Steel Panthers

Review commentary

Steel Panthers has experienced several transformations since its original release. Initially developed by Gary Grigsby and Keith Brors for Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI), the game was launched in 1995 under the title "Steel Panthers". Subsequent to its debut, Matrix Games and the Camo Workshop acquired the rights and source code, continuing its development under their titles, respectively Steel Panthers: World at War and winSPWW2 (latest title). Steel Panthers is a turn-based strategy game, offering realistic gameplay against computer-controlled opponents or human players through email or hotseat modes. In the game, players command tanks and vehicles from a top-down perspective on a hexagonally overlaid map. Infantry units are typically represented as squads or sections, comprising 8-12 personnel, with certain units like snipers being controllable on an individual basis. The scale of the player's command can range from a platoon or company to a battalion, and even up to the size of a regiment or brigade. Having been involved with Steel Panthers, SPWAW, and the various the Camo Workshop versions, for many years, my fascination with these games remains undiminished. Custom scenarios and the game-supplied scenarios typically unfold within a manageable timeframe of 3-5 hours, occasionally even less under specific conditions. Conversely, the campaign games demand a more substantial investment of time, often extending over several days, yet they consistently prove to be very satisfying. Among the various editions, my personal preference leans towards the Matrix version of SPWAW. Despite this, I find all versions to be of exceptional playability.