Company Of Heroes 2 Pros & Cons

Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Relic Entertainment and released in 2013. It’s set during World War II and focuses on the Eastern Front, featuring tactical combat, resource management, and strategy elements.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of Company of Heroes 2:

Pros:

1. Tactical Depth:
   • The game offers deep tactical gameplay, with a focus on flanking, cover systems, and unit positioning. This makes every battle feel strategic and rewarding.
2. Immersive Storyline:
   • Set during the Eastern Front of WWII, the story provides a unique perspective, focusing on the Soviet campaign. The narrative is well-developed and adds emotional weight to the battles.
3. Stunning Graphics:
   • The game features high-quality graphics, with realistic weather effects, destructible environments, and detailed unit animations. The visuals help bring the war-torn landscapes to life.
4. Variety of Units and Factions:
   • The game has a wide range of units, each with its strengths and weaknesses. You can control infantry, tanks, and artillery, with different factions offering varied playstyles (e.g., Soviet, German, British, and US factions).
5. Dynamic Weather and Environments:
   • Weather conditions, like blizzards, can affect gameplay by reducing visibility and slowing down units. The dynamic environments add an extra layer of strategy and immersion.
6. Multiplayer and Co-op:
   • The multiplayer mode is well-received, with different match types and a large community. Players can compete in team-based or 1v1 matches. Co-op missions also allow for team-based strategy with friends.
7. Modding Support:
   • The game offers modding tools that allow players to create custom maps, factions, and scenarios, extending the game’s longevity and replayability.

Cons:

1. AI and Pathfinding Issues:
   • One of the major criticisms is the occasional poor AI and pathfinding. Units can get stuck or behave erratically, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
2. Lack of Strategic Variety in the Campaign:
   • While the campaign is immersive, some players feel that the strategic variety becomes limited after a few missions, as the gameplay loop starts to feel repetitive.
3. Controversial Representation of the Soviet Union:
   • Some players and critics have raised concerns about the portrayal of the Soviet Union in the game’s narrative, particularly the way certain historical events are presented. This has been a point of contention, especially with the game’s portrayal of Soviet actions during the war.
4. Steep Learning Curve:
   • New players to RTS games might find Company of Heroes 2 overwhelming due to its steep learning curve. The pace can be challenging, and mastering tactics takes time.
5. Lack of Content in Single Player After Completion:
   • Once the main campaign is completed, there isn’t much to do for single-player gamers other than replay missions. While the multiplayer is great, solo players might feel the content is lacking.
6. Microtransactions in Multiplayer:
   • The inclusion of microtransactions, particularly for cosmetic items and unit customization in multiplayer, has been a point of frustration for some players, feeling like it adds unnecessary monetization to the experience.
7. DLC and Expansion Packs:
   • While expansions and DLCs have added new content, some players feel that significant parts of the game (like additional factions and units) are locked behind paid content, which can be frustrating for those who want a complete experience right away.

Conclusion:

Company of Heroes 2 is a solid RTS with a gripping story, tactical depth, and stunning visuals. While its multiplayer mode and dynamic environments are big draws, the steep learning curve, AI issues, and controversial narrative representation can detract from the overall experience. For fans of the genre, it’s definitely worth playing, but newcomers may find it challenging.