{{short description|2020 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}} {{Infobox video game | title = Panzer Paladin | image = Panzer Paladin decalless cover art.jpg | caption = | developer = [[Tribute Games]] | publisher = Tribute Games | composer = {{ubl|Patrice Bourgeault|[[Powerglove (band)|Powerglove]] {{small|(theme)}}}} | artist = {{ubl|Justin Cyr|Matthieu Godet|Derek Ung|Julian Adam Marin|Stéphane Boutin|David Liu|Flor Trevino}} | released = {{ubl|'''Windows, Switch'''|July 21, 2020|'''PS4, Xbox One'''|June 13, 2024}} | genre = [[Platform game|Platform]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] | platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]}} | designer = Jonathan Lavigne | producer = | director = | programmer = {{ubl|Jean-François Major|Andrew G. Crowell|François Masse|Shengguang Guo}} }} '''''Panzer Paladin''''' is a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[platformer]] developed and published by [[Tribute Games]] and released for [[Microsoft Windows]] through [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paprocki |first=Matt |date=2019-04-10 |title=Tribute Games On Their History And Their Latest, 'Panzer Paladin' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattpaprocki/2019/04/10/tribute-games-on-their-history-and-their-latest-panzer-paladin/ |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819232757/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattpaprocki/2019/04/10/tribute-games-on-their-history-and-their-latest-panzer-paladin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later released for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] in June 2024. The player assumes the role of a [[Rescue services|rescue service]] [[Android (robot)|android]] named Flame who pilots a sentient [[Power Armor|power armor]] [[mecha]] named Grit as the two work together to stop [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrial]] demonic invaders from conquering the Earth. The game draws inspiration from several [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]-era titles including ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]],'' ''[[Mega Man (video game)|Mega Man]]'' and ''[[Blaster Master]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=April 2019 |title=15 Games That Grabbed My Attention At PAX East |url=https://kotaku.com/15-games-that-grabbed-my-attention-at-pax-east-1833728592 |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825215119/https://kotaku.com/15-games-that-grabbed-my-attention-at-pax-east-1833728592 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=13 March 2019 |title=It's mechs versus demons in Panzer Paladin, the latest from Tribute Games |url=https://www.destructoid.com/it-s-mechs-versus-demons-in-panzer-paladin-the-latest-from-tribute-games-546282.phtml |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=english |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405060003/https://www.destructoid.com/it-s-mechs-versus-demons-in-panzer-paladin-the-latest-from-tribute-games-546282.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Gameplay == ''Panzer Paladin'' consists of 17 levels, during which the player takes control of either the slow but powerful Paladin mech Grit or the small but swift Squire pilot Flame. While commanding Grit, the player can pick up discarded [[melee weapon]]s dropped by defeated enemies to use in battle against them. The combat mechanics include a high-versus-low attacking and blocking system (similar to ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II]]''), along with a [[Rock paper scissors|rock-paper-scissors]] style weapon triangle system that grants the player's weapons damage bonuses or reductions depending on the weapon used by the enemy.<ref name="GSpotPAX2019">{{Cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Tony |last2=Fillari |first2=Alessandro |date=2019-04-05 |title=Panzer Paladin Is Full Of 8-Bit Mechs And Monsters - PAX East 2019 Gameplay |url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/panzer-paladin-is-full-of-8-bit-mechs-and-monsters/2300-6449050/ |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819224824/https://www.gamespot.com/videos/panzer-paladin-is-full-of-8-bit-mechs-and-monsters/2300-6449050/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamersheroes.com/gaming-news/panzer-paladin-announced-by-tribute-games/|title=Panzer Paladin Announced by Tribute Games|last=Scheld|first=Casey|date=13 March 2019|website=GamersHeroes|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819224824/http://www.gamersheroes.com/gaming-news/panzer-paladin-announced-by-tribute-games/|archive-date=August 19, 2019|access-date=2019-08-19|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Unwinnable">{{Cite web |last=Rubeck |first=Levi |date=25 April 2019 |title=Looking Ahead to Panzer Paladin as it Looks Back |url=https://unwinnable.com/2019/04/25/looking-ahead-to-panzer-paladin-as-it-looks-back/ |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=Unwinnable |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819233517/https://unwinnable.com/2019/04/25/looking-ahead-to-panzer-paladin-as-it-looks-back/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The game implements a weapon durability system similar to ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'' where weapons will degrade and eventually break after enough uses, with some weapons being more durable than others. Every weapon also has a predetermined spell contained within them that the player can cast at any time by intentionally breaking the weapon, ranging from recovery and defensive spells to ranged or screen-clearing attacks. Weapons can also be thrown as projectiles at enemies to deal extra damage at the cost of instantly breaking them or be left at one of several [[pedestal]]s scattered across each level to act as a checkpoint upon death.<ref name="GamasutraPressRelase">{{Cite press release |title=Tribute Games unveils 8-bit weapon-smashing action-platformer: Panzer Paladin |date=2019-03-13 |location=Montreal, Canada |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/338570/Tribute_Games_unveils_8bit_weaponsmashing_actionplatformer_Panzer_Paladin.php |language=en |access-date=2019-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819224824/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/338570/Tribute_Games_unveils_8bit_weaponsmashing_actionplatformer_Panzer_Paladin.php |archive-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>
Similar to ''[[Blaster Master]]'', the player can eject from Grit at any time to play through levels as Flame. She is quick and small enough to fit through tight spaces, but she cannot pick up any weapons dropped by the enemies and has a significantly smaller health bar than Grit does. She wields a ''[[Castlevania]]''-style laser whip that allows her to attack enemies at a distance, siphon energy from power tanks to replenish Grit's health and swing around on ring hooks to reach new areas. If Grit's health drops to zero, Flame will instantly be ejected from the mech and the player will be forced to play as her until they're able to find power tanks to restore Grit's health. Whenever Grit isn't being used, he will remain where he's left by the player until they either return to him later on or the player activates any of the [[teleportation]] pads scattered throughout each level to instantly teleport Grit to Flame's current location should the two get separated. Every level in the game is also designed to have Flame be able to traverse completely by herself if need be.<ref name="GamasutraPressRelase" />
Stage progression is very similar to the ''[[Mega Man]]'' series, where each stage's boss is visible beforehand on the stage select screen and stages can be selected and completed in any order you wish (with some exceptions). Between missions, any unused weapons you have acquired can be converted into Spirit Points that can be used to increase Grit's maximum health once enough are collected. The game also implements a weapon customization system known as the "Blacksmith" where players can draw and create their own weapons to share with other players via the [[internet]].
== Story == === Characters === The story follows the exploits of Flame, a spunky, good-natured [[Emergency service|rescue service]] [[Android (robot)|android]] and the pilot of Grit, a sentient bipedal [[Power Armor|power armor]] [[mecha]] known as a Paladin. The pair work as operatives for Gauntlet, a [[peacekeeping]] organization dedicated to defending [[Earth]] from invaders, consisting of the group's unnamed but reputable [[Director general|Director]], the scientist responsible for Paladin [[research and development]] Dr. Bloom and the group's timid and easily frightened [[technical support]] member Etch.
The group works together to fight against the dark [[prince]] Ravenous (a tall [[bird]]-like creature closely resembling a [[griffin]]) along with his army of demonic creatures led by the powerful Weapon Keepers, each of which bearing a strong resemblance to entities from human [[myth]] and [[folklore]] such as the [[Egypt]]ian god [[Anubis]], the [[Russia]]n [[Ghost|apparition]] [[Baba Yaga]] and the [[Greece|Greek]] monster [[Medusa]].
A stoic and enigmatic [[centaur]]-like creature known as The Horseman also appears randomly throughout the game as a seemingly neutral party, frequently challenging Flame and Grit to fights. He provides assistance to the pair on numerous occasions, although his intentions and loyalties remain mostly unclear.
=== Plot === A large weapon-shaped [[Meteorite|meteor]] falls from space to Earth, landing near Gauntlet's [[Headquarters|HQ]] in [[Canada]]. Demonic invaders led by a [[Wendigo]] monster suddenly appear from within it and begin wreaking havoc. Flame and Grit arrive shortly after and chase the Wendigo deep into the complex, cornering it near their transport ship. Before the duo can engage the monster, it is swiftly killed by The Horseman who battles the two in its place. After a brief scuffle, The Horseman retreats and the pair leave the ruined facility in their transport ship, meeting up with the rest of Gauntlet soon after.
