Company of Heroes 2 (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Company of Heroes 2 masterfully combines historical authenticity with strategic gameplay, delivering a WW2 RTS experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Its focus on the Eastern Front offers a fresh perspective on wartime strategy games.

Introduction

Dive into the heart of World War II’s most brutal front in Company of Heroes 2, a sequel to the critically acclaimed RTS game. Released in 2013, it pushes the limits of strategic warfare, challenging players to lead the Soviet Red Army to victory against the Nazis.

Synopsis

‘Company of Heroes 2’, developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega, is a real-time strategy video game that takes players back to the tumultuous times of World War II. Released in 2013, it is the sequel to the 2006 game ‘Company of Heroes’ and continues the dramatic plot of a brave team of soldiers defending their homeland.

The game shifts the focus from the American perspective of World War II, as seen in the first ‘Company of Heroes’, to the Eastern Front. Players primarily control the side of the Soviet Red Army during various stages of the Eastern Front, from Operation Barbarossa to the Battle of Berlin.

The narrative of ‘Company of Heroes 2’ is a testament to the courage and resilience of the Soviet Union soldiers. They are portrayed as heroes who will defend their Motherland at any cost from the Germans. This narrative is woven into the gameplay, creating an immersive experience that combines strategic decision-making with a compelling storyline.

The game runs on Relic Entertainment’s proprietary Essence 3.0 game engine, which enhances the realism of the game. The resource-generation system from the first game has been modified, with players capturing specific flagged points all over the map to collect munitions and fuel credits, which are invested in assembling their units.

The game also introduces a new feature where units can occupy a civilian building and use it as a temporary strongpoint. However, the occupants can be flushed out through attacks by artillery or soldiers using flamethrowers and grenades. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the game, as players must consider the placement and defense of their units.

‘Company of Heroes 2’ also retains and enhances the building-damage system from the first game. Wooden buildings set afire will continue burning until they are reduced to cinders. This dynamic environment adds to the realism of the game and impacts the strategies that players can employ.

‘Company of Heroes 2’ is more than just a game; it’s a journey into the past that allows players to experience the trials and tribulations of the brave soldiers of the Soviet Red Army. It combines a gripping narrative with strategic gameplay, making it a standout title in the real-time strategy genre. Whether you’re a history buff or a strategy game enthusiast, ‘Company of Heroes 2’ offers an engaging and immersive experience that’s hard to forget.

Characters

While Company of Heroes 2 primarily focuses on the collective efforts of armies, it introduces key figures such as Lev Abramovich Isakovich, a Soviet Red Army lieutenant who navigates the complexities of loyalty, morality, and survival during the war.

Gameplay

The game enhances its RTS foundation with the TrueSight system, which simulates soldiers’ line of sight realistically, and the dynamic weather system that affects units’ movement and effectiveness. Players manage resources, construct bases, and command units in battle, facing strategic dilemmas that mirror wartime decisions.

Conclusion

Despite its challenges and controversies, Company of Heroes 2 stands as a monumental title in the RTS genre, offering depth, realism, and a compelling insight into the Eastern Front of WWII. Its expansions further enrich the experience, making it a must-play for strategy enthusiasts.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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