Matrix Games Forums

I am thinking of ordering KP but would like some opinions on how is measures up to the Panzer Campaign series put out by HPS.

Thanks.

Hi!
I own both games (KP/AtD; PzC/Smolensk 41), but actually played more KP than PzC.
Needless to say they are different games. But both of them come out with operation results which are sound and believable.
1) Scale is slightly bigger in KP than in PzC (2km vs 1km per hex). Note: the 2 km I took from the FAQ, I recall somebody explaining that the hex size in KP was 4 km. Can somebody confirm this? Unit sizes also differ: I think in KP single units are ussually 1 regiment (vs batallion sized in PzC).
2) Abstractions: in KP, recon units are somehow abstracted for some divisions. Again, the final result is superb.
3) Combat resolution: I have to confess that I was reluctant to get KP because combats are resolved with dice. However, saying simply that is a total miss: factors like terrain, support, combined arms, etc have an important effect in the combat result.
4) Units personnel and materiel are abstracted in KP, that's a thing I miss from PzC. I mean to know how many men/tank/guns you have in a unit.
5) The obvious: visuals are better in KP than in PzC. Yeah, I know, a tiny thing for a hardcore wargamer.
If you are a wargamer, KP belongs to your library.

PzC may have a longer learning curve than KP. The application of each kind of unit in PzC will need to be learned to be good in PBEM games, whereas KP has much more abstraction/integration of different unit types into the basic fighting units. AI is okay in both, although once you learn what it does, it is relatively easy to defeat in either game. Unit types in PzC are more accurate in terms of composition and capabilities related to combat and movement IMO. KP seems to be designed more for having fun in mind while PzC strives for more historical accuracy at the expense of ease of play. Both are good games based on their individual merits.

I find an "intangible" quality to KP that I prefer to the HPS PC series. It is definitely related to the greater abstraction in KP but the end result is enjoyable for me as longtime (35 yrs) wargame player. I am re-reading the section of Guderian's Panzer Leader that describes the actions in "Across the Dneper" and find the game closely recreates the "big picture" feel if not all the details.

I'm not sure if I have said this before but I think the Decisive Battles engine has to have a great appeal for those of us who "grew up" playing board wargames although I think the elegence of the system should also have wider appeal.

Recommend KP without reservation.

It is the sharpest looking and easiest to learn (read fun!) of the operational computer wargames IMHO. Whether you are a casual wargamer or a hardcore history buff you can enjoy playing the game equally; that's one of the really great things about KP.

Additionally with the included scenario editor there are unlimited options for game play. When you buy KP you get both Korsun Pocket and Ardennes Offensive battlesets. With Velikiye Luki and Kreta free releases from Run5 you can get 4 full up campaigns for the price of one (not to mention several additional scenarios and small battlesets).

JSS

ORIGINAL: JSS

Recommend KP without reservation.

It is the sharpest looking and easiest to learn (read fun!) of the operational computer wargames IMHO. Whether you are a casual wargamer or a hardcore history buff you can enjoy playing the game equally; that's one of the really great things about KP.

Additionally with the included scenario editor there are unlimited options for game play. When you buy KP you get both Korsun Pocket and Ardennes Offensive battlesets. With Velikiye Luki and Kreta free releases from Run5 you can get 4 full up campaigns for the price of one (not to mention several additional scenarios and small battlesets).

JSS

Agree 110% JSS, especially with Run5's additions to the game.
They are a great service and a have a great website!

JD