Panzer Battles: Battles of Normandy

The Battle of Normandy evokes so many emotions. It was the beginning of the 'Great Crusade' in Northern Europe by the Western Allies, yet was viewed as long overdue by the bloodied Soviets. Few realize that the casualties suffered in the three months of the summer of 1944 in Normandy rivaled the worst of the Eastern Front. The air and seaborne landings in Northern France were the largest the world has ever seen, with meticulous planning for D-Day, yet marked by a surfeit of clear goals once ashore. Both the bocage terrain and the dogged defense by the Germans resulted in the need for unexpected improvisation. Both sides had significant constraints; the British were nearing manpower exhaustion and would have to rely excessively on their armor arm, the United States had boundless resources but many of their divisions had never been in combat, while the Germans were short of everything and it was only through their ability to organize disparate troops into flexible kampfgruppen that they held the Allies for as long as they did. Ultimately, the Battle of Normandy resulted in the utter defeat of the Germans at Falaise with France and Belgium quickly liberated thereafter. The Allied advance would last till late September 1944, ending in the streets of Arnhem with Operation Market Garden. This second release in the Panzer Battles franchise is focused on many of the battles that occurred across the Calvados & Cotentin regions of Northern France. Fought across nearly three months from June 6th 1944 to August 20th 1944, actions from the D-Day landings, through the bocage fighting to the pursuit and destruction of the German forces at Falaise are included. Battles of Normandy includes 93 Scenarios – covering all sizes and situations, including specialized versions for both head to head play and vs. the computer AI.

Storyline

Battles of Normandy includes 93 Scenarios – covering all sizes and situations, including specialized versions for both head to head play and vs. the computer AI. The Master Map covers 398,000 hexes covering the area of Calvados and the Cotentin Peninsula. 70 sub maps are included. The map area is four times bigger than the map included with Battles of Kursk – Southern Flank. An Order of Battle with over 21,200 units from two Allied Army Groups and a German Army Group including units from Wehrmacht, SS, and Luftwaffe formations as well as United States, British, Canadian, French, Polish, Belgian and Dutch units. Unit component, Order-of-Battle and Scenario Editors which allow players to customize the game. Sub-map feature allowing any of the included maps to be "chopped" up into smaller segments for custom scenario creation. Sub-map feature allowing any of the included maps to be "chopped" up into smaller segments for custom scenario creation. All new map graphics with a new visual style to improve height perception. Fortifications and other icons are integrated into the game map. Three different counter sets switchable in game including side on, top down and NATO symbols. All new images for unit art for both sides, including infantry, guns and vehicles. Exceptional Documentation including a 136 page 'Visual Order of Battle Guide' and 149 page 'Designer Notes & FAQ'. Both are included with the game. In addition, for optional download an 88 page 'Daily Situation/ Scenario Maps' and a 190MB digital version of the complete game map. Battles of Normandy provides multiple play options including play against the computer AI, Play by E-mail (PBEM), LAN & Internet "live" play as well as two player hot seat.