Company of Heroes 2 Review

Company of Heroes 2, developed by Relic Entertainment and published by SEGA, stormed onto the PC in 2013, bringing its acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay to the brutal and often overlooked Eastern Front of World War II. While its initial release sparked some controversy, CoH 2 PC delivered intense tactical combat, innovative mechanics, and a compelling, albeit grim, portrayal of the conflict. This Company of Heroes 2 PC review explores its strengths and evolution.

Gameplay: TrueSight, ColdTech, and Tactical Depth

Company of Heroes 2 retained the core tactical gameplay that made its predecessor a classic. It focuses on small-scale, squad-based combat rather than large armies, emphasizing cover, flanking, and unit abilities. Two key innovations defined its gameplay:

• TrueSight: A line-of-sight system that realistically simulates what units can see, creating intense fog-of-war scenarios and rewarding strategic positioning.
• ColdTech: Introduced dynamic blizzards and freezing water, forcing players to manage unit exposure to the elements and adding a new layer of environmental strategy. Units could freeze to death, and ice could break under heavy vehicles.

The game features robust resource management (Manpower, Munitions, Fuel) and a unique base-building system where structures are often built by combat engineers directly on the battlefield. Unit control is precise, allowing for intricate maneuvers and combined arms tactics. The multiplayer is highly competitive, pitting the Soviet Union’s Red Army against the German Wehrmacht, with additional factions added through content updates like The Western Front Armies and Ardennes Assault.

Story and Setting: The Brutality of the Eastern Front

The single-player campaign of Company of Heroes 2 puts players in command of the Red Army, focusing on the harrowing experiences of Soviet soldiers. The narrative, told through the eyes of a disgraced Soviet officer, attempts to portray the brutal realities of the Eastern Front, including the harsh tactics employed by both sides. While the portrayal of Soviet forces was initially controversial, the campaign delivers intense and often cinematic missions, from the defense of Stalingrad to the push towards Berlin.

The historical setting is meticulously recreated, with authentic uniforms, vehicles, and environments that reflect the devastating scale of the conflict.

Graphics and Sound: Essence Engine 3.0’s Power

Powered by Relic’s proprietary Essence Engine 3.0, Company of Heroes 2 was a visual powerhouse on PC. The graphics were stunning, with highly detailed unit models, realistic environmental destruction, and impressive particle effects for explosions and weather. The dynamic lighting and realistic snow deformation further enhanced the game’s immersive qualities.

The sound design is exceptional. Every gunshot, tank tread, and explosion sounds authentic and impactful, contributing significantly to the battlefield chaos. The voice acting is solid, and the orchestral score perfectly complements the grim and epic tone of the war.

Legacy: An Enduring RTS Powerhouse

Despite its initial controversies, Company of Heroes 2 has evolved into a highly respected RTS game. Its innovative mechanics, deep tactical gameplay, and continued support through expansions and updates have solidified its place as a cornerstone of the genre. It remains a popular choice for competitive gaming and a definitive historical strategy title.

Is Company of Heroes 2 on PC Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Company of Heroes 2 on PC is a must-play for fans of RTS games and World War II strategy. Its intense tactical combat, unique environmental mechanics, and robust multiplayer offer countless hours of challenging and rewarding gameplay. With its various expansions, it provides a comprehensive and immersive look at the brutal realities of the Eastern Front. It’s a true classic PC game that continues to deliver.