Company of Heroes 3

Company of Heroes 3 is a real-time strategy game set during World War II, blending intense tactical combat with a dynamic campaign system. Players command Allied forces across the Mediterranean and European theaters, engaging in large-scale battles with a focus on resource management, unit positioning, and environmental destruction. The game features both real-time skirmishes and a turn-based meta-map for strategic planning, offering a mix of historical accuracy and deep strategic gameplay.

Company of Heroes 3: A Triumph of Tactical Depth and Cinematic Warfare

Introduction

The Company of Heroes series has long stood as a titan in the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, renowned for its unparalleled blend of tactical depth, cinematic storytelling, and historical authenticity. With Company of Heroes 3, Relic Entertainment boldly ventures into the Mediterranean theater of World War II, offering players a fresh battlefield to conquer. This latest installment promises to redefine the franchise with innovative mechanics, a dynamic campaign system, and a renewed focus on player agency. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors, or does it falter under the weight of its ambitions? This review will dissect every facet of Company of Heroes 3, from its development history to its gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and lasting impact on the RTS landscape.

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Development History & Context

The Legacy of Relic Entertainment

Relic Entertainment, the studio behind Company of Heroes 3, has a storied history in the RTS genre. Founded in 1997, Relic gained acclaim with titles like Homeworld and Dawn of War, but it was Company of Heroes (2006) that cemented its reputation as a master of tactical warfare. The original game revolutionized the RTS genre by shifting focus from base-building to squad-based combat, emphasizing cover mechanics, suppression, and environmental destruction. Its sequel, Company of Heroes 2 (2013), expanded the formula to the Eastern Front, introducing new factions and weather mechanics.

The Vision for Company of Heroes 3

Company of Heroes 3 was officially announced in July 2021, marking a significant departure from the series’ traditional settings. The Mediterranean theater—encompassing North Africa and Italy—was chosen for its diverse environments and tactical opportunities. According to Relic, the decision was driven by player feedback and a desire to explore untapped WWII narratives. The Mediterranean’s verticality, from Italy’s mountainous terrain to North Africa’s open deserts, offered a fresh canvas for strategic gameplay.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

The game is built on Relic’s proprietary Essence Engine 5.0, which powers its advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic lighting, and physics simulations. The engine’s capabilities are evident in the game’s “Destruction 2.0” system, which allows for granular environmental damage, from crumbling buildings to individual bricks and tiles. This level of detail not only enhances visual fidelity but also introduces new tactical possibilities, such as creating impromptu cover or opening new pathways.

The Gaming Landscape at Launch

Company of Heroes 3 launched on February 23, 2023, into a gaming landscape dominated by battle royales and live-service titles. The RTS genre, once a staple of PC gaming, had seen a decline in mainstream popularity. However, Company of Heroes 3 arrived at a time of renewed interest in strategy games, fueled by titles like Age of Empires IV and Total War: Warhammer III. Its release was met with anticipation from longtime fans and curiosity from newcomers, setting the stage for a critical and commercial showdown.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Dual Campaigns: Italy and North Africa

Company of Heroes 3 presents two distinct single-player campaigns, each offering a unique narrative and gameplay experience:

1. The Dynamic Italian Campaign: This sandbox-style campaign places players in command of Allied forces during the 1943 invasion of Italy. The campaign features a turn-based strategic map, where players manage resources, recruit partisan forces, and plan their advance toward Rome. The narrative is dynamic, with branching storylines and multiple endings influenced by player choices. Key characters include General William Norton, a brash American commander; Major John Buckley, a cautious British officer; and Valeria Rossi, a fierce Italian partisan leader. The campaign’s open-ended structure allows for emergent storytelling, though it occasionally suffers from pacing issues and underdeveloped character arcs.

2. The North African Operation: A more linear, mission-driven campaign set in 1942, this narrative follows the British 7th Armoured Division (the “Desert Rats”) as they battle the Deutsches Afrikakorps across the deserts of North Africa. The story is tightly scripted, with a focus on historical battles like El Alamein. Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Davies serves as the player’s guide, offering measured leadership, while Hauptmann Wolfgang Meier embodies the cunning and discipline of the Afrikakorps. The campaign’s strength lies in its tactical diversity, though its narrative lacks the depth and player agency of the Italian campaign.

