After about a year of beta-testing sea trials, Wargaming.net's "World of Warships" has officially launched — and by all appearances, it was well worth the wait.

In fact, OFFduty got some pre-release time at the helm, and we'll just say, do yourself a favor and download this free-to-play title right now.

Fans of Wargaming's "World of Tanks" will find a lot to like with this new title. Similar controls, game play and upgrade pathways along with the familiar World War II-ish hardware and battle settings.

Newcomers to the Wargaming universe will still enjoy the relatively intuitive controls and get underway to wrecking high seas havoc in no time.

"'World of Warships' is our biggest release this year," said Victor Kislyi, Wargaming CEO. "Everyone involved has put their heart and soul into creating a truly outstanding title, and we are extremely proud to share it with gamers across the world. We hope that players will love this game as much as we do."

In game play, teams of 12 face off against each other across one of 10 maps. Designers have taken some liberty here at the expense of realism.

Battles largely take place amid island-dotted settings, but the additional landscape provides both a welcome visual element — big, wide-open sea battles would get boring quickly — while also presenting fun tactical play as you maneuver your ship for the best cover and concealment.

Players can take the conn of four classes of ships.

Cruisers are the most versatile, ready to take on any other ship in the game.

Free-to-play ÔWorld of WarshipsÕ Ð the long-awaited latest title from Wargaming.net Ð is now officially launching with immersive online gameplay and killer high seas combat graphics. Definitely worth the wait.

Free-to-play "World of Warships," the long-awaited latest title from Wargaming.net, is now officially launching with immersive online gameplay and killer high seas combat graphics. Definitely worth the wait.

Photo Credit: Wargaming.net

Destroyers are the light fighters, quick and maneuverable, able to dodge enemy fire and deliver a well-executed torpedo strike.

Battleships are the hard-hitting powerhouses, slow movers but dealing massive damage.

Aircraft carriers bring a real-time strategy dynamic, with planes on deck for scouting enemy fleets, bombing runs, escorting friendly ships and delivering airdropped torpedoes.

Better ships, faster upgrades and a wide range of consumables can be purchased thorough Wargaming.net's online store, but as with its predecessor "World of Tanks," there's still plenty of fun to be had freeloading as you build your war chest through game play.

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