Yet, there's an addictive quality to each scenario. They're all relatively challenging, with time limits driving a sense of urgency. The challenge is sufficiently high that one might question whether it is appropriate for the targeted audience of novices, but a good selection of configurable options can curb the difficulty. As a good wargame should, this one teaches players to nurture units to veteran status and respect a policy of combined arms. And the use of leaders, as it was in Panzer General 3D, continues to enable some benefits. There's a role-playing game feel to the campaigns, as successful leaders become favorites and gain abilities. In addition to the four campaigns are a selection of single mission scenarios, a random battle generator, and multiplayer support via both Internet (TCP/IP) and LAN (IPX).

Panzer General III SE is thus able to keep some valuable and classic charms. The addictive turn-based play and a strong computer opponent are intact. In fact, it might be easiest to describe Panzer General III SE by saying it's much like Panzer General 3D. Some may remain unconvinced about the value of moving to 3D and annoyed by the problems persisting through two iterations of the engine. Still others might feel a collection of scenarios with little change to the core game might be sold more appropriately as a mission pack. The title remains a decent purchase, but some of its new features are ancillary at best. It would be better if future Generals' innovations could also qualify as improvements.

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