After a few hours with the patch beta last night I decided to post a raft of new screen shots (some are linked to a larger screen). In some of these shots the new features can be seen, including direction indicator on the CITV and a forward texture that allows you to see both the main gun and parts of the body from the TC hatch position.

Although I hadn't fired up M1 in almost three weeks, I am quite sure there are some new sounds added. Smoke effects are there also, of course. And if you have your head out the hatch when you take a hit you are not likely to survive!

The map view can now be enhanced using the "L" key to bring a sharper distinction to the contours. I still find myself wishing at times that there was legend on the map to tell me what colors are high and which are low, but I suspect this is only because I've spent so little time in the sim.

The CITV has been enhanced with a directional indicator.

Below is a scene you have seen before, or wished you had! The survivability of these guys isn't always great, but they can sure save you neck in a tight spot! The Av8Bs or their variants are also quite effective.

There are also some new sounds in the sim though I can't list them all for you at this stage. Pan view has been toned down to reduce nausea. As TC you can now designate targets and your gunner will "jump to" and fire on it, including your own vehicles also! Artillery will deliver smoke. Bino view in the TC out hatch. Z key brings them up, X key puts them down, but you can't fire the .50 cal when using the Binos.

Night Vision Goggles are available in the TC out hatch: T key activates them. For an almost complete list see our last NEWS feature.

Another view of the outside hatch.

By the way, I know its probably just me, but had anyone else been able to call in the Comanches in the original release? I was pretty surprised when they appeared on the Support menu. Yeah, I know, shoulda read the briefing!

Yes, soldier, it's dangerous out there! So we now have working smoke, comes in handy when you need to become less obvious. You'll see smoke on both sides of course.

This comment was posted on our forum this morning. For those of you who would love to drive the Challenger, check it out! "Tip: use a text editor to load any of the mission files (found in battles/ directory), then simply look for PLATOON: 0 (yours) and change this to PLATOON: 31 for Challengers or PLATOON: 33 for Leopard 2.

You can't switch from tank to tank as you can with M1s (this is a hack, after all), but it gives you the chance to *pretend* that this Yankocentric game acknowledges the existence of allied forces. Just as a matter of interest, you can play as a Bradley or Marder or Warrior platoon commander as well - just find the correct number. Once set a game up and inadvertently ended up in command of a static Russian SAM battery. Try giving one of *those* a 'turn right' command." Stevie Kennedy

I know, you want more info on how the patch actually works, new commands etc. Unfortunately my experience in the sim has been limited, and I'm waiting for the list. But at least I can tell you its stable, though it doesn't like my screen saver ;-D We'll post a complete post patch follow up shortly.

If I receive the complete list today I'll post it today. But there are a few surprises here according to Microprose, in the form of requested features that they weren't sure they could squeeze in. Good news! Finally, if you need a TM configuration click HERE