Introduction to PC Wargames

[lcjjdnh]

With DataKing's new Steel Panther's dynasty it sparked a intrest to get into wargaming. Steel Panthers seems a bit in depth for a first endevor but maybe it is relativly simple in terms of war games. I game like this is what I am looking for though(i.e. Turned based, Battalion, etc.) Anyone have any suggestions. Also of consideration is cost, as I don't really have any money to spend(CM4 coming out, Family Guy DVD set soon), so preferably a freeware or a game from theunderdogs.org. Thanks in advance.

[Blackadar]

Hmmm...I'd start with Panzer General.

[Tarkus]

For turned based realistic WWII action the best game out there is Combat Mission. Check it out here:

http://www.battlefront.com/index.htm

Tarkus

[Blackadar]

Yea, but you can probably download Panzer General with little trouble. Combat mission will cost a bit...

[Fritz]

Wargames cover a very broad spectrum. A nice grognard type of game that can be had for free is "The Ardennes Offensive" from SSG (published by SSI).

http://www.ssgus.com/ardennes-download.htm

I would suggest a trip over http://www.hpssims.com for a nice selection of games.

[RawIsDan]

Panzer General, besides being a great game, is probably the best one you could start out with. Always loved getting those warm fuzzy notes from Da Fueher on my progress.

[sachmo71]

Check out the Strategy Section at www.the-underdogs.org where some of the greatest of all-time reside.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally posted by Blackadar
Hmmm...I'd start with Panzer General.

Agreed

[Blade6119]

if you ever want a great game, and have the money, this is hands down the best wargame on the market...Comabt Mission 1 and 2...the sequal only having been released a month or two ago...for qargames, the graphics are like heaven.

Battlefront Wargames (http://www.battlefront.com/index.htm)

[ColtCrazy]

I'm considering a Hearts of Iron dynasty once I'm done with my current one on the Browns. I'm not satisfied with the Browns one, I'm trying to figure out an effective writing style.

HOI would be very interesting to dynasty model.

I agree, Panzer General would be a good start.

Strategic Command would be a good one as well.

[Fritz]

More of an AAR than a dynasty, but this Bulge '44 writeup is one of the best reads out there.

http://members.shaw.ca/gcsaunders/B44_pbp_intro.html

[Dutch]

Head on over to www.matrixgames.com

Steel Panthers World at War is still a free download if I'm not mistaken and it's very easy to get into and a TON of fun.

Later they will be making Combat Leader (turn based) and Close Assault (RTS) which will be right up your alley.

[Tasan]

I'd really recommend Panzer General for the starting grognard. Its not too in depth and the gameplay will just suck you in. Get Panzer General II if you can, as the play is a little better and some of your units follow you from mission to mission.

[sabotai]

Make sure you have a broadband connection before downloading Steel Panthers, though. I have no idea how long it takes for 420MB take over a phone line. ;)

[rkmsuf]

I think you have some idea...

[lcjjdnh]

Does anyone know where I can d/l Steel Panthers: World at War? The links on the site Matrix links to do not work. Anyone know of any alternate sites.

[sabotai]

http://www.gamesdomain.com/directd/3281.html

[TZone]

I just noticed that the underdogs have Pacific General for download. I never really played it much, but it's the pacific version of panzer general.

[ACStrider]

Here's another vote for the Panzer General series. Simple enough to play even if you haven't played much in the way of war games, but difficult enough to keep you coming back for more.

[rwprice]

What about Panzer General 3D Assault? How does it compare to the regular version? Is it playable? I tried to install it once and I couldn't even run it, so I returned it. Now I have a new graphics card, so I'm wondering if I should try again.

[ACStrider]

Panzer General 3D Assult was in some ways better and in some ways worse. I wouldn't get it unless you REALLY liked the series. I never actuallly played it but my dad has it, and I and he think along the same lines.

Pluses...the generals you have make a big difference on combat, graphics are pretty cool, there is an expanded list of options in combat that add some nice features.

Minuses...It's hard to really use the added features for the units because there's rarely enough units in a given area for it to make a difference or for it to be feasible. It's really hard to impliment the strategies of warfare in combat, a fact which made the first two games very good.

In sum, I would treat them as two separate games: Panzer General I and II, and Panzer General 3d.

[WSUCougar]

I concur with the comments about the Panzer General series. It is a perfect introduction to computer wargaming. Eventually, though, Combat Mission is worth getting - it is an outstanding tactical wargame.

FYI, I have both Panzer General 2 and Panzer General 3D Assault, and would be willing to part with them for a minimal price + shipping. Drop me a PM if interested.

[lcjjdnh]

Out of curiousity, has anyone played Steel Panthers: Main Battle Tank. If you have not seen it, it can be found at http://www.wargamer.com/spcammo/page4.asp