The Staff Officers consist of nine separate menus covering all phases of the game. One great feature of the Staff Officers is the ability to highlight selected units on the map from the particular Staff Menu. In addition, the main Staff Menu, as well as the specific Staff Officer Menus, act as checklist to make sure you attend to all areas of warfighting before going to the next turn. Another nice touch was the inclusion of Operation Orders for each scenario provided with the game. The combat model of ToP and Panthers is supposed to be one of the most accurate in any computer game and we still concur.
Panthers debuts the use of airdrops to the ToP system.
Other additions include bridge demolition, amphibious landings, popped smoke, and reinforcements. These features add great flavor to many of the tactical battles in Panthers and are very well done. As always, HPS Simulations includes the most detailed rulebook ever included in any computer wargame, period. There are plenty of screen shots and explanations to clarify all phases of play. There is even an advanced section explaining how and why certain game mechanics work the way they do.