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. This legacy version also grants access to the latest version of COH, just called "Company of Heroes".
The game features four distinct factions - the American forces, British Commonwealth, Wehrmacht, and Panzer Elite. Each faction has a unique unit roster, abilities, and tactical playstyle that players must master. For example, the American forces encourage mobility and flanking maneuvers, the British excel at defensive emplacements and artillery support, the Wehrmacht rely on combined arms tactics and elite infantry, while the Panzer Elite specialize in rapid mechanized assaults. This diversity allows players to experiment with a wide range of strategic approaches.
One of the standout features is the highly interactive and destructible environment. Players can use explosives to create cover, block off enemy avenues of approach, or deny resources. The physics-based damage system means that vehicles can have their treads, engines, or main guns disabled, forcing players to adapt their tactics on the fly. For instance, a well-placed artillery strike can create craters that infantry can then use for cover. The ever-changing battlefield ensures no two battles play out the same way.
At the core of the gameplay is the focus on tactical, squad-based combat. Players must carefully position their infantry squads to leverage cover, line of sight, and combined arms support. Veterancy and experience are crucial, as veteran squads become more effective in combat. Managing the positioning, reinforcement, and retreating of squads is essential to achieve victory.
The resource and base building mechanics require players to actively contest and capture strategic points on the map. Securing fuel, munitions, and territory allows players to tech up faster and deploy more powerful units and abilities. The tradeoff between investing resources into defense or committing them to offensive maneuvers creates meaningful decision-making for players.
With its diverse factions, dynamic environment, and tactical squad combat, the game offers a high degree of emergent gameplay and replayability. No two matches ever play out the same way, as players must constantly adapt their strategies based on the shifting battlefield conditions and their opponent's responses. The game's depth and complexity reward skillful play and experimentation, leading to a highly rewarding and satisfying experience.