Dr. Bloom explains to the group that weapon-shaped meteorites landed in ten [[countries]] across the planet, each one acting as a [[Teleporter|transfer gateway]] to allow for demonic entities to invade cities across the globe. She explains briefly how a secret [[Religious text|religious parchment]] foretold that spirit weapons would be crafted at a place known as the [[Forge]] and would be used to take over the planet, inciting a cosmic war. The group then receives a message from the dark prince Ravenous, ordering the planet to surrender or face destruction. Adamant in fulfilling her role as a rescue android, Flame offers to engage Ravenous' Weapon Keepers as a Squire pilot with Grit. Despite his reservations about Flame's abilities, the Director allows Flame to travel across the globe and fight against Ravenous' monsters as a Squire pilot operative for Gauntlet.
Once Ravenous' final Weapon Keeper is defeated, the skies around Earth begin to darken as the planet is thrust into a perpetual state of [[twilight]]. Dr. Bloom and Grit suddenly detect a massive energy spike as The Horseman appears, opening a conduit to an Inverted Tower now orbiting the planet and the cause of the phenomenon. He asks Flame and Grit to go to the Spirit Forge within the tower and stop Ravenous, giving a cryptic warning to the pair not to follow in the footsteps of their predecessor. Initially confused, Flame dismisses The Horseman's warning and proceeds to the Inverted Tower.
Once they arrive, the pair encounter a heavily decayed and hostile Paladin mecha. After a fierce battle, Flame and Grit manage to defeat the Paladin who then forcibly ejects its lifeless operator, a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Flame. The duo contacts the Director, who explains that the woman controlling the Paladin was the first Squire pilot Blaze who Gauntlet had lost contact with following a [[sabotage]] mission against Ravenous' forces. He reveals that Flame was [[Doppelgänger|built in her image]] and was allowed to become a Squire pilot partially in the hopes that Blaze could eventually be rescued by her. Ravenous then contacts Flame, telling her that Blaze became corrupted trying to wield his demonic weapons, a fate that all who try to ultimately share. Undeterred, Flame and Grit continue on to the Spirit Forge to confront Ravenous.
The duo makes their way through the Inverted Tower, eventually reaching Ravenous' lair within the Spirit Forge. He appears and commends Flame's [[Belligerent|belligerence]], offering the duo a place at his side as an ally. After refusing his offer, Flame and Grit engage Ravenous in a final battle to decide the fate of Earth. The duo eventually manages to defeat Ravenous and emerge victorious, with his demonic [[lance]] being all that remains of him following the battle. The Horseman then appears, telling the pair to think very carefully about what they do with Ravenous' weapon. How the player interacts with the weapon determines the game's ending.
If the player picks up the weapon and leaves the area with it, the bad ending plays out in which The Horseman confronts Flame, claiming that she is disrupting the spirit balance by choosing to take the weapon and is destined to be consumed by it just as Blaze was. An already possessed Flame denies this, claiming that it was Blaze's fault for being a weak human unable to control the weapon's power. The Horseman and Flame battle, although the outcome of the battle is unknown. A final scene depicts Flame and Grit standing atop Gauntlet's now destroyed transport ship before a massive army of monsters, raising up Ravenous' lance triumphantly as their new leader.
If the player refuses to pick up the weapon and leaves the area or picks it up and deliberately breaks it, the good ending plays out. With the demonic weapons destroyed and good prevailing, The Horseman appears before Flame and Grit one final time, giving another cryptic warning against humans creating any further weapons lest he return as an enemy against them. Flame retorts, saying humans are good people and don't inherently want to create weapons. The Spirit Forge then begins to crumble as the three make their escape.
Flame and Grit return safely to Earth while The Horseman uses his spirit energy to [[Towing|tow]] the Inverted Tower back to deep space. The duo is then contacted by the Director, congratulating Flame for her hard work. Just before he gives the two their next assignment, Flame refuses to join up with Gauntlet as a Squire pilot operative for the time being, desiring to do [[Morality|something better]] with herself. Returning to civilian life, Flame and Grit join a [[construction]] team and happily assist them with repairs on the cities destroyed during the invasion.
