14 DAY TRIAL // The Panthers were always going to be a problem. After all, they are the pinnacle of World War II German armor, and this version of the Wehrmacht seems to have a lot of them. Even a modernized Sherman with a tank-killer crew has trouble with it.
The problem is compounded if the Nazis have also brought StugIII’s or their own anti-tank support. United States infantry, preferably Rangers, and solid artillery fire will stop them dead in their tracks, but it requires plenty of both and space to retreat and reinforce units. The lack of fighter-bombers means I need to keep retreating.
The idea is to balance the requirement to hold victory points with the need to preserve the most capable units from one scenario to the next. It’s probably time to decide which wounded infantry squads will stay behind and absorb German Panzer attacks while the rest create a more defensible position.
Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines - Bulge is developed by Flashback Games and published by Slitherine Ltd. As the name makes clear, this is a downloadable content pack that focuses on the Battle of the Bulge, which is one of the more celebrated World War II engagements for United States forces.
Described as Hitler’s last Western Front offensive, the operation saw a few under-strength American units significantly delay a major Nazi offensive, featuring some of their remaining elite forces, despite a lack of air cover and reinforcements. Allied command reacted faster than the Germans expected and quickly re-routed divisions to relieve defenders and reverse Wehrmacht gains.
Panzer Corps 2 breaks the Battle of the Bulge down into smaller scenarios, zooming in to focus on the critical engagement points. This approach captures the complexity of the campaign and the initial sense that United States forces could be overwhelmed. Players can choose which areas of the line they want to defend and, then, how to handle the Allied counterattack.
Bulge’s scenario design is innovative for the game but the core action will be familiar to anyone who has played Panzer Corps 2 before. Recruit new units before the scenario starts, assign heroes, decide where to deploy, and then encircle and destroy enemies to achieve objectives.
The hex and turn-based structure gives players time to think and explore the many ways movement, attacks, abilities, and counters will interact with each other. In Bulge, with the Germans on the offensive, players will have to make good use of their anti-tank units, especially with their air force affected by weather.
To deliver a challenge, the game does throw a lot of Germans at player positions, especially in the St. Vith and Bastogne battle. And even when the Allied forces go on the offensive, the Wehrmacht puts up much more resistance than it historically could, fielding plenty of armor and artillery.
Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines - Bulge doesn’t make major changes to the look of the turn-based tactics game. The player can easily compare units, see where their commanders are assigned, and check combat statistics. The soundtrack remains World War II orchestral heroic and combat sounds add to the atmosphere.
Conclusion
This DLC is a Yay for all fans who have played previous DLC or simply love the title’s mechanics. Newcomers should master the core campaign before taking on this new content. I like that Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines - Bulge switches focus to the Allies and would love to see the same attention bestowed on more obscure engagements.
Review key provided by the publisher.
