World of Tanks doesn't include much of a storyline. Players will be immediately thrust into the massively multiplayer online world of the game immediately and given a few instructions on how to go about controlling tanks in combat and how to upgrade them between matches and find new games to play. There are well over 100 different tanks included in the game for players to unlock, control and destroy across massive maps, some of which supports up to 30 players simultaneously. The tanks are recreated with some accuracy in the game and are inspired by different models of tanks in real life seen during the early 1900s through the 1960s in various countries. Though World of Tanks isn't a complete simulation of what it's like to drive a tank, it does offer some uncanny resemblances to what a massive tank battle would look like on the battlefield.
Once players begin their first match, experience points are earned towards unlocking new upgrades and the next tier of tanks. There are multiple tiers available in the game, and the tiers are used for both unlocking tanks with greater potential and sorting skilled players from players with weaker tanks that aren't as powerful, though there are few high tier tanks around, since the game launched just recently. Additionally, tanks can be customized with up to three different upgrades that add passive abilities such as faster rates of fire, quicker reload times and a more powerful radar. Though there are plenty of upgrades and hundreds of different tanks in the game, it's very rare to ever feel overwhelmed by an opponent simply because their tank is that much more powerful than your own.
Though the tanks in World of Tanks take the form of their real life inspirations, it's pretty uncommon to see any tanks outside of the first couple of tiered levels that are exactly alike. Additional customization options allows players to unlock upgrades known as modules that offer less potent passive abilities such as increased fire power for the loss of shot speed and other similar sidegrades. Players can further customize their ride with camouflage that feature many different colors and patterns with some options to make completely unique paint schemes to wear into battle.
World of Tanks offers many different multiplayer modes for players to enjoy online. The game supports player clans that are made up of up to 100 different members. Players can then join up online for massive Clan Wars battles between two teams of 15 players each and compete over some in-game currency and other prizes. More traditional matchmaking modes exist in World of Tanks as well including a Standard, where two teams attempt to take each other out while protecting their base, Assault, where only one team has a base to defend, and Encounter, where teams fight for control of a neutral base. Other modes include practice or training modes, online tournaments and multiple team battles for up to four different teams in chaotic competitions. There is a good variety of game modes available in World of Tanks that offer different game experiences that players can easily enjoy for hours.
World of Tanks is free-to-play but does support in-game currency purchases. Luckily, the pay to win aspect doesn't show up often in matchmaking thanks to a helpful system that matches players of the same Tier class of tank in the same matches. Unbalanced matches are few and far between, though they can be terribly infuriating when they do occur. Only time will tell if the game's matchmaking skill system will hold up once more players gain experience and more powerful tanks and less players are booting up the game for the first time.
World of Tanks for Xbox 360 does not currently allow players to import their player profile and progression from the PC version of the game to consoles. This ensures all players begin on a level playing field, but it's definitely got to be a bummer for players that have invested a lot of time and money into the original version to not be allowed to continue with the same player experience and profile on the new release. Some players will still have a leg up on their competition in World of Tanks matches though, because the game hides a layer of strategy that forces players to think about more than firing shots accurately. New players can learn more by reading articles on the game online including guides on the official World of Tanks website.
World of Tanks is based on a nearly four year old MMO game for PC, and as such, the game's presentation is a bit lacking. The game's graphics aren't the prettiest around, and tank models don't look as good as some players would like, though the massive machines do take damage that shows up over time to help make battle more realistic. The game's environments are large enough to support massive online matches and look decent with some destructible pieces on most maps. The game does have some pretty good sound design that makes each shot fired feel authentic as the rumble vibrates through the game's controller. World of Tanks is easy to control on Xbox 360, though some players will still argue that the PC version offers superior controls with a mouse and keyboard.
World of Tanks has grown into one of the most popular free-to-play games on the PC, and the Xbox 360 version offers a highly entertaining adaptation of the original. The game doesn't offer the same amount of content as is available on the PC version of the game, yet, it still has enough content to make it a viable option to players without a good quality gaming computer or that prefer the ease of playing the game on their home console. Though the game does offer in-game purchases and content purchased with real money, the economic system doesn't upset the balance of the game, and players are free to enjoy all World of Tanks has to offer without paying a single penny into the game. Download World of Tanks now on Xbox 360!
World of Tanks is now available free-to-play on PC and Xbox 360. World of Tanks is rated T by the ESRB for Mild Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official World of Tanks website.
Game Features:
- Online Multiplayer 4-30
- Massive Tank Battles
- Free-to-Play
- DLC Support
- Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: Wargaming.net
Publisher: BigWorld/Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC & Xbox 360 (reviewed)
Release Date: February 12, 2014
Score: 7.5 out of 10