Posted June 09, 2010
OMG, I have so many versions of Panzer General already (including one for the 3DO which was one of the best implementations ever) and yet I will most certainly purchase this version as well as I am now a fully committed GOG gamer, playing GOG games almost exclusively (with a few exceptions, of course).
The Panzer General series makes war gaming accessible and fun. The graphics in this version are very serviceable and the smoking hulks littering the battlefield really add a nice flair to the game. There were some problems when this game first came out, as I recall, but all long resolved, I'm sure. The last CD version I picked up seemed to work fine and GOG is pretty good about testing and fixing any snafus remaining.
The PG series emphasizes armored warfare, as you would expect, but also includes infantry, air and even naval elements in game play. I loved all the games in the series and was skeptical about "3D" and war games, but it actually adds a nice touch. It's neat to be able to scan the field of battle and tell what's going on by the flames and smoke, little craters and such. And the visual appeal is, well, appealing! ;)
Thankfully it does not affect the rock solid gameplay which is pretty much the same as PG II and earlier. I love war games and have played many of them, but I really liked the PG series as it's very easy to play and does not require as much micro-management as some games do. You can play both sides of any conflict, and there are both short engagements and long campaigns. The interface is fairly easy to learn. The new commander and troop features add a new twist and some interest. As your units gain experience, they can do more per turn, this can really pay off as a campaign progresses. I suppose it adds a bit of realism. One things I've always liked about the series is how easily you can just jump in and have at it. Of course, some study and thought will prove useful.
One thing I liked about the 3D version (some may feel differently) is that you are generally playing with a smaller number of units. In PG I and II, it could sometimes get over-whelming in large campaigns as you had so very many units to manage. I find the size to your "army" in PG 3D better suited to having fun
I'm not so picky about historical accuracy, though I prefer it to be reasonably so. I just want to have fun and that PG 3D delivers.
The Panzer General series makes war gaming accessible and fun. The graphics in this version are very serviceable and the smoking hulks littering the battlefield really add a nice flair to the game. There were some problems when this game first came out, as I recall, but all long resolved, I'm sure. The last CD version I picked up seemed to work fine and GOG is pretty good about testing and fixing any snafus remaining.
The PG series emphasizes armored warfare, as you would expect, but also includes infantry, air and even naval elements in game play. I loved all the games in the series and was skeptical about "3D" and war games, but it actually adds a nice touch. It's neat to be able to scan the field of battle and tell what's going on by the flames and smoke, little craters and such. And the visual appeal is, well, appealing! ;)
Thankfully it does not affect the rock solid gameplay which is pretty much the same as PG II and earlier. I love war games and have played many of them, but I really liked the PG series as it's very easy to play and does not require as much micro-management as some games do. You can play both sides of any conflict, and there are both short engagements and long campaigns. The interface is fairly easy to learn. The new commander and troop features add a new twist and some interest. As your units gain experience, they can do more per turn, this can really pay off as a campaign progresses. I suppose it adds a bit of realism. One things I've always liked about the series is how easily you can just jump in and have at it. Of course, some study and thought will prove useful.
One thing I liked about the 3D version (some may feel differently) is that you are generally playing with a smaller number of units. In PG I and II, it could sometimes get over-whelming in large campaigns as you had so very many units to manage. I find the size to your "army" in PG 3D better suited to having fun
I'm not so picky about historical accuracy, though I prefer it to be reasonably so. I just want to have fun and that PG 3D delivers.