The computer A.I. in Panzer Commander directs the other tanks in your platoon to fire at the enemy when the opportunity arises. However, you can accomplish much more by overriding the A.I. and directing the platoon yourself. In this section you'll learn how to choose the right formation for the battle and how to assign targets. Your individual driving and targeting skills are still important, but with swarms of enemy tanks to deal with, you had better learn how to delegate if you want to advance your career in Panzer Commander.

Formations

NOTE A platoon in Panzer Commander is three tanks, including yours.

Your first decision as a commander is what formation to use when approaching the battle zone. Tap the F key to cycle through the three-tank formations and note the active formation displayed on the right-hand side of the information bar. Here are suggested uses for each formation:

• Column: Whether traveling with tanks or infantry, this is the fastest way to arrive at the battle. It also hides the second and third tanks from an enemy facing the column head-on. However, Column is the worst possible formation for returning enemy fire.

• Echelon Left: This diagonal line to the left and rear is best used when most of the enemies are on your left, or if you anticipate a left-hand turn. It is also useful if you plan on breaking off from the platoon after assigning left-hand targets to the other two tanks.

• Echelon Right: Just like Echelon Left, except the line forms back and to the right (see Figure 1.15).

• Line Abreast: Frankly, this is not a good formation for anything other than advancing across a neutral field. If the middle tank is traveling on a road, the other two will be off road and unable to match its speed without straining their engines. A horizontal line is susceptible to flank attack, although if you know it's coming and you don't mind sacrificing your platoon, you'll survive if you stay in the middle. Finally, all of your tanks will be traveling on a nice, neat horizontal plane, making it easy for an enemy tank to sight and fire from one side to the other without adjusting for distance.

• Wedge: This is a good all-purpose formation that staggers your depth and places you in a good position to break off from the platoon. The Wedge also makes it easier for two tanks to respond to a flank attack from either side.

• Crescent: An inverted Wedge, this formation puts your platoon in position to surround the enemy.

Figure 1.15: The Echelon Right formation is best used when most of your enemies are on your right.

Next: Assigning Targets