Gunner, HEAT, PC!
- September 6, 2022
- Radian Simulations LLC
- 9h median play time
Get on Steam"Gunner, HEAT, PC!" is a modern warfare simulation game that puts you in the driver's seat of an Abrams tank. Engage in intense battles across various landscapes, using advanced weapons systems and strategic maneuvers to defeat the enemy. With highly detailed vehicles and environments, this game offers a realistic and immersive tank warfare experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Highly immersive tank combat experience with excellent sound design and voice acting.
- Realistic damage modeling and ballistics, providing a satisfying gameplay loop.
- Regular updates from developers, showing commitment to improving and expanding the game.
- Frequent crashes and performance issues, making the game unplayable for some users.
- AI behavior is inconsistent, often leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Limited content and repetitive missions, lacking variety in gameplay.
- story472 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and narrative, with many reviewers noting that the campaign feels like a series of disconnected instant action missions rather than a cohesive storyline. While there are numerous missions available, they often lack variety and can become repetitive, with little to no progression or meaningful context between them. Overall, players express a desire for a more engaging campaign structure and the inclusion of a mission editor to enhance replayability and creativity.
“I think there is a perfect base here to add more immersion and storytelling elements; the gameplay is simple on its face but rewards the attentive and calculating player, making for an addictive experience where every hill and crest holds a surprise.”
“The missions are designed well, and often catch you out if you aren't careful and don't think about the mission like an actual battlefield with threats potentially waiting on your flanks or in cover.”
“The game creates some serious tension at times with being swarmed and flanked by enemy units, but also has some relaxed gunnery practice and easier missions for beginners.”
“The campaign is quite basic, with about 4 mission types that each have slight variations each time (different tank, attack axis, friendly units).”
“There is no story and nothing to set the mood for the situation you are about to enter.”
“The missions are an excuse for cold war era tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to be pitted against one another.”
- gameplay234 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its engaging mechanics, realistic tank simulation, and immersive sound design, while others criticize it for being repetitive, clunky, and lacking content. Many users appreciate the balance between arcade and simulation elements, noting that while the core mechanics are solid, improvements are needed in AI behavior and mission variety. Overall, the game shows potential for growth, but its early access state leaves it feeling somewhat unfinished.
“The gameplay is engaging, the sound design is very good, and the graphics run fine on this crappy 6-year-old gaming PC that desperately needs a better graphics card... if you have modern hardware, it will run just fine.”
“Great game, gameplay feels in-depth while still being able to get decent at it relatively quickly.”
“The core gameplay is great and all that is needed are more vehicles and an expanded campaign (which are all things the devs are working on).”
“Until they add more variety of vehicles/gameplay, optimize, and give us some tools to make missions of our own, I'm out.”
“As a long-time armored games player, I found the gameplay frustrating, unintuitive, and punishing.”
“The gameplay is very rough, not well optimized, and it only has 10 combat units, so the gameplay may get repetitive if you really pay attention to it.”
- graphics210 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the realism and detail of tank models and environments, while others criticize the overall optimization and dated visuals. Some users report significant performance issues even on high-end PCs, suggesting that the graphics may not meet modern standards despite being visually appealing in certain aspects. Overall, while the graphics are considered good for an early access title, there is a consensus that further optimization and updates are needed to enhance the gaming experience.
“Graphics look great and sound design is absolutely amazing.”
“A truly immersive experience, the visuals and the sounds (crew voices included) make this game truly special.”
“The graphics are very good and immersive.”
“The graphics seem outdated, despite maxed settings.”
“Graphics aren't everything, but a serious game in 2023 should not look this bad.”
“The graphics are dated; maybe they would have looked okay in 2012, but they are not even close to Arma 3, which has been around for 9 years.”
- optimization139 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting poor performance, frequent crashes, and significant frame rate drops, particularly on mid-range hardware. While some acknowledge that the game is still in early access and improvements are expected, the current state leaves much to be desired, making it unplayable for those without high-end PCs. Overall, players express hope for future optimization updates to enhance the gaming experience.
“Deep physics simulation of ballistics and armor, the devs adhere to documented performance.”
“Very fun to play, though the game does need to be optimized, which the devs are aware of and plan on doing in the future.”
“Awesome game and awesome reality, more fine-tuning and optimization to the graphics and the overall game, and it will for sure be a masterpiece.”
“I cannot recommend this game at the moment because the game is horribly unoptimized, and the devs just keep releasing more pre-built missions that run poorly, with the only difference being the positioning of the units.”
“The performance is bad, even on medium quality.”
“Optimization is abysmal; the game is unplayable by most.”
- music33 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the immersive experience, with many players praising the dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the intensity of gameplay. The original score, combined with authentic voice lines, effectively conveys the tension and urgency of tank combat, making it a standout feature. Players have expressed their enthusiasm by purchasing the soundtrack separately, highlighting its quality and emotional impact.
“The voice lines, god are they amazing, really making you feel that tension and fear, the OST is very well done too, matching perfectly every situation you find yourself in.”
“The music is also excellent and fits the game very well as it changes based on the situation.”
“Honestly, you guys did not have to go so hard on the soundtrack.”
“The frantic terrified radio chatter combined with the very unexpected and welcome ambient 80s synth music that adapts to what's happening creates an amazing feeling.”
“Cold war era, killing reds with a sick soundtrack and your tank crew screaming at you because they don't wanna die.”
- stability29 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with many players reporting frequent crashes, bugs, and glitches, particularly in its early access state. While some users find the gameplay enjoyable despite these issues, others express frustration over persistent problems that hinder their experience. Overall, the game shows potential but requires substantial improvements in stability and bug fixes before it can be fully recommended.