Themes of War and Resistance

Company of Heroes 3 explores themes of war, resistance, and the human cost of conflict. The Italian campaign, in particular, delves into the complexities of partisan warfare, highlighting the role of local resistance fighters in the Allied effort. The game’s narrative does not shy away from the brutality of war, depicting the destruction of villages, the loss of civilian lives, and the moral dilemmas faced by commanders. However, the storytelling occasionally falters, relying on archetypal characters and clichéd dialogue that undermine its emotional impact.

Historical Authenticity and Creative Liberties

Relic Entertainment has made a concerted effort to ground Company of Heroes 3 in historical authenticity. The game’s environments, units, and weapons are meticulously researched, drawing from archival photographs, military records, and firsthand accounts. The Mediterranean setting is rendered with remarkable detail, from the sun-bleached deserts of Libya to the war-torn streets of Italian villages. However, the game takes creative liberties with its narrative, blending historical events with fictionalized characters and scenarios. While this approach allows for greater storytelling flexibility, it occasionally strains credibility, particularly in the Italian campaign’s more fantastical moments.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

At its heart, Company of Heroes 3 retains the series’ signature gameplay loop: a blend of resource management, tactical positioning, and real-time combat. Players command squads of infantry, vehicles, and support units, leveraging cover, suppression, and flanking maneuvers to outmaneuver the enemy. The game’s “TrueSight” system ensures that units can only engage targets within their line of sight, adding a layer of realism and strategic depth.

New Features and Innovations

1. Tactical Pause: A game-changing feature for single-player modes, Tactical Pause allows players to freeze time mid-battle, queue up commands, and assess the battlefield. This mechanic is a boon for newcomers and veterans alike, offering greater control over chaotic engagements.

2. Destruction 2.0: The game’s enhanced destruction system allows for unprecedented environmental interaction. Buildings can be reduced to rubble, creating new cover or blocking enemy advances. This mechanic is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the battlefield, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

3. Height Gameplay: Verticality plays a crucial role in Company of Heroes 3, with elevated positions offering combat bonuses and line-of-sight advantages. This mechanic is particularly effective in the Italian campaign, where mountainous terrain and multi-level villages create dynamic tactical opportunities.

4. Breach Mechanics: Certain units can now “breach” enemy-held buildings, forcing garrisoned troops into the open. This feature adds a new dimension to urban combat, rewarding aggressive playstyles and punishing static defenses.

5. Battlegroups: Replacing the series’ traditional doctrine system, Battlegroups allow players to customize their armies with unique units, abilities, and upgrades. This system encourages experimentation and replayability, though it can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Faction Diversity and Balance

Company of Heroes 3 launches with four playable factions:

• US Forces: A versatile, well-rounded faction with strong infantry and armored support.
• British Forces: Focused on defensive playstyles, with elite infantry and powerful artillery.
• Wehrmacht: A balanced faction with a mix of defensive and offensive capabilities, excelling in combined arms tactics.
• Deutsches Afrikakorps: A mobile, mechanized force optimized for desert warfare, with unique units like the Italian Bersaglieri.

While each faction offers distinct playstyles, balance issues have plagued the game’s multiplayer mode. The US Forces, in particular, have been criticized for their overpowered units, while the Wehrmacht struggles to compete in high-level play. Relic has addressed these concerns through post-launch patches, but balance remains a work in progress.

