Codename: Panzers - Phase Two

This second title in a three-part series isn't just more of the same. In fact, its real-time tactical game play takes place in the seldom-covered Southern European and Balkan campaigns, adding Italian forces and Yugoslav partisans to the mix. Several new heroes will be added to advance the story lin

72%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

music, stability

86% User Score Based on 54 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Codename: Panzers - Phase Two" is a real-time strategy game that offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the option for 2-player co-op. Players can command troops, tanks, and aircraft in various campaigns set in the North African and Italian theaters of World War II. The game boasts good graphics and encourages strategic thinking, with day-night cycles and dynamic weather conditions affecting gameplay. Fight for victory in the sands of the Sahara or the heights of the Italian Alps, using your command of resources and tactics to outwit your opponents.

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Codename: Panzers - Phase Two screenshot

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 57 reviews

story6 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

The game features improved graphics and cutscenes compared to its predecessor, enhancing the overall experience.
Gameplay is engaging and fun, especially in multiplayer mode, with a variety of units and strategic options.
The campaign offers interesting missions set in unique locations, including the rarely depicted Yugoslav campaign.

The AI is often criticized for being unintelligent, relying on mindless rushing tactics rather than strategic gameplay.
Voice acting is notably poor, with many players finding it laughable and detracting from the immersion.
The game suffers from bugs and stability issues, particularly on modern systems, which can lead to crashes and performance problems.

story
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
61%
13%
The story in this sequel is generally well-received, with many players finding it more engaging and less cringe-worthy than its predecessor. While the game features three campaigns with fewer missions overall, the narrative is considered well-crafted and satisfying, particularly as it explores new settings in North Africa, Italy, and the former Yugoslavia. Players appreciate the thoughtful mission design, including night operations and the introduction of new characters, although some note that the missions can feel predictable.
- “If you plan on getting one, I'd prefer getting this one over the first because the story is less cringe and more interesting.”
- “The story is well thought out, with each one being fairly satisfying to follow through.”
- “Story is very well written, panzers themselves are well realized.”
- “There are 3 campaigns (just like in the first game) but they don't have many missions (2 campaigns have 8 missions and the last one has 4). In the first game, you had about 12 missions per campaign.”
- “It is quite a bit shorter than Phase 1 as well, with around 20 missions (compared to about 30 in Phase 1).”
- “Virtually everything is the same (game mechanics, graphics, ...), just new missions.”
gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
36%
21%
The gameplay of the game series is generally praised for being fun and accessible, with mechanics that are easy for newcomers to grasp, reminiscent of titles like Blitzkrieg and Sudden Strike. While some reviews note issues with AI and route finding, the overall experience is highlighted for its engaging moments and the addition of new gameplay mechanics in sequels. Despite being an older title, it retains a strong appeal due to its solid mechanics and enjoyable gameplay.
- “This may be an oldie, but I thought the gameplay was really fun.”
- “Mechanically very similar to Blitzkrieg or Sudden Strike, though a little more arcade-like, making it easy for someone who's unfamiliar to jump in and learn.”
- “You should definitely give it a try; the graphics are okay, but the gameplay is incredibly good.”
- “Game mechanics and AI route finding are terrible.”
- “Virtually everything is the same (game mechanics, graphics, ...), just new missions.”
- “Mechanically very similar to Blitzkrieg or Sudden Strike, though a little more arcade-y, making it easy for someone who's unfamiliar to jump in and learn.”
graphics
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
78%
22%
Overall, the graphics are generally well-received, with many reviewers noting that they are impressive for the game's age and have seen improvements over the original version. While some acknowledge that the graphics are dated, they appreciate the nostalgic charm and enhancements made, particularly in resolution and cutscenes. Players find the visuals to be a solid complement to the enjoyable gameplay experience.
- “Great graphics for the time of development and release.”
- “Great game, and after Nordic updated the graphics to a more recent resolution, it is fun to play again.”
- “Virtually everything is the same (game mechanics, graphics, ...), just new missions.”
- “Graphics have improved over the original, and the old color film reel type cutscenes are a nice touch.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The music in the game is generally well-received, though some feel it doesn't quite match the quality of the first installment. It features a militaristic vibe with drums and brass, complemented by exotic instruments that enhance the desert warfare setting. However, a few players find the music less memorable, noting that it lacks a stirring impact.
- “The game looks okay, old sure, but clear and quite satisfactory. Battle sounds okay as well, but the music (part of the package) is obviously not that stirring because I can't recollect any at all.”
- “The drums and brass evoke a very militaristic feeling from the music, with more exotic instruments in use to help set the scene of desert warfare.”
- “The music, while not exactly on par with the music of the first game, is still incredibly good, even now.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, the game's stability has seen minor improvements, addressing some small glitches and details; however, it remains buggy even after 15 years, with persistent issues like crashes. Players can easily set up and start the game, but must complete earlier campaigns before accessing more engaging content.
- “Still very buggy, even after 15 years.”
- “Some parts of the game are improved a little (mostly small glitches and details), but the game sacrificed its overall length to achieve these improvements.”
- “Glitches and crashes are common; it's easy enough to get set up and into the game, but you cannot play the interesting partisan game until you have completed the two previous campaigns.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's atmosphere is praised for its engaging World War II setting in Africa, offering a fun and immersive experience. Players appreciate its longevity and the enjoyable gameplay that complements the historical backdrop.
- “This game has a captivating World War II atmosphere set in Africa, making it a unique experience. I played it when it first launched and was astonished by its quality; it has aged well and remains enjoyable!”
- “The atmosphere in this game is immersive and engaging, drawing you into the historical context and environment.”
- “The attention to detail in the game's atmosphere really enhances the overall experience, making every moment feel authentic and impactful.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Users highlight the game's great replayability, indicating that it offers enough variety and engaging content to encourage multiple playthroughs.
- “The game offers great replayability with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh.”
- “I love how the different character builds and strategies make every run feel unique and exciting.”
- “With various endings and side quests, I find myself coming back to explore new possibilities every time.”