“On Steam Deck, you'll need to lower some graphics settings, as expected, but other than that, it runs great.”
“It's very bug-free at the moment, very replayable with a wide mission set.”
“It crashes a lot, and I've been waiting for new updates and fixes; even after 3 patches, it's still very buggy.”
“I get to the main menu, click on anything, and the game instantly crashes to desktop or freezes.”
“Game is just so unfinished with so many glitches and bugs; the AI doesn't work, and if you want to have a fun time while playing this game, you need to play as NATO. It's not worth its money at the moment; the campaign is so unfinished.”
- grinding27 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 59 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a strong appreciation for the absence of grinding in this tank simulator, with players praising the game for prioritizing fun and immediate gameplay over tedious progression systems. Many users express relief at not having to invest countless hours into unlocking content, contrasting it favorably with other games like War Thunder that require extensive grinding. Overall, the game is celebrated for its straightforward approach, allowing players to enjoy combat without the burden of grinding.
“This is what a tank game should be: fun, not grinding for hours on end with little reward. You feel good when you shove a round through the enemy and then get your ass handed to you before you can get the next round loaded.”
“No grinding, just hours of your tank commander yelling at you to target enemies.”
“Although the game is in early access and still in the making, it already is a great game if you want something realistic with no grinding and suffering as in War Thunder.”
“And why haven't I found this masterpiece two years ago? In that case, I wouldn't be spending a thousand hours grinding on the time-consuming and money-eating tech tree of War Thunder.”
“Tired of semi-realistic tank sims requiring decades of grinding to play the tanks you actually want - only to find that realism got sacrificed for 'balance' and 'gameplay' reasons?”
“War Thunder may be free, but the years it'll take of grinding are not; save the time and buy this game.”
- replayability23 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its variety of missions and scenarios that allow for different playstyles, while others criticize the lack of depth and basic objectives. Features like a non-story driven campaign and potential for user-generated content could enhance replay value, but many feel the current AI issues and limited content hinder long-term engagement. Overall, while some aspects offer good replayability, others leave much to be desired.
“Most reminiscent of Cold Waters and other Red Storm Rising inspired games, with lots of mission variety and replayability.”
“Comes with a huge range of scenarios - many of which can be played from both sides and/or at night, giving the game a great deal of replayability.”
“Because of the dynamic campaign, the game is very replayable, even without multiplayer.”
“Lacks replayability and the AI is scuffed; they either miss all their shots or you're pegged as soon as you start the mission.”
“No replay value; objectives are very basic.”
“There's not much playability/replayability at this point.”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its tension and immersion, with many reviewers highlighting the effective voice acting, realistic physics, and authentic visual effects that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the chaotic and panic-filled ambiance that closely resembles real combat scenarios, reminiscent of classic titles like Red Orchestra. Overall, the atmosphere is described as intense and unique, contributing significantly to the gameplay experience.
“Atmosphere is tense, voice acting is immersive, physics feel real and grounded.”
“The game also has a very good atmosphere, with awesome voice lines from the crew and very authentic visual effects.”
“Unique experience, the overall chaos and panic atmosphere hits surprisingly close to real combat, and although armor doesn't usually get too close nowadays due to the drones, it's a nice depiction of what armored combat would have been like, should the Cold War ever have turned hot.”
“Unique experience, the overall chaos and panic atmosphere hits surprisingly close to real combat, and although armor doesn't usually get too close nowadays due to the drones, it's a nice depiction of what armored combat would've been, should the Cold War ever have turned hot.”
“Sometimes you have this atmosphere, almost like a horror game, where you creep forward towards the enemy.”
“The atmosphere is... well, it's one thing to watch it.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing tank commander dialogues and the comedic reactions of crew members during intense moments, such as panicking and screaming. Players appreciate the lighthearted touches, like funny text on items and the overall entertaining gameplay, which contributes to a fun and immersive experience. Overall, the humor is a standout feature that enhances the enjoyment of the game.
“Funny commander goes 'gunner, sabot, tank' while I am in an IFV with sabot loaded.”
“But there are nice touches that add to immersion, like distance vs when you hear a sound. Crews are kind of hilarious when panicking, screaming their lungs out. In general, sounds work and do their job.”
“But they seem focused on small things like making the thermal vision blurry or adding funny text to MRE boxes.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it for predatory practices and pay-to-win mechanics, while others appreciate the lack of microtransactions and the developers' commitment to regular content updates. Overall, there is a notable divide between those who feel exploited by aggressive monetization strategies and those who commend the game's fair and transparent approach.
“Open and honest developers, realistic monetization, and a nearly unparalleled experience.”
“Predatory monetization, unfair balance changes, poor servers, pay-to-win mechanics... us online tankers saw it all, long before most other gamers experienced it.”
“I tried a couple of the multiplayer arena loot chest cash grabs, but they just didn't do it for me.”
“The developers have continued to add more content to the game on a regular basis, which is commendable in a world of cash grab EA titles.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with top-notch voice acting and sound effects that deeply enhance the player's connection to significant events, often leading to feelings of nostalgia and emotional exhaustion. Players report intense emotional responses, including moments of crying, particularly during high-stakes missions and interactions with characters. Overall, the game's audio design effectively amplifies the emotional weight of the experience.
“Sound effects and audio - especially the voice acting is absolutely top notch and helps to give you a sense of the significant emotional event that the crew is currently processing.”
“You almost feel emotionally exhausted and gloomy after a super intense mission.”
“Made me cry 11/10 emotional”
