Panzer Corps 2 | Worth it? | Unbiased detailed review
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- Is Panzer Corps 2 worth playing in 2022? This video provides an in depth look at the gameplay to help you make an informed decision.
If you enjoy Strategy and World War Two games you may have heard of the Panzer Corps series. This game has tactical army management across a grand campaign where your army carries over and is highly customizable. It's not as overwhelming as Hearts of Iron IV, it has many similarities to RTS games such as CTA Gates of Hell Ostfront, and the turn based combat is similar to 4X titles such as Civilization and Humankind.
00:00 Introduction
00:28 90 second summary of the game
01:40 a brief history
02:04 first impressions
02:39 is the tutorial any good?
03:06 will it run on my potato PC?
03:26 overview of the mechanics, what's it like to play?
06:00 encirclement is key!
07:43 how many game modes?
08:40 strategy essentials - quickfire round!
10:32 what are the units like? Detailed?
11:00 does the ai cheat? How does it scale?
12:14 is there much RNG? Is it painful?
12:37 music and sound effects
12:57 longevity - will you be playing it in 12 months?
13:00 how much does it cost? Full price and sale price
14:03 how many DLC's and what's in them?
14:42 are there many mods? What are they like?
15:00 final summary, who might enjoy this game?
I'm a big strategy game fan, any game with tanks, planes, and BIG BATTLES will get my attention, but does Panzer Corps 2 get the mix right? I've purchased the game and played it for many hours to help you decide, is Panzer Corps 2 worth it? We look at all aspects of the game, the big picture, the small picture, the game mechanics, and how it compares to other WW2 strategy games. - Hry
If you're a fan of turn based strategy, RTS game, or anything WW2 it's worth considering Panzer Corps 2. It's easy to pick up, the mechanics just make sense, and the different branches of the campaign tree adds a lot of replayability. Critics call it overly simplistic compared to other strategy games, but perhaps that's what you're looking for?
I don’t think it is over simplified, my friend is expertise in civilian 6 and he got completely crushed by my panzer division in this game in reality it’s battle sense is better then majority of current turn base strategy game in the market
I've tried a bunch of games like Civ6, Unity of Command, Hearts of Iron and Wargame but it felt too complicated for me. Panzer Corps 2 has a nice balance of gameplay which isn't overwhelming. I've already sunk several hours into it on Gamepass and am excited to see how the Pacific expansion fares.
@@trblemayker5157 Would you agree with those who liken the game to chess?
I think it's an interesting comparison, if only to explain how the game can be easy to learn, but difficult to master!
@@twiglets2 As someone who's terrible at chess, I can say Panzer Corps 2 is much easier to get the hang of haha
I'd compare to it Xcom since you can accomplish objectives and reduce losses using a variety of tactics and abilities. Plus the adjustable difficulty and traits/heroes can make the game easier in some cases but not a cakewalk.
@@trblemayker5157 I hadn't considered Xcom as a comparison before, but now you mention it I really see where you're coming from. It's good to expand your mind occassionally... that's me worn out for today!
Please never stop creating videos like these! I am hoping to see a substantial growth in subs of yours, you deserve it (and I hardly comment on CZcams-content)
Thank you my friend that means a lot! I'll do my best, I don't expect anything but you never know.
I have a video coming out for Homeworld tomorrow (currently 90% off!) so hopefully people find that one useful :)
@@twiglets2 looking forward to it, as I wanted to give Homeworld a chance this year. Are you by chance planning on going into retro (or new) Dune stuff?
Your review is very useful. Waiting another game review. Especially this kind of game which is not much people review it.
Thank you, I hope you found the video useful! If there is another game you'd like me to look at, please let me know :)
Great video format, great review. No faffing about, no filler, rarity on youtube.
Very well done. You helped me make a decision.
I'm glad I could help!
I spent so much time as a kid playing Panzer General 2, which I think this series is spiritual successor to. Would like to see your thoughts on 40k Armageddon, as that uses the same approach as these series.
Weren’t these type of games hard for you as a kid?
@@user-cp3zm8em8n I don't see why? Plenty of us were playing hex wargames at 10+. No harder than chess etc.
I had fun with it. It's fairly simplistic compared to some Grigsby games but that is part of the charm.
Suspension of disbelief vital - P1000! It is in places as if someone grafted world of tanks onto PG, but that is yes part of it.
Also works pretty much flawlessly on Steam Deck too despite the official stance that it’s unsupported.
Thanks for the extra info, great news! I've only just realised that other games do work, even if it's not official. All the more tempted to get one now.
