Summary

• Release Year: 2013
• Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: Relic Entertainment
• Publishers: Sega

Company of Heroes 2: Red Star Edition: A Triumphant Return to the Eastern Front

Introduction

Company of Heroes 2: Red Star Edition is a standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes 2. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by SEGA, Red Star Edition was released in 2013 and transports players to the brutal Eastern Front of World War II, where they command the mighty Soviet Red Army in their valiant struggle against the invading German Wehrmacht.

Gameplay

Red Star Edition retains the core gameplay mechanics that made Company of Heroes 2 such a compelling RTS experience. Players engage in tactical battles across a variety of maps and objectives, commanding units, constructing buildings, and managing resources to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.

One of the key strengths of Red Star Edition is its authentic and immersive depiction of the Eastern Front. The game features historically accurate units, weapons, and environments, bringing the harsh realities of the conflict to life. Players must contend with the unforgiving Russian winter, which can cripple units and slow down movement, as well as the vast and unforgiving terrain.

Soviet Red Army

In Red Star Edition, players take command of the iconic Soviet Red Army, fielding a formidable array of infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft. Each unit possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully balance their forces to achieve victory.

The Soviet army is known for its resilience and firepower. Infantry units are equipped with powerful submachine guns and can withstand heavy punishment. Tanks, such as the T-34 and KV-1, are formidable armored behemoths that can crush enemy lines. Artillery provides devastating long-range support, while aircraft can strike enemy positions with deadly precision.

New Features

Red Star Edition introduces several new features and improvements to the Company of Heroes 2 formula. One of the most significant additions is the “Theatre of War” campaign, which offers a series of single-player and cooperative missions that tell the story of the Soviet struggle against the German invasion. These missions are highly scripted and feature unique objectives, providing a more narrative-driven experience than the traditional skirmish mode.

Another new feature is the “Commander” system, which allows players to choose from a variety of commanders, each with their own unique abilities and bonuses. Commanders can provide powerful buffs to units, call in airstrikes, or deploy special abilities to turn the tide of battle.

Red Star Edition also includes a number of new multiplayer maps and modes, as well as a host of balance changes and improvements to the core gameplay.

Historical Authenticity

Red Star Edition places a strong emphasis on historical authenticity. The game’s developers worked closely with historians and military experts to ensure that the units, weapons, and environments are accurately represented. This attention to detail adds to the game’s immersion and helps players to connect with the real-life events that inspired it.

Critical Reception

Company of Heroes 2: Red Star Edition was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the game’s immersive gameplay, authentic setting, and innovative new features. Many critics hailed it as one of the best RTS games ever made.

Legacy

Red Star Edition has left a lasting legacy in the RTS genre. Its focus on historical accuracy, tactical gameplay, and engaging storytelling has set a high standard for future wargames. The game continues to be enjoyed by a dedicated community of players and is considered one of the essential RTS experiences for fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Company of Heroes 2: Red Star Edition is a masterful RTS that captures the brutal and unforgiving nature of the Eastern Front in World War II. With its immersive gameplay, authentic setting, and innovative new features, Red Star Edition stands as a shining example of the genre and a must-play for any fan of strategy games.

Review Score

9/10

Art

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