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I think that we should introduce a different air combat system only if it provides all these features, and in addition, gives us some new important advantage.

I appreciate the response. I think a simple system could be introduced where aircraft fly either an offensive mission (eg, air combat, escort or ground attack) or defensive mission (eg, combat air patrol, intercept, recon or rebase). Aircraft could remain in the mission hex and be subject to enemy reaction, and then returned to airbase at start of owning player's turn (except rebase). The old PG model may be adequate for many, but it still doesn't feel right. The Strategic Command series uses a PG model of sorts, and aircraft flying missions works OK. Something to reconsider down the road perhaps...

ORIGINAL: pzgndr
The old PG model may be adequate for many, but it still doesn't feel right.

For now, I'm reluctant to make drastic changes in the game only to make it looking a bit more realistic. Take one step in that direction, and the next question will be: why do you allow only one unit per 20x20 km hex? Why is it not possible to mix several unit types in one unit? And many more questions like that. Fixing all this will take a lot of time, and will not necessarily make the game better, but rather make it a completely different game, better for some, worse for others.

But I'll watch out for this issue, and investigate possible alternatives. Thanks for giving a link to Strategic Command, I'll check that out.

ORIGINAL: Rudankort

For now, I'm reluctant to make drastic changes in the game only to make it looking a bit more realistic.

Hi Rudankort, I support your thinking here. Matrix has released at least 3 Panzer General wannabes in recent years and imo they have all been failures because they've tried to change too much.

I totally love the way that you're going with the same scale as PG1 - these others didn't and they tanked.

I just agree with you. "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". I have never believed in re-inventing the wheel [:)]. PG1 is the "wheel". So a focus on scenarios, campaign tree's and immersion will be where your cash flow derives.

Pacific General, PG2, PG3D all reinvented the wheel and never sold as well as their older brother.

ORIGINAL: Adam Parker

ORIGINAL: Rudankort

For now, I'm reluctant to make drastic changes in the game only to make it looking a bit more realistic.

Hi Rudankort, I support your thinking here. Matrix has released at least 3 Panzer General wannabes in recent years and imo they have all been failures because they've tried to change too much.

I totally love the way that you're going with the same scale as PG1 - these others didn't and they tanked.

I just agree with you. "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". I have never believed in re-inventing the wheel [:)]. PG1 is the "wheel". So a focus on scenarios, campaign tree's and immersion will be where your cash flow derives.

Pacific General, PG2, PG3D all reinvented the wheel and never sold as well as their older brother.

Agreed. If you want more complex, detailed operational level games on World War Two heaven knows there are plenty out there. This meant to be a beer and pretzles style game, just like the oriignal Panzer Leader was.
I would like to see a campaign for the Allies as well as the Axis, but that might have to wait for the expansions.
And Putting off the Pacific for another game is a wise choice. That will require quite a bit of tinkering with the Naval system..perhaps even going with a totally different Naval system. Pacific General tried a beefed up version of the PG Naval system to do the Pacific Naval battles, and, to be honest, it did not work all that well. Panzer General is basically a land combat system, with Naval and Air as supporting forces. I am not sure you can change that without basically redisigning the game. Perhaps the best approach for the Pacific would be to concentrate on the Land Battles, and not try to recreate the Naval battles in detail.

Would you say someone already well versed in Panzer / Allied General will be able to pick this up easy? I mean are the controls almost identical...I hope so that would be perfect.

I think one of points were PC is much approved, compared to PG1, is in the UI, it is more balanced, more intuitive, still any PG player will instantly recognize and pick it up.

We also are designing some nice features like an ingame Tank Library (maybe later a full equipment library) and the addition of an "Ace" system incorporated into the experience/upgrade levels for some units.

Indeed "If it ain't broken, don't fix it", but improve the parts we thought needed to be improved and only add features that give the game some extra attraction.

That is why we have decided to, even if the uniticons are 2D, in fact they are rendered 3D models, so we are building more than 350 unique 3D models, absolutely historically researched and using original blueprints.

So the units are 100% correct, well we try , so we could play with camera angels, shadows, textures, sizes... in other words flexibility and deliver absolutely great looking units. You may even argue it is a shame we do not show them in 3D. But that would be again in conflict with our philosophy "If it ain't broken, don't fix it"... just improve it. A bit the Japanese industrial approach. LOL

It may sound ridicule, but that is the amount of detail we think fits a game if you want to try and step into the legacy of PG.

Purchased units should only appear on edge of map, not at latest captured town, like in the old PG1 game. I remember someone parachuting a unit deep into enemy territory, then building tanks there. No way.

