I like this game and have 150 hrs. at least wrapped up in realistic tanks, planes, and arcade and can honestly say that the game is great other than match making. I just played 12 games in a row where I was a full tier down. The game is balanced and works well for those fighting at their own tier, but being dropped into game after game after game with tanks that are a full tier higher than me is quite demoralizing, and makes it no fun to play even with friends. I would honestly be willing to have much longer queue times if I wouldn't be dropped in with players that are driving vehicles that are classed out way above me. DO NOT play this game if you are easily triggered. Save your sanity. And no, I would not recommend this game to just anyone. That's how you lose friends. Fix the match making issues and my review will change drastically.
Updated a few months later after recent updates. less balanced, more cheating, more people playing on lowest resolution to avoid underbrush, and EVEN WORSE match making.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's been two years since writing this review. In an attempt to save face, Gaijin has upped the amount of in game currency you can earn by a marginal sum, but is still completely blind to match-making issues, balanced gameplay, and overall player experience. After taking a long break from the game, I hoped it had improved, sadly, it has not. Cannot recommend enough NOT playing this game. Gaijin, geabod