Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, commonly shortened to TABS, is a strategy game where players create armies and watch them fight in physics-driven battles. The objective is to place units on a battlefield before combat begins, then observe how they interact with enemies using unpredictable ragdoll physics. Instead of directly controlling the fighters, players act as strategists who decide which units to deploy and where to position them. The humor and chaos of the simulation come from the exaggerated movements and outcomes that often surprise even when a plan seems perfect.

Gameplay and mechanics

In TABS, each unit belongs to a specific faction, such as medieval warriors, ancient soldiers, or fantasy creatures. Units have unique abilities, ranging from simple sword attacks to magical powers that can change the flow of a fight. Players must balance unit cost with effectiveness, since every army has limited resources. Once the battle starts, the simulation takes over, and the outcome depends on physics, numbers, and positioning. Because of this system, no two fights are exactly the same, and even a weaker army can sometimes win if luck and physics are on its side.

Features and factions

The game includes a wide range of features that expand the possibilities of each battle. Players can test different strategies by mixing units from multiple factions, experiment with unusual lineups, or try hidden secret units. Maps also add variety, as terrain can influence how battles play out, with cliffs, obstacles, and narrow paths affecting movement. The sandbox mode allows total freedom to create custom scenarios, while campaign mode introduces structured challenges that gradually increase in difficulty.

Key features include:

•         A wide selection of units across multiple factions
•         Physics-based combat with unpredictable results
•         Sandbox mode for custom battle creation
•         Campaigns that introduce unique strategic challenges
•         Maps with terrain that influences movement and tactics

Design and presentation

TABS uses a deliberately simple visual style that emphasizes exaggerated physics and comical animations. Characters move in awkward, floppy ways that make even serious battles look chaotic. This design keeps the focus on the unpredictability of outcomes rather than realistic detail. The audio design supports this tone, with sound effects that highlight the clumsiness of combat. Despite its humorous appearance, the game requires careful planning, as the wrong choice of units or poor placement can quickly lead to defeat.

Longevity and appeal

The lasting appeal of TABS comes from its unpredictability and freedom of experimentation. Because players never fully know how a battle will unfold, there is constant motivation to try new unit combinations and strategies. The sandbox mode extends replayability by letting players create scenarios that range from balanced challenges to absurd battles. Campaign missions provide structured tests for strategy, while the physics system ensures that even familiar setups can end with unexpected results. By blending tactical decision-making with unpredictable humor, TABS offers an experience that remains engaging across endless battles.