Codename: Panzers, Phase Two
- February 18, 2016
- Stormregion
Get on Steam"Codename: Panzers, Phase Two" is a remastered World War II RTS game, with support for modern systems and resolutions. The game features three campaigns as the Allies, Axis, or Yugoslavian resistance, expanded gameplay with new units, buildings, and terrain, and improved tactical options. Hundreds of destructible objects and day-night cycles enhance the realism. The game also includes a full-featured mission editor for expanded gameplay.
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a focus on tactical skirmishes and a variety of units, making it enjoyable for fans of WWII strategy games.
- Improved graphics and cutscenes compared to the first game, along with a well-thought-out story that adds depth to the campaigns.
- The game offers a nostalgic experience for long-time players, with memorable moments and a satisfying blend of strategy and action.
- The AI is often criticized for being unintelligent, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences where it fails to execute effective strategies.
- Voice acting is generally considered poor, detracting from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.
- The game suffers from bugs and stability issues, particularly on modern systems, which can lead to crashes and other technical problems.
- story21 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
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. However, some players noted that the missions can feel predictable and that the gameplay mechanics remain largely unchanged from the first game.
“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.”
“This is an old but fun game, which follows on from its predecessor. This time the fighting takes place in North Africa, Italy, and the former Yugoslavia. The story is also pretty good, and like its predecessor, it’s best to play the factions of this game in the order presented (Axis, Allies, Partisans).”
“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.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
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 highlight issues with AI and route finding, the overall experience is marked by enjoyable moments and a solid foundation of gameplay mechanics, with newer installments adding more depth while retaining the charm of the original.
“The gameplay is surprisingly fun.”
“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.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
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 still appreciate the enhancements and the nostalgic charm of the cutscenes. Players find the visual quality to be a strong point, contributing positively to the overall gaming 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.”
“Graphics have improved over the original, and the old color film reel type cutscenes are a nice touch.”
“Virtually everything is the same (game mechanics, graphics, ...), just new missions.”
- music5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
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 it less memorable, noting that it lacks a stirring impact.
“The music, while not exactly on par with the music of the first game, is still incredibly good, even now.”
“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.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability has seen minor improvements, addressing some small glitches and details; however, it remains buggy after 15 years, with persistent issues like crashes. Players can easily set up and start the game, but must complete earlier campaigns to access 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 said 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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its engaging World War II setting in Africa, offering a fun and immersive experience that has aged well since its launch. Players appreciate the balance between challenge and enjoyment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a lively and atmospheric gameplay experience.
“This game has a captivating World War II atmosphere set in Africa that makes it incredibly fun to play. I was astonished when I first played it at launch, and it has aged well, remaining enjoyable to this day.”
“The atmosphere in this game is immersive and engaging, perfectly capturing the essence of World War II in a unique setting.”
“The combination of stunning visuals and sound design creates an unforgettable atmosphere that draws you into the experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
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.”
