Codename: Panzers, Phase Two
- February 18, 2016
- THQ Nordic
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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a satisfying RTS experience set in a WWII atmosphere, particularly in North Africa.
- Improved graphics and cutscenes compared to the first game, along with a larger unit selection and interesting campaigns.
- Fun skirmish mode that enhances replayability and allows for strategic gameplay against friends.
- The AI is often criticized for being unintelligent, relying on mindless rushing tactics rather than strategic gameplay.
- Voice acting is considered poor and laughable, detracting from the overall experience.
- The game suffers from bugs and stability issues, particularly on modern systems, which can lead to crashes and performance problems.
- story42 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 7 % 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 than the first installment, 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 the overall length is shorter compared to the first game.
“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).”
“Story is very well written, and the 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 one as well with around 20 missions (compared to about 30 in phase 1).”
“Virtually everything is the same (game mechanics, graphics, ...), just new missions.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the Codename: Panzers 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 solid mechanics, making it a worthwhile try despite its age. The series retains the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new gameplay elements, although some aspects remain unchanged.
“You should definitely give it a try; the graphics are okay, but the gameplay is incredibly good.”
“+ Spectacular gameplay moments, triggering identification with the situation and characters.”
“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.”
- graphics18 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics are generally regarded as good for their time, with notable improvements over the original version. While some players acknowledge that the graphics are dated, they appreciate the enhancements made in recent updates and the nostalgic charm of the old cutscenes. Many reviews highlight that the visuals contribute positively to the overall enjoyment of the game.
“Great graphics for the time of development and release.”
“Graphics have improved over the original, and the old color film reel type cutscenes are a nice touch.”
“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.”
- music10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of the first installment. It features a militaristic vibe with prominent drums and brass, complemented by exotic instruments that enhance the desert warfare atmosphere. However, some players find it less memorable, noting that they struggle to recall specific tracks.
“The music, while not exactly on par with the music of the first game, is still incredibly good, even now.”
“The music, while not exactly on par with the music of the first game, is still incredibly good, even now.”
“The game looks ok, old sure, but clear and quite satisfactory, battle sounds ok as well, music (part of the package) but 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.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability remains a significant issue, with persistent bugs and glitches reported even after 15 years, despite some minor improvements. Players note that while the game is relatively easy to set up, it sacrifices overall length for these improvements, and certain content is locked behind the completion of earlier campaigns.
“Still very buggy, even after 15 years.”
“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.”
“Some parts of the game have improved a little (mostly small glitches and details), but the game sacrificed its overall length to achieve these improvements.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its engaging World War II setting in Africa, providing a fun and immersive experience that has aged well since its launch. Players appreciate the balance between enjoyment and challenge, making it a standout choice for those seeking a less intense gameplay experience compared to other titles.
“If you want something hard and crazy, go for COH2, but this is more fun to play around and has a nice WWII atmosphere in Africa. I played this game when it first launched and I was astonished back then. It has aged well and is still playable and fun!”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently highlight the game's strong replayability, indicating that it offers engaging content and experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“The game offers great replayability, keeping me engaged for hours.”
“With its diverse choices and outcomes, the replayability is fantastic.”
“I love how each playthrough feels unique, showcasing excellent replayability.”
