Hi Steve, it is a pretty good operation here.
- Command: You are sort of correct in that there are not many restrictions or issues, so long as you are not being shot at. When you are moving a column or trying to set up a firebase in front of an opponent, who is being uncooperative, you will find every captain and lieutenant can be very important (and you won't have enough of them). Combine with the problem of keeping combat and morale modifiers spread around, you will the command and control issues emerge very quickly.
- Alternating action segments: Back and forth actions can take up a lot of time. Not so bad early in the game, but as command breaks down and the battle becomes dis organized, it can drag on a bit. Time scale wise, I feel that is a weakness in the game. That said, there is still enough going on to hold one's interest. Games like Squad Leader had the same problem.
- Casualties: PG isn't as bloody as some other games. On the other hand, the body-count usually isn't out of line with historical accounts. Once operational cohesion breaks down, casualties are usually going to mount quickly.
Here are some videos:
PanzerGrenadier - Introduction
Panzer Grenadier - Airborne
Panzer Grenadier Pusan Perimeter Unboxing and Commentary
Panzer Grenadier: Conquest of Ethiopia, Scenario 4
Panzer Grenadier - Afrika Korps
That should get you started.
Discussion of Sparkr's beginner observations and questions