I love this game with 700+ hrs, the mechanics are solid and have variety in implementation as opposed to UoC2 which is solely supply centered, as well as the overall experience being more streamlined over OOB (played both)
DLC with exceptions are also mostly solid or very good.
High replay value in terms of challenges/force composition/rules
@Valks-22 Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Hmm. Operational warfare is heavily supply-centred, which is why an operational wargame like UoC 2 is. PC is a lighter experience that bends reality a bit for its fun and can't make its mind up on scale. OOB, not sure, found it more tedious, haven't progressed so far.
Fantastic video! You mentioned there's no base-building. Can you recommend a turn-based hex game with RTS-like base building? I haven't found one yet other than CIV, but that's not really base building in the RTS way.
It has its flaws, but overall it's a very fun wargame. Lots of difficulty options, and has more tactical nuance than people give it credit for (despite the simplified supply mechanics). Looks beautiful, too. I prefer the Order of Battle series overall, but the PC games are great fun, and have some features that OoB lacks.
I had a great time with this game, in particular I didn't mind replaying the same battle to try and get a better or different result. There's something about the game that gives it that replayability that other strategy games lack. Glad I gave it a shot! But now there's a whole bunch of other similar titles to try! Have you ever tried Unity of Command?
@@twiglets2 The UoC games are really good, but their puzzle-like nature lowers the replay value.
@@trashl0rd Disagree (but am admittedly biased, as a tester): Understanding game mechanics that are based on actual combat is not the same as something being puzzle-like - an assertion which could be arguably better aimed at PC with objectives and rewards which are far more random and abstract. There are aspects of operational combat that do require thought and planning - much of that is absent from PC.
UoC+ is imho a far better WAR game than PG/PC/OOB. Whether it is a better game game is going to be down to your personal taste.
12:32 got me to crack up, "Fuck You RNG?" setting. That's was brilliantly worded. Thank you for the in depth review of this game!
No problem I hope you found it useful!
I have found this to be much like the Campaign Series. It is like your opponent always has unlimited fresh troops to come at you with which we know not to be the case. I have gotten through to Barbarossa (first scenario) and it is like the old Panzer, Allied, and PAcific General.
@uh-1hueycrewchief359 Do you have a positive opinion of the game overall so far?
@@twiglets2 not really. You are stuck being the Germans which we know is a losing proposition. It wouldn’t be bad if you were allowed not to invade the USSR and say use those assets to maybe kick the British out of North Africa and take the Suez Canal and then take the Iraqi oilfields.
@@JeepWrangler1957 Hm yes, fine for those that know nothing of history...!
I'm currently reading a book on North Africa - the Italians have been whooped but Rommel has just arrived. It's a shame that theatre isn't explored more in games generally, especially seeing how it was so interconnected with Greece, the middle east, far east and even operation Barbarossa. Not just a fight over some desert, but I digress.
@@twiglets2 imagine Operation Hercules (invasion of Malta) and basing air power there? They could have cut British lines of communication in the Mediterranean. Italy was more of a liability than an Ally.
@@JeepWrangler1957 Interesting! I'll be taking a closer look at operation Hercules.
Very good review, thank you
@alejandrotabilo1988 thank you, I hope it was useful
Just picked up a M3 pro MBP 14”. Installed windows 11 with parallels. Hope the game works ok. I have the first panzer corps on the 12.9” M1 iPad Pro. The graphics are a lot different than the first one.
Well done, this is a real review! Thanks!
You're very welcome, I hope you enjoyed it!
@@twiglets2
Of course. Keep it up, you're great. I subscribed!
@@ankikortomalteze Much appreciated!
Are you able to edit units stats for whatif scenarios?
Solid review thanks :) / subbed for more of this tuff...
Thank you - I hope you found it useful! Any suggestions on what should be looked at, just let me know, always happy to add to take recommendations!
great video mate, game looks really good
Cheers Zack I hope you found it useful!
If you own the first one, really not worth it. If you do not, buy panzer general 2. It is old, but it is a full game. Panzer corps and their devs have caught the dlc disease and the base game is just a demo you must buy.
As of November 2022 I do not see it on Microsoft Game Pass, but it is on Steam
Hi Twiglets, question for you, though it doesn't relate to Panzer Corps 2. I'm looking for a WWII RTS game that's broadly realistic, but one that has only a moderate learning curve and doesn't get bogged down in micromanagement. Something in the spirit of the real time battles portion of the Total War games. I would be looking to play this in single player so it doesn't matter to me if it's got a playerbase or not. It could be something older.
