Game Review: Company of Heroes.

I recently "picked up" (Ehem!) a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game, "Company of Heroes" (COH). I guess I have to admit that my (unwilling) involvement in the organisation has actually sparked a greater interest in such games. Of course, my real interest in RTS started with Command and Conquer back in like 1995, and I've been rather 'loyal' to this genre of computer games. Let's not forget all-time favourites like Red Alert, Starcraft, Warcraft, etc.

COH is very much different from games like mentioned above. The campaign mode is set in World War 2, after the battle at Normandy. The game brings you to battles in Normandy, Cherboug and Ohama Beach, just to name a few, and to the eventual defeat of the German forces.

Graphics are definitely fantastic, and the physics in the game's unbelievably realistic. From projectiles zipping through the battlefield to the direction and distance debris fly when shells land in the battlefield. Grenades thrown into enemy clusters, rocket launchers striking armoured vehicles, snipers taking aim through garrisoned buildings, machine gun nest spraying at oncoming troops, all as real as it can get.

Sound quality is also remarkable. Rattling sounds of the HMGs, zipping sounds of rockets, and the roars of the artillery firing, all audible from every corner of the battlefield. And the explosions, orgasmic. Be sure to be equipped with decent speakers, and make sure you tune them to the maximum volume. You will not regret it.

The speed of the game is not too bad, with ample time for you to acquire more advanced units, yet not giving you too much uninterrupted time. Enemy troops harrass you often, and try to take over resources you have.

This game's not all about numbers. It's alot more challenging with terrain actually playing a very important role. Fundamental combat skills like taking cover are demonstrated in this game, with soldiers being able to hide behind sandbags and trees to aviod enemy fire. Knowing when and where to toss your grenades can really save your troops, same for the rocket barrages and artillery bombardments.

Simple tactics like flanking the enemy can also be executed with realistic results. Tanks take more damage from the rear, and soldiers being flanked are less efficient and more damage. Only problem I have is that tanks sometimes tend to get stuck when you move them all at once.

The variety of units may be lacking, but there is still no limit as to how you can deploy the few variety of units. Riflemen, Heavy Machine Gunners, Snipers, Motar Teams and Engineers form your basic infantry force, and a couple of vehicles to add to your armoured force. The game however, lacks a naval and airforce, which might actually add even more colour to the game.

Overall, a very fun game, especially for those who want to try having a more realistic battle as compared to games like C&C or Starcraft. This game's not just about speed, it's about knowing how to use the terrain to your advantage, and how to make efficient use of your scarce resources.

Anyway, after having played the game for some time, I decided to take a few screenshots from the game.

Enjoy.


Here's the almighty M2A1 105mm Howitzer. A special unit of the Allied forces.


Flexible camera angles, relatively clear even when zoomed in.


The carnage. Very detailed grahpics. You should see it play in real time.


What's left.
You would not want to be caught in there.









"We're sorry to interrupt this post with the daily Safety Message from THE ORGANIZATION."


A: "What the F**K?! Felix! Get the F**K in here!"

B: "Too late."



B: "Bless his soul."

C: "Huh?"



A: "Sigh. Poor Felix."

C: "Hey! Where'd Felix go? Cigarette break?"







See why they ask you to lay sandbags?

Ok. Back to my war. Hitler's hiding his sorry arse under the blanket in his momma's house.


How about a couple of 105s through whatever's left of the roof?
-GRIN-

My Rating

Graphics: 9.3/10.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Oomph-factor: 8.7/10
Overall: 8.8/10