Feature Comparison: Phase One vs. Phase Two
The following features are presently planned as key differentiators between the original Codename: Panzers and this sequel.
Graphics Engine. Already acclaimed as one of the most revolutionary graphics engines for RTS games, the Gepard engine has been tweaked and enhanced for improved presentation. Cut scenes are much smoother, particularly where close-up focus on humans is concerned. Phase Two now includes lip animation during speech, and limbs move more realistically for improved in-game cut scenes..
New Settings. Phase One took place mostly in Western and Eastern Europe with the Germans, Soviets, or Anglo-American Allies. Phase Two offers play as German-Italian Axis, the Anglo-American Allies, or the Yugoslavian resistance (with Allies support). The setting shifts to Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
Story, Plot, and Voice Talent. The story and plot for missions has been written by experienced American television writers known for their contribution to Law & Order and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Missions are more sophisticated with dynamic reinforcements and objectives. The voice-overs were recorded on site in Los Angeles and include a number of seasoned voice-over professionals including Peter Weller, perhaps best known for his cinema roles as Robocop and Buckaroo Banzai.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Multi-Player. The AI has been completely rewritten for multi-player and enhanced for the single-player campaign. It will now use more effective and varied tactics, and will employ its reinforcements more appropriately. There is a new multi-player option called "mission mode"; opponents win not by destroying the enemy but by fulfilling plot-driven objectives. Players can control either the default or the single-player campaign's traditionally AI-controlled sides in the multi-player missions.
Distinct Day and Night Time. Day and night cycles are now more realistic and take on much greater importance in game play. To simulate fog of war, unknown units that can only be heard or casually observed in Phase One could be identified at an approximate location only as tracked, wheeled, or infantry unit (or units). In Phase Two, units operating at night with headlights can now not only see further, but are also spotted further away. While fog of war is in effect, partially spotted enemy units will be shown only at their approximate location with a headlight icon.
New and Improved Units. The game includes a number of new, bigger, and more diverse units and unit subtypes. Units have also been dramatically re-scaled to accurately represent relative size and scale. Based on user and community feedback, the most commonly requested modifications to units characteristics from Phase One have been implemented.
Editor. The game includes a sophisticated editor that can be used from everything to minor units tweaks and changes to detailed plot triggers, custom cut-scenes, and more.