I am looking for these characteristics:
• 3D
• No base building (No CoH)
• Is broadly realistic: Total War's a good example: There's morale, limited ammo, and stamina (doesn't have to those exact things, but just so you get an idea)
• ...but doesn't get bogged down in picky details: I tried Ostfront: Gates of Hell and commanding individual soldiers (and managing how many clips of ammo they have in their inventory) is not for me.
• Has only a moderate learning curve (once again think Total War)
• Its single player isn't solely limited to totally scripted campaigns/missions. Content that's strictly story driven isn't very replayable. I'm looking for single player content that has some player freedom.
I know that's a pretty particular list 😅 But I've tried searching for games like that and I really haven't had much luck. You clearly know your strategy games well, so if you know happen to know to know of a title that checks most of those boxes, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know. Thanks.
-Marcel
Hey Marcel that's an interesting question, sounds like a challenge!
A couple of titles come to mind. I'm assuming you've already tried Company of Heroes, but if not, that's always worth checking out.
You could consider the Sudden Strike series, I made a video on Sudden Strike 4 which is a solid game. I'd say it doesn't have a steep learning curve and it's satisfying to see the tanks blow everything up, but you may find it lacks the management you're looking for as it's relatively simplistic throughout.
Have you tried Steel Division 2? It's a little different but I think it ticks all of the boxes, with the added bonus it can be picked up with a 75% discount regularly. In fact it's on sale on Steam right now! It's easy to pick up but difficult to master, it has many many highly detailed WW2 units but no base building, it's all about combined arms warfare and making use of terrain. I think that's worth a try.
I hope that helps!
@@twiglets2 Thanks, that does. I'll take another look at Steel Division 2. Thanks for taking the time to answer that one, I know it was long :D
@@twiglets2 Sudden Strike ! Amazing game!
@@marcelthevirginian1656 Yeah best RTS which i play multiplayer is Steel divison 2, for now its the best RTS WW2, Company of heroes 1/2... i know you dont like Multiplayer but you only need like 100-200 hours in steel division 2 to learn it, less if youre playing with friends, maybe add me on steam and join us if you decide to get SD2
Thank you. I think it's a little bit odd to have entire units of JUST the Wiberlwind or the SdKFZ- I think we all know vehicles are supposed to be attached to and combined into units of different sizes and designations but ok probably a bit of abstraction is manageable
This is always a drawback from PG-derived abstractions, especially at this scale. What is being shown is 'mostly' or 'the equivalent level of' equipment, at division level, sort of.
The SdkFz is the nearest to being true - if this was a battalion of Panzer Grenadiers.
@@spaceman9599 right :) they did ride in on those things
Nice review! Yes, I love Panzercorps 2 and have over 2400 hours on it.
@sevenbowls1742 thank you! Have you tried headquarters ww2? I'm creating a video on that at the moment and can see both many similarities and differences with panzer corps 2!
Is this game better than Panzer Marshal (Panzer General 2) on Android?
I think the biggest reason why this game has almost no mods is because this game runs on the Un real engine. Everything has to go through the unreal engine. In contrast the original panzer corps used simpler files which anyone could easily edit with the programs already available on the computer.
I definitely don't have the technical knowledge around that, very interesting to hear!
@@twiglets2 Yea, I tried to make some simple changes myself and found that in order to even see the files I have to use unreal engine editor. It's not an easy tool as it takes a bit to learn all the ins and outs of how it works. I mite just do that, simply because I really love this game and have some ideas for it, but it will defiantly take a wile.
I miss panzer general .
You can play it on mobile if you want
But the Ui is a lot more painful
Thank you
I hope you found it useful
bought Panzer General 3D on GOG for 3 euros :D , I got all my WW2 needs satisfied.
I think Panzer Corps 2 is a gerat option for turn based strategy game starter.
Shame campaigns are always limited. I just want to have a campaignmode where i can conquer the world with whomever.
Seems to me that this is just a rehash of Panzer General from 1994. I thoroughly enjoyed PG and Empire Deluxe back in the day, but when you compare it to something like HOI4, these types of games seem too simplistic and shallow for me now.
Why is the audio so low?
Which audio is low?
Admiral Jingles?
Who's that?
Fuck yeah it's worth it
I like your passion1
Every strategy game should have a "FU RNG" mode.
@looker999997 If only they did!
Old video - pretty good, but 4:20 he says heroes aren't really anything - got that one wrong - certain heroes, and even moreso hero combinations can be game breaking
@jimsmith1379 thanks for the clarification! I haven't played the game for a while, i'll need to dust it off soon.
I don't suppose you could recommend a game that's similar? I'm keen to explore other games in the genre
You should do a review of HEX OF STEEL, not as graphically pleasing animation wise, but is far superior to panzercorps2
@danando2 that game looks cool, never heard of it before..what an awesome recommendation!
