Trying to Decide: Is Steel Panthers Right for Me?

Kool Kat · (This post was last modified: 09-22-2008, 10:33 PM by Kool Kat.)

Hi Gents! :)

I have been "eyeing" Steel Panthers as a possible next game purchase, but need some feedback from SP vets. :chin:

I currently play Campaign Series and really enjoy that tactical level of combat - platoon-sized units. I have several current PBeM CS matches under way. I like to think of CS as the old AH Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader board games on "electronic steroids!" Eek

So... if I am reading the SP game descriptions and viewing the screen shots correctly, SP depicts individual vehicle and troops - correct? SP would equal the old AH Squad Leader board games.

My main concern is that SP would take a very detailed minatures approach to WWII combat and also have an accompanying steep learning curve. I'm hesitant to purchase a game that would require a huge investment in my limited gaming time.

So, I would value constructive feedback on both the pros and cons of the SP gaming platform.

Thanks in advance for your replies. :cool:

2ndLt_Fjun · 09-22-2008, 06:22 AM,

You don't need to think twice about trying it. You have three versions of Steel panthers available as free downloads, in greatly enhanced versions compared to the original. Google SPWAW, WinSPWW2 and WinSPMBT and you'll find the download links.

Krec · 09-22-2008, 08:20 AM,

beside being free, you really cant go wrong , pick it up and start firing away, you will never look back.

junk2drive · 09-22-2008, 09:32 AM,

I went the other direction. Been playing SP since 2001. Bought Rising Sun in a bargain bin sometime after and couldn't get into it compared to the detail in SP. You can start playing with the tutorials and figure out these games quickly. Learning all the details takes a long time.

I got tired of the tedium of squad scale and big battles and tried CS again. I like some of the UI and gameplay of CS. Like double click to select all in a hex. My old eyesight likes the 3D terrain and units.

The free versions of SP play just like the pay versions and are the full game. WinSP pay versions give you other than 800 x 600 and a few editor goodies. SPWAW pay is for the Mega Campaigns. It still uses the free game as a base.

Iwo Jim · (This post was last modified: 09-22-2008, 10:37 AM by Iwo Jim.)

I have a number of different war games on my hard drive, some of which I paid a considerable sum for, and the game I play the most is SP which is FREE....(a point which my wife always likes to remind me of)......so download the various versions and have fun

Vesku · 09-22-2008, 04:12 PM,

SL is a bit small scale but otherwise very similar to SP. I've just built a tourney using SL scens and they work fine.

My suggestion is: get the game and challenge a vet to a (mentor) game, that's a sure way to see how it works ... if you are up to a good beating :)

wigam · 09-22-2008, 05:36 PM,

I will also add my 2 cents.

SP is my home even though I command another ladder, SP is great and easy to play. They are right download the free versions and get playing!

Also best guys are on this ladder to play against.

Walrus · 09-22-2008, 07:46 PM,

Hi mwest
SP is a great game, as you can tell by the responses to your question.

Not sure if that sig / pic of yours will be allowed on this ladder.
We attempt to keep things very war game oriented here at SP central.

Vesku's suggestion is a very good one.

Good luck
Walrus

brm_3k · 09-23-2008, 01:13 AM,

Definitely agree with the above.

Bought other war games , but SP is the only one that I still play.

Do the downloads - pretty sure you won't regret it

Regards
Alex