Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Stormregion
- Publishers: cdv Software Entertainment
Codename: Panzers – Phase One: A Real-Time Strategy Masterpiece
Introduction
Codename: Panzers – Phase One is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by StormRegion and published by cdv Software Entertainment. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2004 and is the first game in the Codename: Panzers series. The game is set in World War II and follows the German Panzer Lehr Division as they fight their way through the Western Front.
Gameplay
Codename: Panzers – Phase One is a traditional RTS game in which the player controls a group of units and must use them to defeat their opponents. The game features a variety of units, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must use them wisely in order to succeed.
The game’s campaign mode consists of 20 missions, each of which takes place on a different map. The player must complete each mission by achieving a variety of objectives, such as destroying enemy units, capturing strategic points, or defending a position.
In addition to the campaign mode, Codename: Panzers – Phase One also features a skirmish mode, in which the player can battle against AI opponents on a variety of maps. The game also supports multiplayer, allowing up to eight players to compete against each other online.
Graphics and Sound
Codename: Panzers – Phase One features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s units and environments are all rendered in 3D, and the game’s lighting and particle effects are top-notch. The game’s sound design is also excellent, with realistic sound effects and a stirring soundtrack.
Reception
Codename: Panzers – Phase One was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, engaging gameplay, and challenging campaign mode. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Codename: Panzers – Phase One is considered to be one of the best RTS games of all time. The game’s success spawned two sequels, Codename: Panzers – Cold War and Codename: Panzers – Afrika Korps. The game also inspired a number of other RTS games, including the Company of Heroes series.
Conclusion
Codename: Panzers – Phase One is a classic RTS game that still holds up today. The game’s realistic graphics, engaging gameplay, and challenging campaign mode make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Additional Information
- Developer: StormRegion
- Publisher: cdv Software Entertainment
- Release Date: 2004
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy
- Setting: World War II
- Campaign: 20 missions
- Skirmish Mode: Yes
- Multiplayer: Yes (up to 8 players)
Review Score:
- IGN: 8.5/10
- GameSpot: 8.0/10
- Metacritic: 82/100
Awards:
- Game of the Year (2004) – German Game Critics Award
- Best Strategy Game (2004) – German Game Critics Award
System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 2000/XP
- Processor: 1 GHz Pentium III or equivalent
- Memory: 256 MB RAM
- Graphics: 64 MB DirectX 8.1 compatible video card
- Sound: DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
- Hard Drive Space: 2 GB
Tips for Playing Codename: Panzers – Phase One:
- Use cover: Tanks are vulnerable to enemy fire, so it’s important to use cover whenever possible. Buildings, trees, and hills can all provide protection from enemy fire.
- Flank your enemies: When attacking enemy units, try to flank them from the side or behind. This will give you a better chance of hitting them with your shots and avoiding their fire.
- Use combined arms: Don’t rely on just one type of unit. Use a mix of infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft to overwhelm your enemies.
- Be patient: RTS games can be challenging, so don’t get discouraged if you lose a few battles. Take your time, learn from your mistakes, and you’ll eventually be victorious.
Review Score
8.5/10