ATF: Armored Task Force
This war game simulation also includes enough user goodies to keep you playing until 2010. Various editors are included, allowing gamers to modify everything from the graphics to sounds to weapon statistics. New scenarios are also easily created, along with the ability to import new maps.
One of the most important aspects for any tactical game is the terrain. Units live and die by the lay of the land and the ultimate commander knows exactly how to use terrain model is by far the highest fidelity seen in a commercial-grade war game. Forget about a hex based model, maps use a continuous elevation terrain model just like government and military maps. Hull down positioning now means actually finding the proper terrain for your tanks as opposed to a clicking on an entrench order. Forests, roads, and structures are all represented and must be considered in your avenues of approach; Combat resolution is resolved at the single vehicle level. Even more impressive a vehicle's facing is taken into account, including its turret. Unlike a lot of war games this means that maneuvering your forces for those side and rear shots is paramount, just like a real commander in the field faces. Besides the extensive armor modeling vehicles can also now pop smoke and are intelligent enough to know when to do it.