== Development == [[Tribute Games]] announced the game's title with promotional art and early screenshots on March 13, 2019.<ref name="GamasutraPressRelase" /><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1105861939417284608 |user=TributeGames |title=📢 Upcoming Game: 🛡️ PANZER PALADIN ⚔️ Robots meet demons! Crush the forces of the occult with the power of cutting edge technology! |author=Tribute Games |date=2019-03-13 |access-date=2019-08-19 |language=en}}</ref> Concerning early development, game designer and art director Jonathan Lavigne stated in a press release: "For a long time I wanted to make a [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]-style game with swordplay mechanics like the ones from ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|Zelda II]]'' on NES. ''Panzer Paladin'' is the culmination of two subjects I wanted to address in a traditional platformer: swordplay and mechas. A strong aspect I also wanted to include in this project is the various usage of an array of weapons. A little bit like in our previous title ''[[Mercenary Kings]]''".<ref name="GamasutraPressRelase" /> The developers also mentioned that they would be including over 100 unique kinds of weapons in the final game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Jonathan |date=12 May 2019 |title=Panzer Palidin and Gato Roboto lead a new wave of indie Titanfall-likes |url=https://www.destructoid.com/panzer-palidin-and-gato-roboto-lead-a-new-wave-of-indie-titanfall-likes-548407.phtml |access-date=2019-08-19 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=english |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614124405/https://www.destructoid.com/panzer-palidin-and-gato-roboto-lead-a-new-wave-of-indie-titanfall-likes-548407.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
The prototype demo of ''Panzer Paladin'' was showcased for the first time at [[PAX (event)|PAX East]] in 2019.<ref name="GSpotPAX2019" /><ref name="Unwinnable" /> The game was slated for release in Spring 2020, but was later pushed back to a Summer 2020 release date.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1140712290980900864 |user=TributeGames |title=Eject from the Paladin power armor to control the small but swift Squire pilot! Use your laser whip to attack enemies, swing across gaps, and recharge the Paladin's energy. #PanzerPaladin: Out Spring 2020 |author=Tribute Games |date=2019-06-17 |access-date=2020-07-27 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1262457930735144960 |user=indieworldna |title=Hop in your Paladin and take up arms when #PanzerPaladin by @TributeGames comes to #NintendoSwitch this summer! 🛡️⚔️ |author=Indie World |date=2020-05-18 |access-date=2020-07-27 |language=en}}</ref> On February 25, 2020, the studio announced that ''Panzer Paladin'' will be made available on both [[Steam (service)|Steam]] (for [[Microsoft Windows]]) and [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1232334920065912832 |user=TributeGames |title=Coming to #NintendoSwitch and Steam: 🛡️⚔️ PANZER PALADIN ⚔️🛡️ ✅ Wishlist Now! 👉 bit.ly/PanzerOnSteam Hop in the Paladin power armor, seize melee weapons from the demonic invaders and dish out a taste of their own medicine! |author=Tribute Games |date=2020-02-25 |access-date=2020-07-27 |language=en}}</ref> They later announced the game's slated release date of July 21, 2020 via [[social media]] on July 8 of the same year.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1280887570348544000 |user=TributeGames |title=A sinister silhouette appears... It's Ravenous! Your first mission begins July 21 on Steam & Nintendo Switch Suit up! 🤖🛡️ |author=Tribute Games |date=2020-07-08 |access-date=2020-07-27 |language=en}}</ref>
A major content update entitled ''Challenge Core'' was released for both Switch and Steam users on November 23, 2020. This free-to-download update added new challenge levels with [[League table|leaderboard]] integration along with new [[Chiptune|8-bit]] renditions of the game's soundtrack and expanded weapon storage space for the Blacksmith, the game's weapon creation tool.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1330907712364933123 |user=TributeGames |title=Panzer Paladin Free Content Update ☠️🏆 Challenge Core 🏆☠️ |author=Tribute Games |date=2020-11-23 |access-date=2020-11-24 |language=en}}</ref>
A [[Port (video game)|port]] of ''Panzer Paladin'' for [[Xbox]] and [[PlayStation]] consoles was released on June 13, 2024, and announced by Tribute Games via social media the same day.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1801261652525961461 |user=TributeGames |title=You've been asking, and we're here to deliver! 🎉 Panzer Paladin is now available on Xbox and PlayStation! 🎮⚔️ It's time to TAKE UP ARMS and save the world! 🛡️🌍 |access-date=2024-06-14}}</ref>
== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = NS: 77/100<ref name="MC_NS">{{Cite web |title=Panzer Paladin for Switch Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/panzer-paladin/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818113946/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/panzer-paladin }}</ref><br />PC: 76/100<ref name="MC_PC">{{Cite web |title=Panzer Paladin for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/panzer-paladin/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |access-date=July 25, 2020 |website=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725175452/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/panzer-paladin }}</ref> | Destruct = 8/10<ref name="DestructReview">{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=July 25, 2020 |title=Review: Panzer Paladin |url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/review-panzer-paladin-597788.phtml |url-status=live |access-date=July 25, 2020 |website=[[Destructoid]] |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809054049/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/review-panzer-paladin-597788.phtml }}</ref> | HCG = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="HCGReview">{{Cite web|first=James|last=Cunningham|title=Review: Panzer Paladin|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/07/21/review-panzer-paladin/383395/|date=July 21, 2020|access-date=July 25, 2020|website=Hardcore Gamer|url-status=live|archive-date=July 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722213816/https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/07/21/review-panzer-paladin/383395/}}</ref> | IGN = 8/10<ref name="IGNReview">{{Cite web |last=Macyfirst |first=Seth |date=July 21, 2020 |title=Panzer Paladin Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/panzer-paladin-review |access-date=July 25, 2020 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724144658/https://www.ign.com/articles/panzer-paladin-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | NLife = {{rating|8|10}}<ref name="NLifeReview">{{Cite web |last=Gipp |first=Stuart |date=21 July 2020 |title=Review: Panzer Paladin - A Joyfully Unpretentious and Exuberant Action Title |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/panzer_paladin |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724054828/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/panzer_paladin |url-status=live }}</ref> | NWR = 8/10<ref name="NWRReview">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Zachary |date=2020-07-21 |title=Panzer Paladin (Switch) Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/54423/panzer-paladin-switch-review |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723190417/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/54423/panzer-paladin-switch-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | USG = 4/5<ref name="USGReview">{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=21 July 2020 |title=Panzer Paladin Review: A Lovable Retro Hero Rolls to the Rescue |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/panzer-paladin-review-a-lovable-retro-hero-rolls-to-the-rescue- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722063440/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/panzer-paladin-review-a-lovable-retro-hero-rolls-to-the-rescue- |archive-date=2020-07-22 |website=[[USgamer]]}}</ref> }}
The game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to the [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC_NS" /><ref name="MC_PC" />
The visual design and presentation of ''Panzer Paladin'' received significant praise. Stuart Gipp from ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' was impressed by the game's visuals, stating "''Panzer Paladin''{{'}}s vivid, beautifully-drawn graphics are somewhere between the familiar 8-bit aesthetic and the smooth fidelity of contemporary [[coin-op]]s{{nbsp}}... From the backgrounds to the enemy sprites to the perfectly-done animation, the game's look flawlessly complements its feel."<ref name="NLifeReview" /> ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Seth Macy agreed, noting "[The game's plot] sets the perfect tone for the gameplay, and the story plays out in animated cutscenes that would be right at home in any legendary anime of the series, such as ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'' or one of the dozen or so ''[[Gundam]]'' series over the years."<ref name="IGNReview" />
Some reviewers weren't as positive, with most of the criticism directed at the game's high difficulty. ''[[Screen Rant]]''{{'}}s Alex Santa Maria was particularly critical, writing "Outside of those who've mastered every masochistic NES classic, it's just not clear who ''Panzer Paladin'' is going to appeal to - and as a result, only hardcore fans of the genre should even attempt to give this one a spin." He also criticized the gameplay, feeling that "even when in the mech, slow movement and basic swordplay turns any backtracking into a torturous undertaking."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santa Maria |first=Alex |date=21 July 2020 |title=Panzer Paladin Review: A Retrograde Revival |url=https://screenrant.com/panzer-paladin-game-review/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725164312/https://screenrant.com/panzer-paladin-game-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Reviewing the PC version, James Cunningham from ''Hardcore Gamer'' was more lenient with the game, conceding that "There's a lot to love here, including harder remixed versions of the levels and a speed-run mode, but its mean-spirited death penalties mean you have to work for it."<ref name="HCGReview" />
Nadia Oxford from ''[[USgamer]]'' gave a more positive review, stating that the game "adopts a bit of every NES platformer you played as a kid, and the result is a little chaotic, but a lot of fun{{nbsp}}... there are times when the instructions are vague and the lives system doesn't need to exist in this day and age, but it's hard to stay mad when you're surrounded by this much 8-bit beauty."<ref name="USGReview" />
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://panzerpaladin.com Official website] * [http://tributegames.com/presskit/sheet.php?p=PanzerPaladin Press Kit]
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