Armored Warfare is quite explosive, as in the new game mode “Global Operations” there is hardly a second without some commotion. The reason: both other players and AI-controlled PvE opponents roam the huge new maps, waiting to be hit by some delicious shells from our smoothbore cannons!
Global Operations, the new game mode for Obsidian’s tank MMO Armored Warfare, promises thrilling action in PvP and PvE simultaneously. With this, the tank game from publisher My.com aims to finally differentiate itself from the major competitor World of Tanks and create a unique selling point. To get an impression of the action, the developers exclusively invited us to a hands-on session for Global Operations.
PvP, PvE? Doesn’t matter, as long as it bangs!
In Global Operations, two mercenary teams of 15 players each fight for control over a large map. In the map shown during our test session, this was a gigantic aircraft carrier, helplessly waiting for the favor of the victor in a dry dock. However, the huge ship already belongs to a local gang of thugs, who ensure the object’s protection with an entire tank battalion.
These AI-controlled PvE opponents are our first enemies and ensure plenty of action shortly after the round begins. Unlike the competitor World of Tanks, we don’t have to spend minutes strategizing here, but can charge into battle immediately with booming cannons and rattling automatic guns to achieve the first kills. Hardly have the PvE tanks been destroyed when the storming forces of the enemy team join the fight from the other side, igniting fierce battles for the three capture points in the middle of the map.
You don’t just die once
Soon the first enemies and allies are spectacularly blown up, but this is not the end in Global Operations. Rather, after our tank’s death, we are allowed to re-enter the fight after 30 seconds at one of three respawn points – but always only with the same tank; switching vehicles is not provided. We shouldn’t throw away our virtual lives too generously, as each death, as well as enemy-captured control points and destroyed AI opponents weaken our team’s score. If this drops to zero, we have lost.
The shooting around the capture points alone provides for some solid action, but that is not the end of it. The developers have also integrated helpers known as “Wild Cards”. Occasionally, these bonus factors are tied to a specific capture point. If we control the point, we receive the corresponding Wild Card and can use it. These are:
A reconnaissance drone that circles over a designated area and reveals all opponents until shot down (which is quite difficult without automatic guns).
Activating fixed bunkers, which from then on bombard the enemy with rockets.
The queen of Wild Cards – A B2 bombardment! The bomber that gives the name drops a devastating carpet of bombs over the designated target area, instantly turning everything there into smoking wrecks.
Another decisive gameplay factor on the map is a sandstorm that occurs from time to time and massively obstructs visibility. The game mode Global Operations will be released with the next update in Armored Warfare.
Jürgen says: Wow, that was so much fun! The test rounds with the developers and invited guests for Global Operations were nothing short of an action fireworks display, and I would have gladly tested the new mode all evening long. Because the mix of PvE and PvP is simply a blast, and in my opinion, it is precisely the unique selling point that Armored Warfare needs to stand out against the competition.
