Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.
The game transports players through pivotal battles of the European theater, starting with the visceral D-Day invasion of Normandy. The gameplay seamlessly blends real-time strategy mechanics with a cinematic, gritty depiction of the sacrifices and horrors of war, delivering an incredibly immersive and authentic World War II experience.
One of the standout features is the game's advanced squad AI, which brings the soldiers to life. Players must carefully manage their squads, as the units intelligently navigate the environment, take cover, and execute coordinated tactics to outmaneuver and overwhelm the enemy. Utilizing the unique abilities and strengths of each squad is crucial to achieving victory.
The game features a highly destructible world, where players can shape the battlefield to their advantage. The real-time physics and environmental destruction guarantee that no two battles will play out the same way. Strategically destroying buildings, bridges, and terrain features can deny them to the enemy or create new lines of sight and avenues of approach.
The combat system is built around combined arms warfare, requiring players to effectively utilize a diverse array of infantry, vehicles, and support units. Tanks, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and other specialized units must be deployed in concert to overcome the enemy's defenses and push forward. Careful unit selection and coordination are crucial to success.
As squads and individual units gain combat experience, they can earn veterancy levels, granting them enhanced capabilities and abilities. This system encourages players to keep their units alive and protect them, as veteran troops become increasingly valuable assets on the battlefield, adding a meaningful layer of strategic depth.
The game offers a robust multiplayer component, allowing players to go head-to-head in intense battles of Axis versus Allies. The dynamic and ever-changing battlefields, combined with the depth of its tactical gameplay, ensure that no two multiplayer matches are the same. The active modding community has also created a wealth of additional content and gameplay variations to extend the game's longevity.