The game need moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee big maps zones, so you can make more flank and put more units in battles. Thats make more sense to the WW2. Because ww2 no work with only 14-25 divisions. The real war got more than 100 divisions, so that make more than 100 units in battle zone. Thats need to use 1 general for like hero for 3 divisions or 6 divisions to make work better. Then you need to make events times work in x numbers of turns, not only rains, need to make special discounts...like make more produccions or you can repair for 3 rounds units. You need to make more turnsssssssssss a lot more like 40-70 every map. Because AI work excelent in the first 30 turns...so you need to make after that to buy a lot or more units to replace his bad working strategics moves- I can make a lot of change of this game because im a fukkkkkkkkkkkking VETERAN OF TURN WW2 GAMES. IF someone here got money to pay i work in thats ideas. I not programmer, but im expert in games of ww2 so i can put a lot of excelent ideas to put this type of game in other level in the world of comunity games ww2. Have a good year for all 2024.
Oddly enough, I'm still a bigger fan of Panzer Corps than PzC2.
@trishamiller7859 did PzC2 remove features that you liked in Panzer Corps?
@@twiglets2 Ive tried to pin down exactly why I prefer the first one and can't really point to a single feature. I think probably a combination of the simplicity, speed of the map/unit moves and snappy ui. Also, even though you could say that 2 has a superior hero system, I had a lot of fun with the ultra rare 3 hero +9 Atk Ju 87D or +range artillery piece.
It may also be a case of first love lol. I played a ton of PG, but never got into PG2 or beyond. When PzC came about, i dumped over 5k hours into it over the years. I still play it. I did sink a solid 700 into PzC2 but it just never had the same feeling. (Maybe i just don't like the 3D isometric over the 2d chess board)
@@trishamiller7859 out of curiosity are there any other similar games that you would recommend to players that enjoy PzC2?
@@twiglets2 for WWII specifically or just TBS in general?
Ive tried basically every WWII TBS and while some are pretty good, none grabbed me like PzC. Noteables are probably Unity of Command 2 and SCWWII:World at War (wow thats a mouthful)
For similar TBS style games, I really enjoyed Wasteland 3, XCOM 2 and more recently Wartales.
@@trishamiller7859 interesting, thanks for sharing! Wartales in particular
Worth it? - Yes!
@DionysiusvonAug Hell yes!
Royal error using Unreal Engine 4, game has absolute absurd hardware hunger and maps are limited to 80 hex long or crash...you cant create scenarios bigger than that....on original PzC there was maps for beyond 300 hex long on no problem...PzC 2 was total DOA for me
@chris99103 300?! Wow I need to check that out
@@twiglets2 mod scenarios...the biggest finished one was a War in Europe spanning the entire continent
This game looks like a Civilization 4 expansion.
I can't say I've tried Civ 4 so I'll have to take your word for it on this one!
@@twiglets2 Believe me, dude, there's a WW2 mod for Civilization 4 that's basically the same game. It's not a bad thing tho.
@@JorgeAraujo97 It's a small world!
@@twiglets2 Isn't Civ 4 based on a square tile map? That essentially makes it a different genre within turn-based strategy.
Played Panzer Corps 1 a LOT. Tried PC2 once, and deleted it straight away.
That's interesting - I haven't played PC1, what was it that put you off so much? I had assumed they would be similar.
@@twiglets2 Just try it for yourself I would say. They overcomplicated PC2, hasn't got the same feeling playing it as PC1. PC1 was a true a legacy for the original Panzer General.
@@loecorristo555 Thanks for the heads up
@@loecorristo555 Did you ever try Open General. Based on the original Panzer General game engine. Headed up by Luis Guzman. I love the game play (solitaire) It is constantly evolving and has equipment mods and campaigns designed by players the world over. A real labor of love and it is free! Of course donations are welcome. y . Many different versions co-exist under the Open General umbrella each with a generous amount of campaigns.
@@briandelion49 No I haven't tried it. Didn't even hear about it, but I will check it out. Thanks!
A lot of fun, historically nonsense, and in places a weird teen graphic novel. Take with a pinch of salt and enjoy!
@spaceman9599 Absolutely I think that's the best way to look at this game. Take it for what it is, a bit of fun!
Demanding on the GPU? ha!ha!ha! It's basically a board game, people are running trip A games with tons of details, animations and effects with far better frame rates, even at 2k! 🤣🤣🤣 That shit (don't own it) seems poorly optimized, when it's demanding on the GPU.