Strategic Simulations Inc is a company that has created a genre of turn-based strategies. Their most successful project was Panzer General. Its first part was created in 1994. She fell in love with fans from all over the world, so the game has 120 modifications and updates. Also, programmers have eliminated almost all the bugs of this application.
Very first game
This strategy for computers was developed under the operating systems Windows, 3DO, Mac OS and Play Station. At the very beginning, the company did not have a lot of money to create the Panzer General, so some functions were cut out. However, in the future they appeared thanks to the support of fans. The main features of the game:
- The plot was based on the events of the Second World War.
- In a single player campaign, a person can play for the German army, and in a special mode - for any other nation.
- The developers first added historical fragments to their work. The main feature of the Panzer General is the scenarios of hostilities that took place in real life. There are also invented plots by developers.
- As you progress through the player will discover the life story of a German general.
- In some missions, the main character is General Wehrmacht Guderian.
The player’s confrontation with the enemy unfolds on a large map, where there are farm buildings, houses, hospitals and so on. The color of the owner team marks the airfield and village. The main goal of this project is to capture the key positions of the enemy. Also, the game "Panzer General" involves victory after the destruction of all enemy soldiers and equipment.
If a person has been campaigning since 1939, then some scenes will be skipped. Players also note that the winning side is assigned more prestige ratings.
Tip: at the very beginning, the player should not pump a lot of units. The right tactic is choosing powerful tanks.
Features of military units
The main role in the gameplay is occupied by units. This is a kind of army that a player has. It includes soldiers, self-propelled guns, howitzers, tanks, navy and so on. Some weapons can hit several cells on the map, but they cannot be moved. The main combat power - installations that shoot at one cell.
Units in this game can be with a powerful strike force and low, which determines their mortality in battle. Also, some equipment has an advantage in attacking any specific object, such as aircraft or a tank. All units in the Panzer General have a limited supply of shells, gasoline, armor, and so on.
All equipment moves at different speeds on difficult terrain. She is also able to defend herself from enemy attacks.
The player must attack with caution in the mountains and the city. Indeed, in settlements, the protection of units is much weaker.
The role of resources in the game
In this game, developers added prestige points. This is the only resource that a person can get. Its number increases or decreases during the capture or loss of key points on the map. It also accumulates if units collide in fights between themselves.
You can spend prestige points on rebuilding troops, creating buildings and ships. Also, with their help, you can improve all existing units. In the first part of the game "Panzer General" you can create an army at the designated points for this, in other parts you can not do this.
Prestige Points are a key resource in the game. With it, you can do everything you need during gameplay. If it’s difficult for a person to earn points at an average difficulty level, you can lower it in the settings.
Player feedback on the first part is only positive. Indeed, for most, it was the very first strategy about the Second World War. Also, people say that they like the detailing of the equipment of the German army.
Sequel creation
"Panzer General 2" is a sequel to the first part. She was released in 1997. In Russia there were a lot of pirated versions with inept translations. It could only be played on Windows XP. Over time, this began to cause inconvenience to fans of the project, because the game could not be played on modern computers. In 2010, “Panzer General 2” under “Windows 7” still adapted.
The plot is dedicated to World War II. You can play for the USA, USSR and Germany. If a player loses in at least one mission, he will need to replay the entire campaign again. At the very beginning of each level, a voice message appears with the tasks that need to be performed.
In the second part of the game, the combat system has changed a bit. Now the player can see all the enemy units and the terrain in a scale close to real. All other nuances and mechanics have remained unchanged.
People respond positively to the continuation of their favorite game, because this strategy was one of those that became popular in the late 90s. However, many are not satisfied with outdated graphics.
Third part of the game
Appeared in the public domain in 1999. The game "Panzer General 3" immediately gained popularity. After all, a new physics of damage appeared in it, improved graphics and reworked mechanics of all units. In Panzer General 3, the entire map can be scaled. In addition, the developers added planes to the game. Now you can strike from the air.
The graphics update of many gamers disappointed, because not every computer is capable of pulling a new game. Improved animation of units and equipment, traces of machine wheels - all this loads the processor and video card.
Features of the new part of the game
The developers completely removed the old mechanics of warfare. Now the player needs to control not specific equipment, but commanders. These people do everything the player needs. Thanks to this, the troops have new skills. Artillery can perform a special bombardment, pilots can perform complex turns, and tankers can sit in ambush.
The third part of the game no longer has prestige rating points. Now they are charged automatically. After each battle, soldiers grow in their rank.
The game also appeared a large number of shortcomings. In 1999, a small number of gamers had powerful computers, so most of the game simply did not start. And if the PC was suitable according to the requirements, users often faced with lags and bugs. In addition, the graphics in the remote mode are very "soapy". Sometimes some objects disappear from the map. To fix these shortcomings, players developed their own mods. You can find them in open access on forums of fans of the Panzer General line.
Similar games
This game will remain in the hearts of fans for a long time. Most of them have passed it a long time ago, so they want to try something new, but at the same time similar. Games like "Panzer General":
- Red alert This game was released at about the same time as the "hero of the article." There are many differences in it, however, people who have passed the Pantser will like it. The main adversary here is the USSR, and the ally is the United States.
- Supreme Ruler 2020. The events of this game take place in a world where eternal war reigns. The gameplay is very reminiscent of "Panzer General." There are prestige points for which you can improve the army.
- Allied General. The creator of “Panzer” took part in the development of this game, so it turned out to be similar to the original product. Both fans of the series and beginners will like it.
These are the best games that are similar to Panzer. Most of them are adapted for Windows 10.