Grimly satisfying
The game has a strategy turn, where you move your units on a chess-board like map and repair/rearm, followed by a tactical turn. Although you can (and should sometimes) command individual squads within platoons – you don't need to babysit them – which is good news as in some battles you could be managing 4-6 platoons, each with 7-8 squads. The real-time gameplay works exceptionally well and at times it can be overwhelming as you frantically track enemy contact reports, but this adds to the realism (there is a pause button). The AI is good and it is a challenge to win. Shame that defensive elements, like minefields, barbed wire, tank traps are not included - would have added an extra element to strategy.
The game manages to build a real sense of immersion the more you play through nice little details - trees splinter under artillery fire, soldiers are thrown into the air by explosions, tank crews repair thrown tracks. Another great aspect is the way damage is accumulated on tanks/vehicles - it is rare to get a one kill shot with an AT round – more often you will immoblize a tank, or hit some equipment such as the radio or sights. Damage is carried through to the next battle.
The user interface and manual could be better, but put the time in and you'll soon be guiding the battle the way you want ...and then you can start adding in the advanced stuff like artillery, indirect fire support, air strikes, fire arcs, priority targets and checking amour penetration tables.
Overall, Achtung Panzer is a high quality game - and anyone who likes Combat Mission series should try it.