Question: How Did the SSI to The Camo Workshop Come to Be?

[MarkSheppard]

And before Steel Panthers was even a glimmer in SSI and Grigsby's eyes:

First, you had KAMPFGRUPPE in 1985:

http://www.mobygames.com/game/kampfgruppe

East Front 1941-45

and MECH BRIGADE, again in 1985:

http://www.mobygames.com/game/mech-brigade

NATO/USSR conflict.

followed by

PANZER STRIKE in 1987

http://www.mobygames.com/game/panzer-strike

Basically, East Front, North Africa, West Front (with no americans).

Then TYPHOON OF STEEL in 1988

http://www.mobygames.com/game/typhoon-of-steel

Which had PTO (US v Jap, UK v Jap) and the remaining ETO stuff (US v GER).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbLmIhQnWvY
Youtube of the DOS EGA version -- the C64 version was programmed by Gary Grigsby.

All of these games were semi-turn based / real time hybrids, similar to COMBAT MISSION, in which you gave your orders and then let the game units execute them, but you can see the definite influences that they had on Steel Panthers, as Grigsby likes to reuse/recycle basic informational concepts.

[MarkSheppard]

PZ-IVC stat screen from PANZER STRIKE. You can kind of see the proto-Steel Panthers peeking out at you from here; in much the same way if you look at Grigsby's EAGLE DAY and BOMBING THE REICH, you can see the glimpses of the game engine later used for WAR IN THE PACIFIC.