War Thunder Review: Blending History with High-Octane Combat

• Game Name: War Thunder
• Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
• Initial Release Date: August 15, 2013
• Genre: Action, Vehicular Combat, Combat Flight Simulator
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Android (War Thunder Mobile)
  
  

Introduction

War Thunder, developed and published by Gaijin Entertainment, is a testament to the blend of realism and thrill in vehicular combat games. Released in 2013, it is a cross-platform, massively multiplayer online game focusing on aviation, armored vehicles, and naval craft from various historical eras. This review will explore the aspects that set War Thunder apart, covering its gameplay, unique features, and the experience it offers to players.

Development and Release

War Thunder was first announced in 2011 and released as an open beta in November 2012, with a worldwide release in January 2013. The official release was on December 21, 2016. The game has a cross-platform format and is available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Oculus, Vive, and mobile platforms. A spinoff game, War Thunder Mobile, was also released in 2023​​.

Gameplay Overview

At its heart, War Thunder is a game of combined arms battles on air, land, and sea. The vehicles range from pre-World War I to modern day, emphasizing World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Players can control aircraft, ground vehicles, and warships from a variety of nations, with an extensive set of trees attached to them. The vehicles are categorized into aviation, ground, and fleet, with game modes divided between arcade, realistic, and simulator​​.

Unique Elements and Features

War Thunder’s standout feature is its realism and historical accuracy. It offers over 2000 highly detailed vehicles, including aircraft, helicopters, ground vehicles, and warships, crafted from historical documents and sources. The game presents 100 maps representing the main historical battle theaters and offers intense PvP experiences and rich PvE content, including dynamic historical campaigns and solo missions. Regular content updates keep the game fresh and engaging. Another unique aspect is its cross-platform gameplay, allowing players on different platforms to play together seamlessly​​.

The game modes, especially the Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator Battles, cater to different player experiences. Arcade Battles offer simplified damage models and physics, while Realistic Battles provide a more accurate depiction of vehicle behavior and combat scenarios. Simulator Battles, the most realistic mode, requires players to use a joystick or gamepad, and focuses on first-person views in cockpits or gunner views​​.

Critical Reception

Following its release, War Thunder received several awards, including Best Simulation Game at the Gamescom 2013 Awards. It was also among the most played games on Steam in 2019, with over 25,000 concurrent players. Critics praised the game for its variety of airplanes and visuals but criticized aspects like the user interface and HUD for being cumbersome​​.

The Verdict

Rating: 9/10

War Thunder earns a 9 out of 10 for its unparalleled blend of historical accuracy, realism, and diverse vehicular combat. The game’s extensive library of vehicles and maps, along with its various game modes, cater to a wide range of players, from arcade enthusiasts to simulation purists. The cross-platform gameplay enhances its accessibility and appeal. However, the complexity of the user interface and the steep learning curve for new players slightly mar the experience. Nonetheless, War Thunder stands out as a leading title in its genre for its immersive gameplay and commitment to historical authenticity.