Panzer Battles: Battles of Normandy

About

Panzer Battles: Battles of Normandy puts you in charge of a massive WWII conflict spanning three months across Northern France. You command over 21,000 units from Allied and German forces while navigating 398,000 hexes of terrain that includes the difficult bocage country. The game features 93 scenarios ranging from the initial D-Day landings to the final destruction of German troops at Falaise. You can fight against the computer AI or challenge other players over LAN, internet, or via email. A sub-map tool lets you slice the huge main map into smaller segments for custom battles, and three different counter sets let you switch between visual styles anytime during play. The scale here is genuinely staggering compared to previous entries in the series. The map area alone is four times larger than what you get in Battles of Kursk, yet it still manages to integrate fortifications directly into the terrain graphics. Documentation includes a 136-page Visual Order of Battle Guide and a separate designer notes file that explains the historical constraints both sides faced. You also get access to detailed scenario editors and unit components so you can tweak everything from order of battle to specific map segments. This release covers the full campaign from June through August, offering deep customization options for those who want to build their own historical reenactments or completely new situations.

Storyline

Battles of Normandy includes 93 Scenarios – covering all sizes and situations, including specialized versions for both head to head play and vs. the computer AI. The Master Map covers 398,000 hexes covering the area of Calvados and the Cotentin Peninsula. 70 sub maps are included. The map area is four times bigger than the map included with Battles of Kursk – Southern Flank. An Order of Battle with over 21,200 units from two Allied Army Groups and a German Army Group including units from Wehrmacht, SS, and Luftwaffe formations as well as United States, British, Canadian, French, Polish, Belgian and Dutch units. Unit component, Order-of-Battle and Scenario Editors which allow players to customize the game. Sub-map feature allowing any of the included maps to be "chopped" up into smaller segments for custom scenario creation. Sub-map feature allowing any of the included maps to be "chopped" up into smaller segments for custom scenario creation. All new map graphics with a new visual style to improve height perception. Fortifications and other icons are integrated into the game map. Three different counter sets switchable in game including side on, top down and NATO symbols. All new images for unit art for both sides, including infantry, guns and vehicles. Exceptional Documentation including a 136 page 'Visual Order of Battle Guide' and 149 page 'Designer Notes & FAQ'. Both are included with the game. In addition, for optional download an 88 page 'Daily Situation/ Scenario Maps' and a 190MB digital version of the complete game map. Battles of Normandy provides multiple play options including play against the computer AI, Play by E-mail (PBEM), LAN & Internet "live" play as well as two player hot seat.