Codename: Panzers, Phase One

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 54
  3. Negative: 2 out of 54
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  1. poncso6
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best WW2 srategy game.
  2. S.Vest
    Aug 12, 2005
    4
    I seem to be the only one who sees the numerous flaws in this game. It strays so far from historical reality that it's little more than a video game. Air power was the key to beating the Germans in Europe so why is it so seldom available to offset the German superiority in tanks? It's VERY limited in the number of vehicles that are available to the player. Why, in a game with I seem to be the only one who sees the numerous flaws in this game. It strays so far from historical reality that it's little more than a video game. Air power was the key to beating the Germans in Europe so why is it so seldom available to offset the German superiority in tanks? It's VERY limited in the number of vehicles that are available to the player. Why, in a game with landmines (and where ground troops are essentially helpless) are there no SherDozers or Crabs available to clear mines? The AI for even your own troops is clueless. Vehicles will choose to go into discovered minefields unless you watch them closely. Self-propelled artillery, when told to directly attack a target will come up to point-blank range (and become easy targets) rather than lobbing shells from a distance. Also, on map artillery cannot attack an area of the map unless one of your troops is observing that spot. That makes NO sense. People looking for a MUCH more enjoyable WWII strategy game should check out Steel Panthers World at War. It's not as pretty but it makes for a lot less frustrating (and more fun) experience and it's a FREE download.… Expand
  3. RaoulB.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    This is simply the best WW2 strategy game ever played. Fast gameplay, awesome graphics, fun story.
  4. RonaldoM.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    I love this game! Great Multiplayer and great single player campaign. Worth the money!!!!
  5. PeterS.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    SUPER!
  6. GregZ.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    Fantastic game ! Really awesome, can't believe that a mag gave 50 % In my opinion defintly a 90% title !!!
  7. VictorG.
    Oct 8, 2004
    9
    This is an absolute MUST HAVE. It has great graphics and is real fun to play.
  8. ThomasK.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    Very tense storylines.
  9. PeterO.
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    The missions are thrilling and varied...and the best is the graphics! amazing!!!
  10. A.Wood
    Oct 13, 2004
    9
    Outstanding , easily the best WW2 themed RTS on the market. Above average AI, excellent graphics. Urban warfare is a blast and filled with tension one wrong move can easily hand you defeat. Well done.
  11. DanielC.
    Oct 13, 2004
    8
    Codename: Panzers is a nice break from the traditional build-and-destroy RTS, focusing on the strategy and tactics of warfare. Although not revolutionary or ground-breaking it is a nice step forward for the RTS genre and there are many things to merit this game. The Gepard engine makes this game one of the most visually stunning RTS games around. The excellent level designs also help with Codename: Panzers is a nice break from the traditional build-and-destroy RTS, focusing on the strategy and tactics of warfare. Although not revolutionary or ground-breaking it is a nice step forward for the RTS genre and there are many things to merit this game. The Gepard engine makes this game one of the most visually stunning RTS games around. The excellent level designs also help with the atmosphere and often times you can actually feel that you're back in 1939, whether it's on the field or in major cities. Audio is also well-incorporated in the game and you can literally feel the blast from artillery fire as it rips through the battlefield. The variety and highly-specialized nature of the units also adds to the depth of gameplay, offering something other than simple run and attack action. The story and characters aren't neglected though and through the journals and cutscenes you can get a feel of the state of the war as well as the attitudes of the heroes you control. Often times I felt a strong empathy with them, wanting them to succeed, even when I know they won't from history. However, as with any game there are a number of flaws, namely the AI and the movement. The computer AI isn't that smart and often times they'll simply sit there while you pummel them with artillery. Even when they do engage you actively they don't use any special tactics and simply rush you with whatever units they have. Battles often times become tedious and repetitive as a result. The movement of the units I also found annoying, with units all moving independently to their destinations. It would have been better to have them move in formation to reduce the huge amount of shifting and crowding that happens, especially with tanks. Of course this is a problem with just about any RTS game but the bulky, slow-moving tanks make it that much more apparent. These flaws don't wreck the game but are areas for improvement. Overall this is a very enjoyable game and well worth buying and playing. Although some of the missions are tedious they each have something to offer and the large-scale battles are well worth it. The realism and fast-paced nature of the game really shines in comparison to others and it's nice to simply jump into battles. The game should be easy enough for any gamer to get into while still offering enough complexity to interest the hardcore RTS gamer. If you've played other games of this type you won't be disappointed with this title and any gamer interested in WW2, strategy, and general warfare will find this game a treat.… Expand
  12. JoelK.
    Oct 13, 2004
    9
    What a great game for any RTS fan. Gameplay is very fresh and circles around strategy, not unit production. Graphics are the best I have seen in a RTS game. Texture work is brilliant as is the partial effects found within this game. Sound is awsome. EAX 3.0 really shines through my 5.1 speaker setup. I can recommend this game to any gamer.
  13. PeterP.
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    FANTASTIC!
  14. GrogB.
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    Just awesome.
  15. [Anonymous]
    Sep 12, 2004
    9
    Excellent game, great graphics, fast gameplay. Multiplayer option: average, otherwise it would be a 10.
  16. HarmL.
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    It is nice to be able to buy your favorite troops with gained prestige. The story adds a nice dimension to gameplay. After a few days playing this feels as the favorite game for a long time to come.
  17. PaulK.
    Sep 17, 2004
    9
    The game cnc generals should have been! it's as in depth as you want it to be or just a blast! the next step up to blitzkrieg 3D, definately the WW2 genre leader in today's market.
  18. ChrisW.
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    What an AMAZING game! truly awesome... Not too realistic, but great fun!

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PC Game of 2004
48
#48 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    It’s not often you have such a personal interest in your digital troops' survival and treat them as anything but grist for the meat mill, but Stormregion has managed to make it so you feel like a mother hen and take it personally if one of your guys buys the farm.
    Read full review
  2. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    It's got fast combat that is always meaningful and features lots of exciting decision-making and quick movement. [Nov 2004, p.81]
  3. Gamer.tv
    80
    Manages to be comprehensive, intutive, and visually very impressive all in one package.
    Read full review
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