Company of Heroes 2 Test

Released in late 2006, Company of Heroes was a big critical success with RTS fans, thanks to its eye-catching graphics and gameplay of unparalleled depth at the time. Its sequel therefore inevitably raises expectations, but also some concerns about a change of editor in development. So new hit or damp squib?

Like its predecessor, Company of Heroes 2 immerses players in the heart of the fighting of World War II. However, we forget D-Day, since these are the events of the Eastern Front that are counties including the infamous Operation Barbarossa, the code name given by the Nazi invasion of Russia. In the form of flashbacks, you will follow a Isakovich since the dark days that is the Battle of Stalingrad to triumph over Germany. This beautifully scripted campaign is very pleasant to follow and eventful, but also very diverse in terms of objectives. One can for example ask to escort a tank to save a maximum of troops in the blizzard, organize a retreat to sabotage various facilities to capture certain vehicles or artillery units, etc.. At this point, it seems a pity not to simply embody the Russians, not the Germans.


Gameplay with onions

In terms of gameplay, this Company of Heroes 2 is pretty close to its predecessor. In short, we must capture certain points on the map relating the few basic resources: gasoline, ammunition and manpower. All this is then used to construct various buildings for the recruitment of units more powerful and original. Conscripts, we go to snipers and tanks and heavy artillery. Each has its own operate as intended capacity: conscripts can join a unit decimated, elite soldiers can throw grenades or smoke bombs, mortars can bombard an area ... However, it is engineers who are most useful as they can for example ask mines, sabotage an obstacle to getting a compact vehicle, put barbed wire, sandbags or outright build bunkers. You will therefore understand the strategic dimension becomes very interesting and particularly involved.


Cold: an element of original gameplay and well thought

This is especially true since the trip to Russia is accompanied by the arrival of the blizzard and ice. Far from trivial, these additions bring a real added value in terms of gameplay. Relic has treated his subject as the unit is now sensitive to cold. It is therefore not to leave too long exposed by regular breaks in a shelter or near a fire. And watch the fool who would ignore these basic rules may lose the fight before it even starts! Also, snow can significantly slow the progression and must also be taken into account. But it is above all the use of ice that impresses. Indeed, the repeated tanks on a river crossing can weaken the gel is seen to crack progressively until swallow outright unfortunate that will be found in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is also possible to force things laying explosive charges on some key points before blowing the passage of a high-powered unit. Grenades or Molotov cocktails can also be used in this way, but in all cases the result is enjoyable.


I see you

The tactical aspect is also magnified by a new management line of sight of units. This system named TrueSight shows quite impressive to use, especially when using smoke. In this case, a soldier can get to shoot then no matter where the player sees perfectly the enemy. We can take advantage of this moment of confusion to launch a grenade discreetly in a bunker hiding then leave quietly. Conversely, one can have a bad surprise at seeing a German tank overkill out of the fog and decimate troops before they have time to take cover. Generally, CoH2 plays a lot on emotions and tension and it relies on combat tactics as nervous during which the action is intense. It is during these moments that are truly aware of the technical quality of soft: the dust rises, bodies flying, others continue to run headlong into a shell hole, buildings s 'collapse, fire spreads on the few trees that are still standing ... Anyway, overall, we Relic eyeful that is played at maximum zoom or far.


A multi game foremost

Outside of the main campaign, there obviously is a skirmish mode. It is distinguished by its strong multiplayer dimension since only includes games per team (up to 4) against human or AI players. However, do not expect the free-for-all: a Russian team facing a German team, and that's all. From there, there are two distinct modes of Thurs The first is a way in which Domination must take and hold strategic points sufficient time while the second is simply to destroy the enemy base. The experience gained in each part is a level up bonus for unlocking new units, new skins and new generals. These grant powers and various bonuses to cooldown use in the heat of the (new weapons, bombing, air support ...). At this stage, it may be possible to make a slight complaint about balancing the Russians have many troops and inexpensive when Germany can rely on tanks expensive but extremely durable. Early in the game, so the Russians systematically take advantage occupying a maximum of areas. When we know that to benefit from resources related to an area, it is mandatory that it be connected to the base, the Germans very often find themselves in trouble in the first minutes. Nevertheless, when they succeed to build tanks, they become almost invincible, which can be a bit frustrating. However, it is difficult to hold that against these elements as this is a historical reality.

Hours of gameplay perspective

The last proposed method is called Theater of War. It includes 18 missions divided between Germany and Russia, which could obviously not be included in the main campaign. These are not less interesting and varied. One can for example ask us to hold a key point as you would in a tower defense, or simply to take part in a battle against the AI. Co-op missions are also on the program, which still complete a little more content that you can see, is quite impressive. You can count dozens of hours of play just to complete the campaign and missions Theater of War, and a few dozen multi. This is not a game free of defects, it said, balance is not perfect, the behavior of troops is not always optimal, since some may be massacred without flinching or without the presence of mind to throw a grenade, the level of the furthest zoom is perhaps not far enough, the lack of free-for-all is harmful, but it is just as trivial problems in comparison to the game fun and unique immersion afforded. In short, if you like strategy and / or time, we can only advise you that Company of Heroes 2.