822.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wj2V791c/2021-02-03-T221826.png)
My crew was equally hardy though, they kept shooting during the brew up:
(https://i.postimg.cc/yYMqvXjr/2021-02-03-T222318.png)
Good times.
Was hoping they would have toned that down by now.
Ah well, a work in progress.
To me it is actually worth a buy, especially if you want to support them an found the Patreon system not to your liking. I am honestly a bit shocked by the tone of the Devs, I thought things were going a bit better considering the numbers I saw. It truly looked to me that Early Access was a natural and logical move, not an utmost necessity, funds-wise.
To quote him under said video
QuoteOuch. This is hard to watch, because pretty much everything you said is correct, and it's stuff that I've been painfully aware of even as we press onward with Steam.
There's been some feedback along the lines of "I don't know why they released this now, it needs another year". Candidly, we're between a rock and a hard place. The team has no angel investors, no publisher, no outside help except the awesome vets who have stepped up to provide research and advice. We've scrounged and begged and made hard choices to get as far as we have, and it would not have been sustainable to remain a Patreon game much longer - as great as that support is, it's small change in the world of game dev. In order to maintain creative integrity and keep people employed, we had to make a tough call: press the button, go to Steam, sink or swim.
People have different standards for when a game is "finished enough" to earn a buy, and it's totally understandable that some see GHPC as falling short of that mark at the moment. For others, the existing content and the hints of the future are enough to make that leap now. Our great gamble is that there are enough of the second group to keep the lights on until we can eventually bring the first group around.
Solid video as always. I hope some day in the future to see a "GHPC - Why it's finally ready" video here.
At any rate sales of the Early Access thing should help them keep the project afloat quite well, it is by all standards doing very well (even conservatively, seems likely to me based on reviews numbers & the usual coefficients they have sold at least between 15 & 20k copies since release). They are doing some great work, they absolutely deserve to be supported if you're into tank stuff, but that is just my humble opinion ;)
Yeesh, yeah, I had no idea they had trouble on finance, but that's not surprising I guess with the small dev team.
As I said before and still do, this is an EA buy in to support the developers. I can absolutely see where this game can go based on its state, but no it's not there yet. I guess if it doesn't get support it's not going to get there.
For my part I got my key for my prior support and am going to keep on the Pateron at a different tier. Response has been good, but yeah, it's got huge teething issues that I think they can solve given time.
I've seen a lot of EA games I had less faith in than this one.
I would agree, operating an M1 is not that difficult in sb. It might be the interface and price tag that scares people away. I would wager if they modernized the interface of steel beasts and made a quick battle editor and sp campaigns, an MP browser, then sold it on steam for 49.99, it would be one of the most popular war games on steam. I think esim does not care though, their focus is defense contracts. We are lucky to get a consumer version.
Keeping an eye on this one. Sounds like it might need to mature a bit more for my taste. But I like where it seems to be going.
Quote from: Skoop on September 08, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
I would agree, operating an M1 is not that difficult in sb. It might be the interface and price tag that scares people away. I would wager if they modernized the interface of steel beasts and made a quick battle editor and sp campaigns, an MP browser, then sold it on steam for 49.99, it would be one of the most popular war games on steam. I think esim does not care though, their focus is defense contracts. We are lucky to get a consumer version.
yes
This fell off my radar, but I was feeling spendy today and it popped up in my Steam feed so I took the jump.
I enjoyed Steel Beasts for what it is, but honestly I'm looking for something with a little more game to it these days.