Panzer Corps Gold

I gotta say...I got my moneys' worth here. I hate reviewers who simply say 'there are better options out there'...but don't say what they think those options are, and rate the game negatively.

Any game that hijacks a playthrough with timers or maximum turns is a complete cop-out. Part of any military expedition involves scouting which always takes time, this game is essentially just rush to targets and mob attack before the turn limit arrives. Where are the tactics in that? Also, why must I start with the historically losing side and then pay more money for the rest of the game?

Like Open General, only worse. Interface is clunkier, there is less depth, less campaigns, tactical options feel limited. And, relatively to OpenGeneral, you really can't do much with settings. There are five campaigns (including very short tutorial one), all on the axis side. One major plus, however: game allows you to turn off randomized outcomes, so you can play it more like chess (chess with obnoxious sound effects, that is). Can't recommend. There are much better options out there.

Whoever designs this needs to actually study the history of battles, weapons used and their effects, and general tactics. For centuries, cavalry charges against entrenched infantry were seen as suicidal, because they are. Not in this game, cavalry can operate VERY effectively against entrenched infantry, tanks, artillery and anti-tank guns, they are also remarkably capable on defence against anything but artillery. Tankettes are grossly overpowered versus regular tanks, and don't suffer much when attacking deployed AT guns. Artillery appears to be an afterthought, but does reduce enemy cohesiveness. Artillery effects against exposed infantry, and especially cavalry, is pathetic, might as well be throwing rocks. The ranges of guns makes no sense either. The German k18 could fire to 30km, the 10.5cm gun to a make of about 12.5km... both have a range of 3 hexes in game. Paid $27 for the "grand campaign", and haven't gotten past 1939, the first couple of battles were pretty good, not great but not terrible either. They threw reality under a passing bus for Bzura River though. The battle started as a Polish offensive, and became a German counter-offensive in only 3 days. Seriously, don't waste money on it, I only gave it 2 stars because it has a scenario editor and is moddable. I haven't used either yet, so that extra star is subject to removal at a later date. Even possible to gain one, depends whether they impress me at all. Oh, and you can not buy Canadian, Aussie or Kiwi troops, because a Commonwealth force is so much less believable than a combined Anglo-American force... if you want realism, this isn't what you're looking for. Try Steel Panthers. if you want fun with a modest amount of reality, get Panzer General 2.