On the Fence...

[Owl]

I still enjoy playing Steel Panthers - both Matrix version and the oter guys. From lurking about and reading posts here for a while it appears that Pz command Karkove plays a bit like SP - except obviously it's not turn based.
Would that be a reasonably accurate observation?
If I like SP would I probably like Pz Kakov? I had the demo for winter storm and found that I liked the competition's similar game (name unsaid) better so went back to just playing it when I got the itch. I'm once again though looking at Pz Command - wondering if the improvements made will have me retiring the competition finally.

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: Owl
I still enjoy playing Steel Panthers - both Matrix version and the oter guys. From lurking about and reading posts here for a while it appears that Pz command Karkove plays a bit like SP - except obviously it's not turn based.

... ? Panzer Command is indeed turn-based, but it's WEGO instead of IGO-UGO.

If I like SP would I probably like Pz Kakov? I had the demo for winter storm and found that I liked the competition's similar game (name unsaid) better so went back to just playing it when I got the itch. I'm once again though looking at Pz Command - wondering if the improvements made will have me retiring the competition finally.

Well, the Winterstorm demo doesn't really show off the new Kharkov engine all that well, or the fact that it now has random battle and campaign generation as well as a ton more scenarios. In general, if you like tactical wargaming you'll probably enjoy Panzer Command and I'd say the new release has more than enough content and replayability to get your money's worth, even if you don't replace SP or CM with it entirely.

Regards,

- Erik

[Motomouse]

I started to write a long statement about how I enjoy the gameplay, but then I thought, you just need an excuse [;)]

Here it is: Go for it!

Regards
Motomouse

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: Motomouse
I started to write a long statement about how I enjoy the gameplay, but then I thought...

Please feel free to write that long statement about enjoying the gameplay though, I'm still on the fence... [;)][:D]

[rickier65]

ORIGINAL: Owl

I still enjoy playing Steel Panthers - both Matrix version and the oter guys. From lurking about and reading posts here for a while it appears that Pz command Karkove plays a bit like SP - except obviously it's not turn based.
Would that be a reasonably accurate observation?
If I like SP would I probably like Pz Kakov? I had the demo for winter storm and found that I liked the competition's similar game (name unsaid) better so went back to just playing it when I got the itch. I'm once again though looking at Pz Command - wondering if the improvements made will have me retiring the competition finally.

I was also a Steel Panthers fan from way back - And I played CM as well (though I came late to CM) as well as Squad Leader boardgame long time before either of those.

I had also tried the PC:OWS demo when it was released, and decided to pass on that title - Either the demo of the winter landscape didn't strike a chord with me. But after following this forum, I bought PC:K when it was released, and I've been happy with my purchase.

I enjoy the campaign feature and knowing it can do both random battles and campaigns gives me a good feeling for longevity and replayability. I also enjoy tinkering with creating my own scenarios and PC:K makes that moderately easy. I actually like the interface - although at first I didn't. I find using the HUD and the event window pretty 2nd nature now, and I usually navigate through my order phase using the HUD. The game runs on my older laptop, as well as my desktop, so if you have modest CPU power you can still play the game. There are a few things I'd like to see in the game - but Im happy with the gameplay and with my investment - it's worth the cost.

While the name implies armor battles, you can have battles where infantry are key components and not just thrown in for color, and this is important to me as well.

There seems to be at least some interest in the modding - scenario buidling community and I'm hoping this will grow with time.

So if your on the fence, I'd go for it. (and by the way - I'm just over fence - both figuratively and literally - Gresham).

Rick

[Grell]

Rick nailed it, this game is very infectious and really drags you in.[:)]



Regards,

Greg

[FNG]

I played SP from version 1 all the way through to SP:WAW. With no disrespect to the OOB teams and the work that they did, they broke the AI selections in the Long WWII Campaign which I used to enjoy very much. PC:OWS was a very good game, if a little simplistic and lacking polish. I enjoyed it, but it did not have massive replayability. PC:K has the Random Campaign and Random Battle Generators and is a much improved game. It is quite exciting to see its potential being realised and looking at the future improvements that are just over the horizon. Two years ago, I would have never considered not having SP:WAW on my hard drive. Now I don't. I have Panzer Command instead, and look forward to more and better things in the future.

I posted a few DAR/AARs in the relevant sub-forum - I think they give a pretty fair idea of how random battles in random campaigns play out. My advice as one SPer to another would be to go for it. I have not regretted it one bit.

[Troy6677]

I thought I would contribute my experience as well.

As a veteran ASL, SP and CM player I too passed on OWS.  Just didn't seem to be up to par with CM a game I love and the wargame I have played the most.  Mostly PBEM at the Blitz wargaming club.

I was going to pass on PCK as well except for the very positive and intriguing posts here about the game.  So I bought it.

Through the tutorial and then boot camp I wavered between whether or not I liked the game.  But as I progressed through boot camp (and some of the scenarios in the boot camp are quite challenging and need to be to prepare you for this game) the game play pulled me in.

Now I have just begun my first scenario of the 1st Panzer Divisions long campaign and I am hooked.  On the attack as of June 22nd, 1941 encountered infantry, T-26 tanks and surprisingly effective 82mm mortar fire.  Not only did it come down on me right away but later on it followed me and struck again.  Very impressive work for an AI arty spotter!  The 2 arty barrages alone cost me 2 of my elite Pz1V's, 2 of my 3 grenadier squads and 2 halftracks!  Then in mid-scenario just as I thought I had the 1st scenario won a huge (I would say at least a full batalion) of Soviet infantry launched a fierce counterattack.  This game had me on the edge of my seat till the end.  Can't wait for scenario 2!  Wonder what other stuff awaits.  So, the campaign generator alone is worth the price.  And lack of good campaigns was (and still is) a CM weakness.

So I heartily recommend this very fun game.  Great job Koiosk and Eric and friends.

Mark

[Owl]

Thanks for the replies, I think you've managed to sell another copy! The problem with software is that you can't really test drive it and if you don't like it return it and it's expensive! I know you can do the demo but it really usually doesn't do it for me - I need the whole meal deal to muck with to decide if I want to shell out the $. I got burned on WITP thinking I'd love it if I liked UV - nope, too dang big for me but I was stuck with it.

Anyhow as I said, thanks!

[Mad Russian]

And there are HSG scenarios starting to show up for PCK too!  [:D]  [:D]  [:D]

Just in case you needed a real reason to buy besides all that stuff about good game play and how the campaigns are great and all that other unimportant stuff................[>:]

Good Hunting.

MR

[Grell]

Hi FNG,

I agree with you 100%.

Regards,

Greg