Multiplayer and Community Engagement

Company of Heroes 3‘s multiplayer mode supports 2-8 players across a variety of game modes, including standard skirmishes, cooperative missions, and ranked matches. The game’s competitive scene has been hampered by connectivity issues and a smaller player base compared to its predecessors. However, Relic’s commitment to post-launch support, including regular updates and community engagement, has helped to sustain interest. The introduction of the Tactical Pause feature in multiplayer would be a welcome addition, though it remains exclusive to single-player modes.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

The Mediterranean Theater: A Living Battlefield

Company of Heroes 3‘s Mediterranean setting is a triumph of environmental design. The game’s artists have crafted a world that is both visually stunning and tactically rich. Italy’s rolling hills, crumbling villages, and coastal cliffs offer a stark contrast to North Africa’s vast deserts, rocky outcrops, and oasis towns. Each environment is meticulously detailed, with dynamic weather effects, destructible terrain, and immersive soundscapes that bring the battlefield to life.

Visual Fidelity and Artistic Direction

The game’s visuals are powered by the Essence Engine 5.0, which delivers impressive lighting, particle effects, and texture resolution. Character models are highly detailed, with realistic animations and facial expressions that convey the tension of combat. The game’s art direction strikes a balance between historical accuracy and cinematic flair, drawing inspiration from films like Fury and Inglourious Basterds. However, some critics have noted that the visuals occasionally feel dated, particularly in comparison to modern RTS titles like Age of Empires IV.

Sound Design and Musical Score

Company of Heroes 3‘s sound design is a standout feature, with immersive audio that enhances the game’s tactical depth. The crack of rifle fire, the roar of tank engines, and the distant thud of artillery create a sense of realism that is unmatched in the genre. The game’s musical score, composed by Tilman Sillescu and Benny Oschmann, is a stirring blend of orchestral and electronic elements, evoking the grandeur and tragedy of war. Voice acting is generally strong, though some characters suffer from stiff dialogue and over-the-top performances.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical Reception

Company of Heroes 3 received “generally favorable” reviews upon release, with critics praising its tactical depth, innovative features, and cinematic presentation. On Metacritic, the game holds an 81/100 for PC, based on 18 reviews, and a 70/100 for PlayStation 5. Reviewers highlighted the game’s core gameplay as a standout feature, with PC Gamer calling it “a spectacular RTS that manages to shine even when the main campaign doesn’t.” The Italian campaign’s dynamic structure was praised for its ambition, though critics noted its lack of polish and inconsistent AI.

The North African campaign fared better, with Rock Paper Shotgun describing it as “classic Company of Heroes through and through.” However, the game’s technical issues at launch, including bugs and unpolished assets, tempered enthusiasm. IGN criticized the Italian campaign as “barely functional,” while Kotaku praised its innovation but noted its execution fell short.

Commercial Performance

Company of Heroes 3 enjoyed strong commercial success, debuting as one of the top-selling strategy games on Steam. The game’s launch was supported by a robust marketing campaign, including trailers, developer diaries, and community engagement. However, its commercial performance was somewhat overshadowed by the dominance of live-service titles and battle royales in the broader gaming market.

Post-Launch Support and Community Engagement

Relic Entertainment has demonstrated a commitment to post-launch support, releasing regular updates and patches to address balance issues, bugs, and community feedback. The game’s first major expansion, Hammer & Shield, introduced new factions, units, and campaign content, further expanding its replayability. The studio’s engagement with the community, including developer Q&As and player councils, has helped to foster a dedicated fanbase.

Influence on the RTS Genre

Company of Heroes 3 has had a significant impact on the RTS genre, demonstrating that there is still a market for deep, tactical strategy games. Its innovative features, such as the Tactical Pause and dynamic campaign system, have set a new standard for player agency and accessibility. The game’s success has also inspired other developers to explore historical settings and experimental mechanics, contributing to a renaissance of interest in the RTS genre.

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Conclusion

Company of Heroes 3 is a triumph of tactical depth and cinematic warfare, offering a fresh take on the WWII RTS formula. Its Mediterranean setting, dynamic campaign system, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout entry in the series. While the game is not without its flaws—including balance issues, technical hiccups, and an occasionally uneven narrative—its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, Company of Heroes 3 is a must-play experience that honors the legacy of its predecessors while pushing the genre forward.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A tactical masterpiece with minor stumbles, Company of Heroes 3 is a worthy successor to the franchise and a shining example of what modern RTS games can achieve.