Steel Armor: Blaze of War is realistic tank simulator with tactical elements. The game models Soviet T-62 tank and US M60A1 tank in detail. Each tank has interactive cockpit with crew. Player controls a tank, and commands a tank platoon and attached forces in 4 large scale dynamic campaigns.
Players praise the game for its incredibly accurate recreation of the Soviet T-62 and US M60A1 tanks. The cockpits and interiors are highly detailed and authentic, allowing players to take on the roles of driver, gunner, and commander, performing all the necessary functions to operate the tanks. This level of realism and immersion is a major draw for players who want an authentic tank simulation experience.
The game features a two-part structure that offers substantial tactical depth and complexity. In the operational mode, players can maneuver platoons and units on a strategic map, while the tactical mode allows them to directly control their tank in combat. This enables players to engage in combined arms warfare, coordinating tank, infantry, and other support units. The operational mode adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must manage resources, supply lines, and the overall battlefield situation.
The game's campaigns generate battles and objectives based on the player's actions and the evolving battlefield conditions, resulting in a high degree of replayability. No two playthroughs will be exactly the same, forcing players to adapt their tactics and decision-making to the changing circumstances in order to achieve victory.
The gameplay is frequently described as challenging and unforgiving, with a steep learning curve that can be daunting for newcomers. Factors such as limited visibility, lack of stabilization, and the lethality of tank-on-tank combat create a high-stakes environment where every decision and action has significant consequences. This level of challenge is appealing to players who enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a complex simulation.
Players consistently praise the game's attention to detail, both in the visual presentation and the simulation of the tanks' systems and capabilities. The graphics, while not cutting-edge, are still impressive and help to create a convincing and immersive environment. The simulation of the tanks' internal mechanics, from the loader's actions to the functioning of the rangefinder, is a major draw for players who appreciate the depth and authenticity of the experience.