Steel Panthers
-
Golden Collection 2
(1997) -
Megapak 6
(1996) -
The SSI Compilation
(1996) -
Ultimate Strategy Pack
(1997)
Description official descriptions
Steel Panthers is a wargame (turn-based strategy game) by Strategic Simulations, Inc (SSI). The game is set in World War II, where the player fights battles by controling tanks, infantry, and other war marchines on a battlefield divided into hexgonal units (hexes). The game was designed by Gary Grigsby, who is considered by many as one of the preminent wargame designers.
Steel Panthers has spawned a whole trilogy, of which the last release was Steel Panthers 3: Brigade Commands. There are many types of games that can be played, including campaigns that span the war, stand alone historical battles, what-if scenarios, random battles, and play by email (PBEM) battles. However, there is also a scenario editor that lets you create your own battles, designation the type and number of units present, creating the landscape, and choosing the game parameters for the player. There are tens of countries to choose from, each with accurate represenation of their arms. In addition, there are different units for the US Army and the US Marine Corps. Information about each country's arms can be found in the Encyclopedia, in addition to a picture of the real thing.
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Screenshots
Promos
Credits (DOS version)
56 People (55 developers, 1 thanks) · View all
| Executive Producer | |
| Producer | |
| Associate Producer / Campaign Design | |
| Programming | |
| Rules | |
| Rules (Editor) | |
| Design |
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| Scenario Design | |
| SFI Art Team | |
| Historical Research | |
| [ full credits ] | |
Reviews
Critics
Average score: 85% (based on 15 ratings)
Players
Average score: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 9 ratings with 1 reviews)
The Good
Steel Panthers was the first computer game I ever bought, and I'm glad I started with such a good game. The game was easy to start playing, yet rewards the veteran player with an amazing amount of depth. The campaigns and scenarios are challenging, yet never truely impossible. In addition, the random battles and scenario creator ensures that there is always something new. I had some truely memorable moments playing the game, such as defending the island for Midway from a swarm of Japanese invaders.
The Bad
The graphics have aged some. However, this is does not detract from the experience. In addition, the music and sound, while very well done, can sometimes get repetative, especially the common sound effects, which you will hear a lot in large firefights. There are also Windows 9 compatibility issues that are all solved when you boot into DOS.
The Bottom Line*
Steel Panthers is an excellent wargame that deals with the entire Second World War. The game has tens of nations to lead into battle with hundreds of units to follow your command. However, the depth of the game does not hinder new players from enjoying and learning the game. While the game has visually aged, the gameplay remains excellent to this day. I highly recommend it.
DOS · by Peter Robinett (11) · 2000
Trivia
Awards
- Computer Gaming World
- June 1996 (Issue #143) – Wargame of the Year
- June 1996 (Issue #143) – Wargame of the Year (Readers' Vote)
- November 1996 (15th anniversary issue)) – #53 in the “150 Best Games of All Time” list
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Related Sites +
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The Wargamer's Steel Panthers Central
Download scenarios, whole campaigns, new arms settings, whole conversions by other gamers, player registry, fan-made mods and much more.
Identifiers +
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Peter Robinett.
Additional contributors: PCGamer77, Jeanne, Patrick Bregger.
Game added November 30, 2000. Last modified March 29, 2024.