PANZER GRENADIER Game Rating Commentary

"I was very disappointed with this game -- just didn't strike me as fun. Maybe I was expecting too much. Also too many markers to shuffle around."

"I wanted to like this game. It has many good points, however, the bad points detract from what should have been an excellent game. The rule book is terrible--needs a 2nd edition. The artillery system needs to be redone. Gun support should not be a sure thing at this level--as it is in the game. Map is bland--and not because it is the Russian steppes. The leadership rules are 1st rate. The unit counters are beautiful. The information counters are terrible--too drab and plain."

"This one is fairly easy to deal with ... cross PanzerBlitz with the basics of Squad Leader and add a leader-based pseudo-impulse system. That's it. It's actually quite a good-looking (except for the maps, which are hideous, and the charts, which come from the GMT school of space-wasting layouts). Not terrible, to be sure, but not what I was looking for; I was hoping for somthing a little more original, and maybe a better simulation (not an area where either PanzerBlitz or Squad Leader scores a lot of points these days). You know, something that might have taken advantage of the intervening 25 years of wargame design thought. It's definately better than PanzerBlitz, to be sure, but that's not saying a lot anymore. I guess I'll have to try MMP's PanzerBlitz update."

"Lots of dice and counter shuffling to little worthwhile effect. Made me look at Panzer Leader with renewed respect. Willing to try this one again but in no hurry to do so."

"The game is overhyped and not worth playing, at least for me."

"Simplistic, and cluttered. But nice components."

"The somewhat loose rules definitely need a rewrite; counter graphics are outstanding and easy to read/see, while the boards are somewhat bland and tend to detract from the overall visual appeal of the game. As with any game that has multiple scenarios (and this one has _many_ from which to choose), some will be more interesting than others; after trying a few, however, it seemed that the game wasn't really that exciting or interesting for either side. Could be the scenarios that we chose to play, but I'm hesitant to invest more of my limited gaming time to find which are the 'gems' of the bunch."

"A very sound design; simple mechanics, but surprisingly subtle play."

"Too bland, poor map, incomplete rules. Give me TCS or Combat! anyday."

"Many interesting concepts but extremely cluttered play (way too many info markers). Not a bad game, but I can't recommend it."

"A difficult one to rate as who can honestly say that they have played all 50+ scenarios? Plus points: the counter graphics, extremely clever but simple command control rules that see the player's overall ability to use his forces in a coordinated manner deteriorate over the course of a battle. Minus points: slightly disorganised rules but not nearly as bad as some people make out (and certainly much better than Combat: Normandy), bland maps in a style not to my liking, some scenarios less interesting than others. I'd give this 2.5 if the voting system would allow me but have rounded this up as recognition for its potential.."

"Counter-art is superb. The leader counters are very well done. Map color is a bit dark. The rules work well though at times they're confusing due to brevity. Fifty-one scenarios is an amazing feature for a game of this level, and combined with a DYO feature promises unlimited replayability. I hope that when "Heroes of the Soviet Union" comes out we'll have a classic with clean lines... and eventually the entire war."

"After the first few playing, I was hooked. This game has been needed for a long time. It is easy to play but has challenging strategy problems. On the other hand, the rules have a fair amount of errata, and could use a second edition or a Living Rules treatment, a la GMT."

"The good news: that game authorize to play one or two complete scenario in one gaming session. The system is of course quite simple but fun to play. components are above average. The bad news: several rules are not clear or simply are missing! It seems that a lot of scenarios are unbalanced. In summary, a good game for beginners or those who accept to come back to the roots and simplicity of tactical wargame with the addition of up to date components. Not a game for grognards who expect to have a 50 pages rulebook."

"Fun game with many scenarios. Rules need a bit of clarification but not enough to lower my rating to a "3". I just have been having too much fun playing the game. Best looking unit counters ever in a tactical game. Even after 10 playings there are some nuances to the game which we're just uncovering."

"I think the initial ConsimWorld game rating (1.95) was too low, but this game still missed the target. Too many loose ends in the rules and little things, like counter descriptions, were left out. The maps are a leap backward, not forward. Hopefully, the next game in the series will be better."

"Not quite what I expected, but I'll hold out until the next expansion and hopefully more diverse terrain on the maps."

"This was different than any other game I've ever played. After a while it really grew on me. I want more in this series."

"Components look fantastic but the message boards are loaded with complaints about weak rules that need desperate fixing."

"Despite the relatively bland map, this game is incredibly fun to play. Counter art is the best of any recent game."

"Highly playable; big improvement on ASL. Nice counter graphics; gameboards okay but need some sprucing up. Looking forward to next installments."

Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Copyright © 1999-2002. ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com

Copyright © 1999, 2000 ConsimWorld.COM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Web Masters are encouraged to link directly to this page, this URL is not subject to change. For general site information: kranz@consimworld.com