by Leonard Hjalmarson with Neil Mouneimne

CSIM: Please describe how trees and cities will be modeled in gameplay. Will there be a combination of tree blocks and single trees on the battlefield? Can we expect a proper representation of urban combat in the game?

WINGS: Trees are modeled singularly. Even dense woods are modeled from individual trees. They can be run over and provide excellent visibility cover. A unit behind the 2nd or 3rd tree line can see out of woods well, whereas spotting that particular unit is very hard. Bocage (Normandy hedgerows) have their unique simulation aspect to allow the application of the same tactics used by the Americans and Germans forces during the war.

Buildings are individual constructions in a variety of sizes, and can be collapsed wall by wall. They are not replaced by a "destroyed sprite", but collapse convincingly and can even provide cover depending on their level of destruction. With this feature, you can enter a soft building with your tank and stick the cannon out of the other side to get better protection from its walls. This surface engine aims to provide and authentic impression of real tank combat, including city fights. Infantry assumes great power against tanks in cities as the buildings allow exceptional cover.

Panther and Weather. Click for larger image.

CSIM: What multiplayer features will we see? What is your goal for number of connected players in a scenario?

WINGS: Besides the obligatory deathmatch, we support a co-operative mode where you can play any historical scenario provided in the game. In this mode a player can:

• § Assume control of an entire tank platoon, including computer-controlled wingmen.
• § Take individual control of one tank each, but form an allegiance with one another to form a human-controlled platoon.

The number of players who can participate is heavily dependent on network speed. The game will benchmark this, and set the limit accordingly. We aim to support in excess of 8 players in any mode.

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On Patrol. Click for larger image.

CSIM: Tell us about the current plans for expansions. Will there be an inter-operable expansion?

WINGS: We already have plans for a "Late War" expansion which covers the Ardennes and the war in Germany until March / April 1945. This expansion will introduce new playable tanks and additional AI controlled tanks.

We have designed Panzer Elite as a product line and will support the game accordingly. We aim to provide different settings (Russians, British, Canadian, modern...), either as mission disks or separate products.

Ed. Note: In my San Franciso meeting Teut hinted at an integrated battlefield direction that would also include aircraft. Will we eventually see a Panzer Elite II? If the first product is successful, most likely!

CSIM: One question that is almost required to ask of any WWII tank sim: can we expect to see any SS units during the game?

WINGS: There was nothing exceptional about SS units, as they had the same tanks or weapons as others. They were only better supplied during the course of the war and usually had better training. Inclusion of SS units will add nothing to the game, and could possibly detract from the technology vs. resources aspects of WWII armored battle we wish to represent. Panzer Elite is designed purely as a tank simulation, not a historic battle simulation. In areas requiring sensitivity, we reserve the right to adapt the scenario design accordingly.

CSIM: Tell us a little about your favorite aspect of the game.

WINGS: I fell in love with the AI. It does things I never seen in other games. I often wonder what the tactics the CPU-controlled commander has adopted. On one occasion, I had assembled a heavy tank section (4 Tiger tanks) and fought against 25 Shermans to watch the result.

When I came within range, the first Shermans turned around and fled. I continued my assault until another Sherman platoon opened fire on me, but with smoke shells! My visibility obscured, I didn't see the first fleeing Sherman platoon encircling me from the side. They may have lost 10 Shermans to my fire, but they finally got me.

CSIM: We can't wait to see more of Panzer Elite. Best of luck to your team!

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