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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Steel Panthers |
| Version: | 1.0 |
| Manufacturer: | SSI |
| Computer Tested On: | Toshiba Pentium 100 Laptop |
| Operating System: | Windows 95 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | October-97 |
| Rating: | 
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OVERVIEW
Steel Panthers is the original volume in the Steel Panthers series. The game is a tactical battlefield simulation involving individual tanks, vehicles, helicopter, and small companies of up to ten soldiers. The time era covered is the World War II era.
The game allows either human against computer or human against human play. A number of historic scenarios are included that emulate famous battles over this era. Several campaigns are also included so that a series of continuing battles involving the same units can be played.
Each battle consists of approximately 15 to 30 turns, with each player moving and firing his units. A complete game takes about 1-1/2 to 3 hours to complete, with the longer campaigns taking up to about 25 hours to complete.
Virtually every major piece of military equipment and type of infantry unit for the major adversaries in World War IIis included for selection by the user. A weapons encyclopedia is included to provide detailed information about and pictures of each unit including the weapons available to the unit.
The battlefield sizes vary, with the display showing an overhead view of the situation. A small map in the lower right corner allows moving to different areas of the map quickly.
Play is effortless, with almost every feature and informational tidbit only a left or right mouse click away.
A number of short videos of action sequences from the war are also included with the game to liven up the transition from one scenario to the next.
STRONG POINTS
Attractive and easily understood user interface - Most features have a button or require a single mouse click to activate. The user options panel changes many game settings with a single mouse click.
Many different battle scenarios - In addition to the pre-configured battles and campaigns, a battle and campaigns generator is included that allows the player to select different opponents, options and battlefields. The user can also create his own maps to simulate additional historic scenarios.
Good game speed - The game moves right along. There are numerous animations included that improve the visualization of the scenario. Each side usually has about 30 pieces, so each turn can be competed in just a few minutes.
WEAK POINTS
Installation - The installation program is DOS based. Windows 95 users will need to create an icon on their desktop to start the program.
Email Play - Unlike its successor, Steel Panthers II, there appears to be no way to play back the opponent’s last turn in an e-mail game.
COMMENTS
A free upgrade to the original version is available for download at SSI’s website. This patch fixes many minor flaws in the original program.
