work in progress: m8 armored car - unreal engine ready

Cornered Rat Software continues to introduce and refit vehicle models that are Unreal Engine ready when plugged into WWII ONLINE. The higher poly count models have been baked down for use in our current 1.0 graphics engine.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a8eca7_0bd35fa3d27947b489fe387a258a94e9/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

WORK IN PROGRESS SCREENSHOTS: MORE ALPHA SCREENSHOTS BELOW!

What do these new models mean to gamers?

• Greater visual appeal (exterior & interior)

• Increased crewman functionality (commander &/or additional driver capabilities)

• Deployment of smoke grenades (vehicle-specific)

• Use of episcopes & periscopes

• Vehicle-specific commanders can perform "dual-functions" when deployed (observation binoculars & use of AA machine gun). EX: Panther commander

What remains "under the hood" is WWII ONLINE's commitment to historical accuracy in:

• Armor thickness and angle

• Armored glass/viewport thickness

• Automotive and suspension component performance & damage

• Engine and transmission performance & damage

• Shell & projectile physics

• Armor penetration & spall

• High-fidelity flight & damage model

• Airframe damage caused by excessive g-force maneuvers

• And more . . .

This has been our game's signature for the last 25+ years.

THE BELOW SCREENSHOTS ARE ALL WORKS IN PROGRESS (WIP) AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THESE ARE NOT FINALIZED MODELS.

The new armored cars are included in the "Hero Builder" subscription. A "Hero Builder" is a subscriber who contributes an additional tier of funds to directly support game development and help us do more for the overall community.

Here is a quick summary of the benefits & in-game units available to our Hero Builders:

• Armored cars: M8 "Greyhound", AEC MK II, & 234/2 "Puma"

• Early access to WWII Online: Chokepoint (NEW)

• Access to the "Commando" Infantry Class (NEW)

• Access to the "NCO" Infantry Class

• Access to the "Ammunition Bearer" Infantry Class

• Access to the "Anti-Tank Soldier w/Rifle" Infantry Class

• FREE second towing account (special builder infantry classes listed above)

How do you become a "Hero Builder" and what are the additional benefits? Click on this link: https://www.wwiionline.com/plans

US ARMY M8 LIGHT ARMORED CAR

Originally conceived as a light, fast-moving tank-destroyer, the M8 platform's role was shaped by lessons from early WWII armor engagements. Mated with the high-velocity 37mm M6 cannon, the coaxially mounted .30 caliber machine gun, and the powerful .50 caliber Browning machine gun for anti-air and ground support, it was popular with American and Allied forces. Over 8,500 units were produced and issued to all Allied forces. The M8 was crewed by four men: commander, gunner, driver, and co-driver. Yes, TWO drivers can steer the M8 from either crew position. With a low profile and high road speed, it was an effective reconnaissance platform.

M8 Commander/Loader Position: Inside turret with storage of 37mm rounds

M8 Gunner position: deployed (fixed forward view)

M8 Gunner position: free look (N key) showing turret and interior hull near the left-hand driver's position.

M8 Gunner position: free look (N key) showing forward and side ammo racks and right-hand co-driver's position.

M8 Co-driver position: free look (N key) looking to the rear. Rear left-hand seat is Commander/Loader, with the Gunner occupying the right-hand seat in the "turret basket"

M8 Primary Driver Position: Instrument display with armored visor closed.

M8 Commander Position: Deployed, firing the .50 cal machine gun.

M8 Commander engages enemy with .50 cal with driver/co-driver hatches open

M8 Gunner engages the enemy with the 37mm gun while the Commander looks on.