Codename: Panzers, Phase One Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

  • Summary: No, this can't be! Initial outpost reports showed only armored infantry, but some serious hardware is headed this way! How could two 70-ton German Königstiger battle tanks simply be overlooked?! Well, no time to lay blame, just aim the bazooka and bring up the tanks from the rear. Only a dirrect hit can destroy them. ? Codename: Panzers thrusts you into the high-powered battles of World War II. Whether played in towns with bullet-riddled buildings, bleak mountain landscapes, or treacherous swamps, Codename: Panzers offers real-time combat rampages with awesome 3D graphics. Create your combat force from over 100 finely detailed units, from a flame-throwing squad to a Soviet Stalin organ rocket launcher to a German Königstiger battle tank. Be the commander - demolish the enemy with clever tactical maneuvers. Experience the nerve-jangling thrill of strategic gaming - in Codename: Panzers! [CDV] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. The detail that has gone into this title is breathtaking... Codename Panzers has entered the stage as a virgin and almost instantly become the ‘meat and two veg’ of the WW2 RTS genre, in actual fact we challenge you to find a better RTS alternative altogether.
  2. Codename: Panzers has seemingly appeared from nowhere – at least on these shores – yet has effortlessly succeeded in being one of the best RTS titles of the year so far.
  3. The excellent graphics, good controls and great sound effects also add up to a great game. But all is not perfect, the difficulty and the occasional AI misstep might put off some gamers.
  4. If you are a true strategy fan you probably wouldn't want to miss this one, as it is by no means a bad game, only a mediocre one.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. 10
    This is one of the best WW2 srategy game.
  2. GrogB.
    10
    Just awesome.
  3. DanielC.
    8
    Codename: Panzers is a nice break from the traditional build-and-destroy RTS, focusing on the strategy and tactics of warfare. Although not revolutionary or ground-breaking it is a nice step forward for the RTS genre and there are many things to merit this game. The Gepard engine makes this game one of the most visually stunning RTS games around. The excellent level designs also help with the atmosphere and often times you can actually feel that you're back in 1939, whether it's on the field or in major cities. Audio is also well-incorporated in the game and you can literally feel the blast from artillery fire as it rips through the battlefield. The variety and highly-specialized nature of the units also adds to the depth of gameplay, offering something other than simple run and attack action. The story and characters aren't neglected though and through the journals and cutscenes you can get a feel of the state of the war as well as the attitudes of the heroes you control. Often times I felt a strong empathy with them, wanting them to succeed, even when I know they won't from history. However, as with any game there are a number of flaws, namely the AI and the movement. The computer AI isn't that smart and often times they'll simply sit there while you pummel them with artillery. Even when they do engage you actively they don't use any special tactics and simply rush you with whatever units they have. Battles often times become tedious and repetitive as a result. The movement of the units I also found annoying, with units all moving independently to their destinations. It would have been better to have them move in formation to reduce the huge amount of shifting and crowding that happens, especially with tanks. Of course this is a problem with just about any RTS game but the bulky, slow-moving tanks make it that much more apparent. These flaws don't wreck the game but are areas for improvement. Overall this is a very enjoyable game and well worth buying and playing. Although some of the missions are tedious they each have something to offer and the large-scale battles are well worth it. The realism and fast-paced nature of the game really shines in comparison to others and it's nice to simply jump into battles. The game should be easy enough for any gamer to get into while still offering enough complexity to interest the hardcore RTS gamer. If you've played other games of this type you won't be disappointed with this title and any gamer interested in WW2, strategy, and general warfare will find this game a treat. Expand
  4. S.Vest
    4
    I seem to be the only one who sees the numerous flaws in this game. It strays so far from historical reality that it's little more than a video game. Air power was the key to beating the Germans in Europe so why is it so seldom available to offset the German superiority in tanks? It's VERY limited in the number of vehicles that are available to the player. Why, in a game with landmines (and where ground troops are essentially helpless) are there no SherDozers or Crabs available to clear mines? The AI for even your own troops is clueless. Vehicles will choose to go into discovered minefields unless you watch them closely. Self-propelled artillery, when told to directly attack a target will come up to point-blank range (and become easy targets) rather than lobbing shells from a distance. Also, on map artillery cannot attack an area of the map unless one of your troops is observing that spot. That makes NO sense. People looking for a MUCH more enjoyable WWII strategy game should check out Steel Panthers World at War. It's not as pretty but it makes for a lot less frustrating (and more fun) experience and it's a FREE download. Expand

See all 18 User Reviews