Codename Panzers
PC, £34.99, StormRegion/CDV,
****
German developers and publishers have been understandably shy of second world war themes. You won't find any Nazi regalia, of course, apart from occasional (and subtly altered) metal crosses - but neither will you find zombie worshippers or S&M fetishists hatching evil plans. Trust the Germans to give us an ideologically neutral wargame at last, and Panzers is all the better for it.
Veering on the side of arcade action, Panzers is a real-time strategy game without the resources. At the start of each of the 30 sprawling missions, you get points to spend on around 50 units or weapons - the better your achievement in each level, the more you get. The units retained from previous levels grow in experience and become more effective in action. After that, it's a question of using your limited squad to wage war in occasionally stunning detail.
Be warned, though. Some of the siege levels throw hundreds of enemy tanks and soldiers at you, crawling out of the fog for what seems like forever. In terms of atmosphere, Panzers leaves even the recent (and excellent) Ground Control 2 in its wake. You also get three very large campaigns, set around German, Russian and Allied forces, and loads of multiplayer and skirmish options for online play.
On the minus side, the AI (artificial intelligence) needs immediate patching to prevent one unit being able to lure a whole army into a trap. But otherwise, this is an addictive and accomplished game.
Mike Anderiesz
IndyCar Series 2005
PlayStation2, Xbox, PC, £39.99 Codemasters,
***
This year, there are more British drivers competing in the US IndyCar Series than there are in Formula One - four, to be precise, namely Dan Wheldon (a genuine title contender), Dario Franchitti (a Scot who is something of a celebrity Stateside, as he is married to actor Ashley Judd), Darren Manning and Mark Taylor. Consequently, there is much interest in the formula, and Codemasters, with its enviable reputation for crafting fine racing games, has weighed in with its take on oval racing.
It is not one of its better efforts. Although well crafted, the oval racing format, which rewards precision above all else, makes for a repetitive gameplay. IndyCar 2005 strives manfully, though, to provide a realistic experience, and you do get a great sense of what it must be like to take banked corners at 220mph.
Wheldon narrates a training programme that is hard to complete, but teaches you all the techniques the professionals employ. Many of the top tracks in the US and Japan are faithfully reconstructed - most notably Indianapolis. The Indy 500 forms the game's centrepiece, and you can even participate in a truncated version of the week-long qualifying events for that legendary race.
Ultimately, though, the samey tracks and suspect AI count against it. But it can be played over the internet on all formats, which gives UK gamers the chance to take on the Americans at their own game. Hardly essential, but the most dedicated petrol-heads will find it satisfying.
Steve Boxer
Gorky Zero: Beyond Honour
PC, £19.99 JoWood,
*
Gorky Zero is a low-budget European stealth game. Go in with guns blazing and you will quickly be reloading, crouch down and sneak around and you may get out alive. Much in the mould of Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid, Gorky sets you as a secret agent with a penchant for gadgets and hiding in shadows. Sent off to the Ukraine, your aim is to infiltrate a base and quiz a few scientists.
Unfortunately, there are so many flaws that even fans of the genre will struggle. The camera is the worst culprit, offering a restricted field of vision that grates the nerves. Also lacking is the AI, as enemies fail to notice gunfights feet away while detecting your breathing from 50 yards. This inconsistency reflects a general lack of polish. The graphics are a couple of years off the pace, particularly the ropey animations. It may only cost £20 but stealth fans needn't sneak to the shops for this.
Greg Howson
