Originally created as a pure tank sim, Steel Beasts has since expanded into a more complete representation of mobile armored warfare with the emphasis being placed on tactics and emersion.

Steel Beasts Pro PE features these 'fully playable' vehicles -

It is possible to 'play' these tanks as either the Gunner, Driver, or the TC, thereby taking direct control of all the systems in your endeavor to do maximum damage to the enemy. The Gunner and TC positions within these tanks are highly accurate and taken from real world vehicles in almost every way. Many of these vehicles have very detailed interior views to increase your immersion. The drivers position is more generic and less detailed, but does allow for for the user to get a feel for it. In multiplayer sessions, each of these 3 positions may be manned by human players. These digital tanks were designed with direct input from professional soldiers recalling their experience on real world tanks and were completed with particular attention to detail. You may also guide these tanks from a third person view, allowing the AI 'crew' to fight the tank while still maintaining personal control of its exact position.

Troops (West Block and East Block) -

Each of the 'partially playable' vehicles allow for guiding the vehicles from a third person point of view. The AI then takes over the brunt of target identification and firing. You may also help them 'notice' enemy units via certain joystick/keyboard commands. So vehicles are not totally in the hands of the AI.

But maybe you're more of a strategic sort who would rather leave the actual fighting to the grunts? Steel Beasts allows for this too. It is entirely possible (and sometimes necessary) to play an entire game from the map. The map is not only a valuable resource in figuring out where you are on the battlefield, it is also functions as a tactical interface for every unit under your control. From the map you will issue commands and design the routes that will lead your forces to battlefield supremacy (or to becoming burned out hulks). Route types such as Engage, Assault, and Scout all cause the units to perform specific tasks. Such things as varying the speed, fire control orders, and formation are built in in order to tweak all route types to just the thing you need to aid any unit to battlefield survival.