Panzer General inspired many sequels, Allied General (where you played the Allies), Pacific General, Star General (sci-fi), Fantasy General (fantasy) and Panzer General II (which significantly updated the graphics and display.) However, it was Fantasy General that left the biggest mark for me. Playing exceptionally well as the Germans in the campaign allowed players to attack Moscow or Britain, and go so far as to make an attack at the Washington DC itself. The game hit a nerve with gamers and was extremely popular among the wargaming crowd with the campaign mode also attracting more casual players through its almost RPG type of quality. Succeeding battles often required a certain amount of prestige to continue, which then dictated one’s follow-up opportunities. In addition to simply gaining in strength (and/or morale, etc…) They could eventually be upgraded into improved units (typically from later in the war.) Losing these units (or even having them seriously hurt – they would heal back up but the “new recruits” would lower the experience level of the troops again) would significantly hurt one’s long-term performance. These ongoing units, supplemented occasionally by non-continuing forces, formed the backbone of one’s troops. Even more significant, individual units would gain experience over the course of a battle, which would continue on to the next battle. Players were able to go through a series of linked scenarios, with good performances in one opening up better options in the next. What is brought to the table was a smooth, accessible gameplay and a unique campaign mode. It has everything expected of wargames of its time: many unit types, fog of war, multiple maps and scenarios. Panzer General was yet another turn-based, WWII wargame played out on with units on a hex grid. The year was 1994 and the company SSI was still in its heyday of producing some of the best strategy games around. Once upon a time there was Panzer General. If Fire Emblem feels like trying to manage a somewhat unruly bunch of tweens and you’d rather play a game focused on actual combat and unit growth, Fantasy General II may be the game for you. This sequel maintains the original Fantasy General style and substance but updates it for modern sensibilities and computer architecture. However, Fantasy General (and Fantasy General II) maintain the focus of the game on the main commander, with the majority of supporting units changing and growing over time, but without all the interpersonal interactions. One can see the influence of the original Fantasy General in the popular Fire Emblem franchise.
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