Tanks: Panther vs Sherman (2016) Board Game

Tanks: Panther vs Sherman is a tabletop wargame that simulates battles between the German Panther tank and the American Sherman tank during World War II. Designed by Andrew Haught, Chris Townley, and Phil Yates, the game was released in 2016 by Battlefront Miniatures Ltd. The game is known for its detailed miniatures and strategic gameplay that captures the intensity of tank warfare during the war.

Game Components of Tanks: Panther vs Sherman

1 24-page Rulebook

3 Double-Sided counter/terrain boards

12 6-sided dice (6 Green, 6 Grey)

1 set of Upgrade Cards

1 set of Critical Hit cards

22 Tank cards

2 American Tank sprues (for Sherman 75mm and Sherman 76mm)

1 German Tank sprue (for Panther or Jagdpanther)

Printed card counters including terrain tiles, damage counters, tank speed markers, objective markers, ID Tokens, and movement templates.

How To Setup Tanks: Panther vs Sherman

Setting up the game involves assembling the tank models from the provided sprues, which can be a bit time-consuming but allows for customization. Players then place their tanks on the double-sided counter/terrain boards, which feature different environments for Western and Eastern Europe. Each player receives the relevant tank cards, upgrade cards, and critical hit cards. The game uses movement templates and range sticks for movement and combat resolution.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Phase: Tanks move up to two times, with movement tracked using movement tokens and a range stick.

Combat Phase: Tanks engage in combat from highest initiative to lowest. Attackers roll dice based on their tank’s attack value and any upgrades, hitting on 4-5 and critically hitting on 6. Defenders roll defense dice adjusted by movement and cover, canceling hits on 4-6.

Command Phase: Tanks that have taken enough damage are marked as destroyed. Players can attempt to repair critical hits during this phase.

Objective: The game ends when all of one player’s tanks are destroyed or specific scenario goals are achieved.

Player Experience

**Tanks: Panther vs Sherman** is designed to be an accessible and quick-playing game, making it a great gateway into the WW2 miniatures genre. The rules are easy to learn, and the gameplay is fast-paced with minimal downtime. However, the game may lack variety in scenarios, with only one starter scenario included, which is essentially a deathmatch. Expansions are available to add more variety and replay value.

Pros

Easy to learn rules

Fast-paced gameplay with minimal downtime

Affordable entry price (around $15-$20)

Great gateway into WW2 miniatures games

Many options for squad building

High-quality components, including double-sided terrain tiles

Cons

Lots of assembly required for the tank models

Limited scenarios in the starter set

Some issues with the balance and realism of shooting mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Tanks: Panther vs Sherman

**Tanks: Panther vs Sherman** is ideal for those looking to dip their toes into the WW2 tank genre without being overwhelmed by complex rules. It’s a fun, entry-level game that is easy to learn and quick to play. While it may not satisfy hardcore wargamers seeking more complexity, it offers a solid introduction to the genre. For those who enjoy painting and customizing miniatures, the extra bits on the sprues will be a welcome bonus. If you enjoy this game, you might also consider the more complex **Flames of War** line for added depth.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.