Strategic Simulations Inc.'s recent release Steel Panthers has set the computer gaming world on its ear. The massive tactical level WWII simulation by Gary Grigsby blends the best elements of a Squad Leader­type simulation with a powerful graphics engine and a competent computer opponent. The combination is a graphically pleasing, exciting game that will give the WWII grognard all he could want in a computer came

The basic game system pits section/platoon-level tank, artillery, infantry, and reconnaissance units against one another in battle. Weapons are rated for range and effectiveness against hard and soft targets. The units are rated as green, veteran, or elite and perform accordingly. Units are not visible until they fire or are spotted by a friendly unit nearby. The actual game system is a refinement of the old SSI Kampfgruppe game, which came out in the 1980s. However, the similarity ends with the basic system.

Almost all the vehicles, weapons, artillery, and infantry types that fought in WWII are present in the game, as well as many of the aircraft that provided ground support. The list of equipment is mind-numbing. Coupled to this impressive list is a choice of 42 European scenarios, 20 Pacific scenarios, eight European campaign games, two Pacific games, a battle creator that allows the players to pit the armies of 15 different nations (16 if you count the US Army and Marine entries), and a battle editor that allows the players to create their own scenarios. The Game also provides a section for playing by eMail.

Victory is obtained by capturing victory hexes and destroying enemy units. In the campaign game, players receive points at the end of each battle based on their performance and are then allowed to upgrade units based on the year and country.

All the scenarios are well balanced and fun. If you make a mistake the computer will usually make you pay. Charging across the map can be dangerous and deadly. However, outflanking the computer AI is not too difficult, although even then the victory hexes were still well protected.

Artillery and airstrikes are well represented. They inflict appropriate casualties, and aircraft in particular are notorious for hitting friendly troops. A nice touch of realism.

Another nice touch is the sound. In addition to military marching music that plays during the game, the sound of battle is also present. Artillery explodes, cannons and machine guns fire, vehicles blow up, and bullets ricochet. Although the basic music can get a bit tedious, the sounds of battle help identify what's going on and where (especially early in the battle before the location of enemy units is fully realized).

The game comes on a CD Rom disk with a 60-page rule book. Be warned though that it eats memory and a fast 486 is required to play the game properly. Slower machines or insufficient memory will cause the system to lock-up, usually on artillery strikes.

There were some bugs in the original version and SSI has been kind enough to put the corrected patch as well as a new Beta test version on their AOL page.

If you love Squad Leader or small unit WWII tactics, this game will give you everything you want and more. At the going price of $59.95, Steel Panthers will provide you with endless battles and loads of fun. If that weren't enough, SSI has already announced plans to create more historical scenarios.

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