Summary

• Release Year: 2014
• Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: Relic Entertainment
• Publishers: Sega

Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies is the first standalone multiplayer release for the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes 2. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega, the game was released on June 25, 2014, for Microsoft Windows.

The Western Front Armies expansion focuses on the brutal fighting that took place on the Western Front during World War II, particularly during the darkest days of the conflict. Players can now take control of two new factions: the US Forces and the German Oberkommando West. Each faction brings its own unique units, abilities, and playstyles to the battlefield.

The US Forces are a well-rounded faction with a focus on combined arms tactics. They have access to a wide range of units, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft. The US Forces are also able to call in powerful support abilities, such as airstrikes and artillery barrages.

The German Oberkommando West is a more specialized faction that excels at defensive warfare. They have access to a variety of powerful infantry units, as well as a number of unique defensive structures. The German Oberkommando West is also able to call in devastating support abilities, such as Nebelwerfer barrages and Panzerwerfer attacks.

The Western Front Armies expansion also introduces a number of new maps and game modes. The new maps are all based on real-world locations, such as the beaches of Normandy and the forests of the Ardennes. The new game modes include a variety of objective-based scenarios, such as “Capture the Flag” and “King of the Hill.”

Gameplay

Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies is a real-time strategy game that is played from a third-person perspective. Players control a variety of units, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft. The goal of the game is to defeat the enemy team by destroying their base or capturing all of their victory points.

The game features a number of unique gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other RTS games. One of the most important mechanics is the cover system. Units can take cover behind objects, such as buildings, walls, and trees. This provides them with protection from enemy fire and allows them to ambush unsuspecting enemies.

Another important gameplay mechanic is the suppression system. Units that are under fire will become suppressed, which reduces their accuracy and movement speed. Suppressed units are also more likely to panic and retreat. Players can use suppression to their advantage by pinning down enemy units with machine guns or mortars.

Reception

Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, detailed graphics, and historical accuracy. Many critics also praised the addition of the US Forces and German Oberkommando West factions, which added a new level of depth and variety to the multiplayer experience.

The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was also nominated for a number of awards, including the Game of the Year award at the 2014 Golden Joystick Awards.

Legacy

Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies is considered to be one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive World War II experience. The game’s legacy will likely continue for many years to come.

Additional Information

• Developers: Relic Entertainment
• Publisher: Sega
• Release Date: June 25, 2014
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows
• Genre: Real-time strategy
• Setting: World War II, Western Front
• Game Modes: Single-player campaign, multiplayer skirmish, multiplayer ranked

Review Score

9/10

Art

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