Codename: Panzers - Phase One
a game by | CDV |
Platform: | PC (2004) |
Editor Rating: | 6/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.0/10 - 5 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | WW2 Games, Military Games, Panzer Games |
Experience the grit and realism of World War II, Hollywood-style! Codename: Panzers ' Phase One, an action-packed RTS from European-based CDV, boasts excellent graphics, great sound, and above average gameplay. But with all this going for it, can it really separate itself from the absolute glut of real-time strategies out there?
First off, let's look at the good, and there's a lot of it. Anyone familiar with Age of Empires will quickly pick up the methods of gameplay, though players are limited to gaining 'prestige? in order to increase their armies rather than resource gathering. Graphics for this type of game are excellent, with great attention paid to details such as movement, objects, and of course, Hollywood style explosions. The latter are prevalent in this title, so those with a hankerin' for mayhem won't be disappointed. Whether you're shelling a fortification with a mortar, dive bombing a fortified position, or simply using your snipers for recon, the game pays special attention to detail. Audio is also especially good. One of the best effects is the operant languages of the teams you choose, where excellent grammatical German and Russian are used to great effect. This game also utilizes some good effects, such as team tactics and splash damage from explosive weapons, which tends to break up mass charges rather quickly.
However, with all the game has going for it aurally and visually, it still falls a bit short of the bar Starcraft raised. For example, though Allied, German, and Russian equipment differed greatly in effectiveness and numbers throughout WWII, there is little to no difference between opposing units. AI is not as good as I had hoped, though tactically it is a great improvement on earlier RTS titles. Moreover, while there's a lot of good cut scenes and interludes to help drive the plot, characters are often wooden and jerky, and lack basic character building. Then again, what can you do, since most of us know the outcome of this title from high school history?
Overall, this game rates higly, but not highly enough to be considered for a Recommended Buy. WWII fans will enjoy the title, as will those who enjoy a cosmetic RTS experience and relative neophytes to the genre. However, most of the hardcore strategists will probably only find a bit of eye candy wrapped around a good, but uninspired plotline, and little to add in replay value.
Download Codename: Panzers - Phase One
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP