Panzer General

Panzer General is a 1994 turn-based strategy game for MS-DOS, developed and published by Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI). The game places players in command of German forces during World War II, offering a mix of historical accuracy and accessible gameplay that helped define the “beer-and-pretzels” wargame genre. Its hex-based maps and intuitive interface made complex strategic decisions feel approachable even to newcomers.

The campaign system is one of the game’s standout features. Players carry their core units from battle to battle, gaining experience, upgrading equipment, and shaping their army’s composition over time. Success on the battlefield opens branching campaign paths, allowing alternative historical outcomes and offering strong replay value.

Panzer General’s blend of tactical depth, RPG-like unit progression, and polished presentation made it a landmark title in computer wargaming. Its influence can be seen in many later strategy games, and it remains widely praised as one of SSI’s finest releases and a classic of the MS-DOS era.