Otherwise, glad to hear this game is in progress. We have needed a successor to PG for some time. Hopefully, some AG in there too.

Please so what is the answer? Will purchased units magically appear in the frontline city hex or at the rear towards the friendly map edge?

The core slot purchases must be deployed one at a time, in the designated areas for deployment. This is not at maps edge though. So far Panzer Corps has kept me in front of my computer just like PG did all those years ago. A few days ago I started a 1939 campaign during the evening and played till the finish, just before the sun rose.

A few days ago I started a 1939 campaign during the evening and played till the finish, just before the sun rose.

That is what we wanted to achieve, so thank you for the compliment.

ORIGINAL: Lord Zimoa

A few days ago I started a 1939 campaign during the evening and played till the finish, just before the sun rose.

That is what we wanted to achieve, so thank you for the compliment.

And I thank you. I really was not sure if PC would have the appeal of PG. It does and with the numerous improvements and new features the game is fantastic. I especially like the new, random bonus unit feature. When I got my first Waffen SS infantry unit I was gleeful. Not long after I received that SS unit several of my tank, infantry and air units started getting medals, such as Iron Cross, second class, which also carries some bonus such as +1, 2 or even 3 for defense(just one example). Now I can look with pride at my units battle histories and see which units are true, elite warriors.

Matrix has released at least 3 Panzer General wannabes

I have Operation Barbarossa, but I am not too sure on the other two you are referring to...

All I have wanted to do for the last 5 years is play original PG1 -but cannot get it to work on my computer

If this is like it sounds like -good old PG tweaked a little ----------SOLD!

ORIGINAL: 1275psi

All I have wanted to do for the last 5 years is play original PG1 -but cannot get it to work on my computer

Haven't you tried Panzer General Forever? That is basically a remake a of PG1 (and Allied General, and another mod or two), and works on the latest Windows operating systems (e.g. Win7).

PGF is made by the same guy - Alex - who is the lead developer on Panzer Corps PGF is nice but Panzer Corps is so much better!

Indeed PGF is great, and Alex made a great job there, but after playing beta PzC I can only say it's harder to go back and play PGF. Alex has done also a great job in PzC. [:)]

I never played PG so I have a stupid question. Please pardon my newbie questions [:)]

How does this differ from say Strategic Command?

Also, can you play PC head to head on the same computer?

Also, can you play PC head to head on the same computer?

Hotseat mode is indeed available. A Beta tester at Slitherine gave a good description:

Strategic and Commander are much more grand strategy games, involving, production, diplomacy, technology and resources.

Panzer Corps has a turn based system and the whole dynamic of the game is based on that, so completely different from what you get from a RTS game. You'll have more planning, more different type of units, stats to look for, etc. It's more chess and it's pedigree are the classical board wargames.

Only Panzer Corps UI, makes it quite easy and challenging for anybody to play it, specially if you're have already some knowledge of WWII, like yourself. Gradually you'll begin to be addicted (you'll learn the "just one more turn" at 4'clock in the morning concept) and at the same time begin to see that's a hard game to master thanks to its subtleties.

It's a game that you'll end developing your own strategy. I'd say if you like HoI there's a great probability of enjoying as well Panzer Corps, even being quite a different game. Well basically PzC is a classic turnbased IGOUGO, hex based tactical strategy game, inspired by the classic PG series.

I think you will understand better if you read the development diaries and have a look at some screenshots here:

http://panzer-corps.com/

The development diaries explain pretty good what the design is behind the game.



Cheers,

Tim aka LZ

Thanks Tim! Panzer-corps.com won't load, but you answered my main question about the game.
I don't want to be Albert Speer and Rommel. I want to fight

I am buying [:D]

RE61

ORIGINAL: Richie61

I never played PG so I have a stupid question. Please pardon my newbie questions [:)]
How does this differ from say Strategic Command?

Never played Strategic Command, but I've played a little "Strategic Command WW1 The Great War". There are some differences between PzC and and SC. PzC plays more at the operational level, you don't have Research or Diplomacy to look after, no micro management. You concentrate your efforts in a single scenario/battle and how you'll win it. It's constantly challenging you. As you can imagine this turns the whole gameplay of PzC to be very different from SC.
It's this high dynamic that draws the whole yourself into the game and makes you become more addicted with each turn.
Of course there are more differences, in rules, strategic thinking, etc. But in spite being a different game you can enjoy both types of games. One does not exclude the other.
PG was a quite unique wargame. PzC follows exactly the same path. In my opinion, it's a true masterpiece of game design.

EDIT:

ORIGINAL: Richie61
I don't want to be Albert Speer and Rommel. I want to fight

[:D]