We usually announce new P500 game information when we add the game to our P500 list. Every once in a while, though, especially for game series with strong followings, we give you some insider previews here in InsideGMT. Today, designer James Day gives us a peek at the next game in his popular Panzer series. Enjoy!

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The Panzers Roll…. into the desert

 The mystical desert sands are mesmerizing even for the most battle-harden veteran. Poised in your turret, you glance at the barren landscape fondly recalling the lush, green fields of France. With only the whisper of the hot wind to keep you company, your mind drifts to that Bedouin proverb, “Only in complete silence, will you hear the desert.” 

A glint of light pulls you back to reality. For once, the intelligence group was correct. They are advancing at strength from the north. Time to fire up the engines. Your battle plan is solid. The tank commanders await your orders. 

Welcome to Panzer: North Africa!

 Major Points 

-The game system is designed for small unit actions from platoon to battalion-sized formations. Vehicles, towed guns, and aircraft are scaled at 1:1 with each 7/8” double-sided counter representing a single unit 

-The 5/8” double-sided leg unit counters are scaled at squads, half-squads and sections, including their attached weapons 

-Ground scale is 100 meters per hex 

-The game will include double-sided, geomorphic mapboards  as well as Map Terrain Overlays.

-You’ll get a full-color illustrated manual with various player aids and reference cards 

-As with other games in the series, Panzer: North Africa will feature a Modular rules system with Basic, Advanced, and Optional rules section. Players may keep it simple or as complex as desired.

Includes rules for:

• Vehicle include 11 unique hit locations, armor angles and penetration charts for level, rising and falling fire 
• Various ammunition type, e.g., AP, APCR, HEAT, HE 
• Sighting Effects 
• Overwatch fire 
• Rate-of-fire 
• Indirect fire, both on and off map 
• Hand-to-hand combat 
• Close assault 
• Troop quality 
• Command control 
• Leaders 
• Unit cohesion 
• Morale 
• Smoke Effects 
• Mines 
• Obstruction 
• Bogging 
• Air-to-ground and anti-aircraft combat 

Features

-All of the unit information is included on the full-color 

-5” x 4” data cards. 

-The streamlined chit-based command system moves the action along at a brisk pace 

-Scenario and TO&E Reference Book 

-Covers the major forces to see action in North Africa from mid-1940 to late 1942:

-British 

-German 

-Italian

Proposed Scenarios

We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick Sneak Peek inside Panzer: North Africa. As you can see, the game is well along in the design and development process. As soon as Jim says it’s ready, you’ll see it on our P500 list.

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