Panzer Elite Action Gold Edition
- May 16, 2014
- ZootFly
"Panzer Elite Action Gold Edition" is a tank simulation game with both a European and North African campaign. Players can command a tank squad in intense battles, with the option to play as either Axis or Allied forces. The game offers a multiplayer mode for up to 32 players via LAN and internet. This Gold Edition includes the base game and the Dunes Of War expansion.
Reviews
- The game can be fun and engaging if you manage to get it running, with enjoyable tank battles and a variety of missions.
- The voice acting and characterization of tank crews add depth to the gameplay experience.
- It's a nostalgic experience for those who played it in their childhood, providing a simple and straightforward arcade-style tank action.
- The game is largely unplayable on modern Windows systems, with many users reporting crashes and compatibility issues.
- There are significant graphical bugs, such as missing tank turrets and non-animated tracks, which detract from the overall experience.
- The gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with poor AI and simplistic mission design.
- story28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is set against the backdrop of World War II, focusing on tank warfare with a variety of missions that, while lengthy and engaging, often feel repetitive and linear. Players experience a mix of historical authenticity and arcade-like gameplay, with crew dialogue and backstories adding some depth, though the overall narrative is minimal and primarily serves as a framework for the action. While the missions feature different tanks and scenarios, they largely revolve around shooting waves of enemy tanks, leading to a somewhat forgettable experience.
“I do enjoy the crew dialogue and their backstory, and the music is my favorite, but don't expect too much from the gameplay.”
“Even better are a few changes in the missions (which are long, by the way, which is fun). In one of the German missions, you encounter KV-1s, which are difficult to kill, but they do not become the main tank for the rest of the mission (like most games would do) because, as your crew says, they are experimental and not 'battle ready' yet, which is really cool.”
“You get both German, Russian, and American action, with the tanks, and there are even AI teammates to help you, and generally, AI teammates are very good in assessing threats and eliminating them.”
“This game is pretty forgettable; ~20 missions of 30 minutes each, and it becomes very repetitive after a while.”
“The missions are very linear and repetitive, with no opportunity for long-range spotting or gunnery for the most part, or room to maneuver.”
“The missions aren't very diverse.”
- graphics21 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated and unimpressive, reflecting its 2007 release, with many users noting significant graphical glitches and lack of modern support. While some appreciate the atmosphere and scale of the environments, the overall visual quality and technical issues detract from the experience, leading to calls for a remastered version. Despite these shortcomings, some players find the graphics acceptable for casual gameplay, though they advise those seeking high-quality visuals to look elsewhere.
“The graphics are okay, pretty good for the year it came out, as is the tank you have.”
“While this game may not be graphically impressive or very realistic, I have had more fun with this than I have had with other tank games out there. The lack of track animation is slightly annoying, but there are bigger problems with the game.”
“The game's graphics serve their purpose but are by no means great.”
“The game definitely needs a remastered edition, one compatible with modern PCs and with improved graphics, physics, and sound design.”
“The graphics were lackluster even for the time of its release and the tank physics are just as arcade-like as the action.”
“Game glitches on modern systems make it unplayable; tank tracks don't move, the tiger tank is missing its turret, and there are a lot of other graphics problems that will not be fixed.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the engaging crew dialogue and backstory, but criticizing the lack of depth and variety in gameplay mechanics. While some find enjoyment in the straightforward, explosive action, others feel it becomes tedious and simplistic, particularly due to poor AI and outdated graphics. Overall, the gameplay is seen as easy and fun for casual play, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex experience.
“Gameplay isn’t very deep, but by golly is it filled with stuff to blow up.”
“The gameplay is easy and fun as long as you take this as a quick tank shooting game between lunch and work.”
“And this gameplay hook is where you will either love or hate this game.”
“The gameplay and the physics are practically nonexistent.”
“This game has a lot of good qualities, but many of them are nullified by the utter crap that is the AI and lack of diversity in gameplay.”
“Gameplay gets really tedious, especially in Dunes of War.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for significant performance lags, with some users speculating that it may be improperly configured for PC, particularly for those using high-end graphics cards like the 3090. A workaround involving compatibility settings and DPI adjustments has been suggested to improve performance on Windows 10.
“I was able to get this to run on Windows 10 by changing the compatibility settings to XP Service Pack 3, setting DPI settings to application, and then checking 'Disable full screen optimizations.'”
“There are no articles addressing the terrible performance lags, and I'm left guessing that maybe the game is constantly searching for a controller I do not own (come on, I'm a PC player), or it just doesn't like my 3090.”
“I was able to get this to run on Windows 10 by changing the compatibility settings to XP Service Pack 3 and setting DPI settings to application, then checking 'Disable Full-Screen Optimizations.'”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is plagued by significant stability issues, including frequent bugs, unresponsive events, and severe graphical glitches, particularly affecting tank mechanics. Many players report that these problems render the game nearly unplayable on modern systems, although the demo appears to function without these issues.
“This game is a masterclass in buggy mechanics, with awful tank physics at times (D-Day in particular). Sometimes events don't trigger, or your squad members explode after bumping into them.”
“Game glitches on modern systems make it unplayable. Tank tracks don't move, the Tiger tank is missing its turret, and there are a lot of other graphics problems that will likely not be fixed. From what I have read, the demo does not have this problem.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Despite lackluster graphics and arcade-like tank physics, the game excels in creating a fantastic atmosphere characterized by massive levels and impressive tank destruction. Players appreciate the immersive experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The atmosphere is fantastic; the sheer tank destruction is off the charts and the levels are gargantuan in size.”
“Well-made arcade-style tank game with some good atmosphere.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with players appreciating its quality alongside the crew dialogue and backstory, although some caution against expecting too much from the gameplay itself.
“I really enjoy the crew dialogue and their backstory; the music is my favorite aspect of the game.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the soundtrack has some good moments, it often feels out of place and doesn't match the game's tone.”
“I found the music to be quite bland and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its occasional bugs, which some players find amusing, but overall, it lacks a strong comedic element.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's replayability, noting that it offers enjoyable experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs. The variety in gameplay elements and choices enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a title that players are likely to return to.
“The game offers so many different paths and choices that each playthrough feels unique and engaging.”
“With multiple endings and various character builds, I find myself coming back to explore new strategies every time.”
“The dynamic world changes with each decision, making every replay a fresh experience.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in the "Dunes of War" section, which can lead to a frustrating gameplay experience.
“Gameplay gets really tedious, especially in Dunes of War.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over, which takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”