PGC NEWS

The Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre has experienced a resurgence in recent years after a period of decline. Franchises like Starcraft, Red Alert, and Stronghold faced difficulties, while even enduring series like Total War adopted cautious development strategies. However, titles like Age of Empires IV, Stronghold: Warlords, and Crusader Kings III have reignited interest in the genre. Among these, Company of Heroes 3 carries significant weight, returning after a decade-long hiatus since the second installment. This review examines whether Company of Heroes 3 lives up to expectations.

Company of Heroes 3 Gameplay

Preserving Core Values

The original Company of Heroes, released in 2006, captivated players with its detailed graphics, engaging gameplay, and compelling narrative. It was among the first RTS games to utilize in-game models for cutscenes, a significant advancement at the time. Compared to contemporaries like World in Conflict and Faces of War, Company of Heroes excelled in portraying intense battles that demanded constant tactical adjustments. Company of Heroes 3 successfully builds upon these core strengths.

Enhanced Visuals and Audio

The game boasts a significant graphical and physics upgrade. Character models, vehicles, and environments are rendered in high detail, supporting up to 4K resolution on high-end PCs. Animations are meticulously crafted, reflecting the historical accuracy of vehicles and weaponry. The impact of combat is visceral, from artillery reloading to tank crews abandoning damaged vehicles. Explosions are particularly impressive, showcasing enhanced detail and destructive power. The game also supports advanced technologies like Ray Tracing, DLSS, and FSR. The audio design is equally impressive, with high-quality sound effects that immerse players in the heart of battle. The soundtrack, composed by Tilman Sillescu and Benny Oschmann, evokes the grandeur of epic war films, enhancing the emotional impact of the game.

Company of Heroes 3 Detailed Graphics

Robust Multiplayer

Multiplayer remains a highlight, building on the strengths of the second installment while introducing new elements. Faction diversity is maintained, while balance across early, mid, and late game phases is preserved, unlike some similar titles like Iron Harvest. The development team has actively addressed balance issues through continuous patches and updates based on player feedback. This dedication makes Company of Heroes 3‘s multiplayer a compelling experience for both veterans and newcomers.

Company of Heroes 3 Destructive Environments

Room for Improvement

Despite years of development, Company of Heroes 3 falls short of some expectations, particularly in its single-player campaign. While aiming to appeal to both new and veteran players, some design choices, while ambitious, feel underdeveloped.

Campaign Design

The campaign features two theaters of war: Italy and North Africa. It blends traditional mission-based gameplay with a Total War-esque campaign map. This approach simplifies gameplay, focusing on unit management without significant base building, research, or resource management. Players are guided by commanders who influence battlefield advantages and loyalty. However, this leads to repetitive Skirmish-style battles with minimal variation. The lack of strategic depth encourages players to rely on the “Auto Resolve” feature, diminishing engagement. This experimental approach suggests the developers haven’t fully refined this new campaign structure.

Company of Heroes 3 Dynamic Soundtrack

AI and Technical Issues

The AI remains a persistent issue, plagued by pathfinding and responsiveness problems similar to previous installments. Units clipping through each other, exposing themselves to enemy fire, or getting stuck in terrain are common occurrences. While less noticeable in tightly designed missions, these flaws become glaring in the Skirmish-style battles. Additionally, the key missions in the campaign lack the intensity and challenge of previous games, catering more towards newcomers while failing to fully engage veteran players. Despite a large patch addressing over 1,000 bugs, technical issues persist, including invincible tank crews and game crashes during Skirmish mode. These issues, though seemingly minor, detract from the overall experience.

Company of Heroes 3 Campaign Map

Conclusion

Company of Heroes 3 successfully builds upon the franchise’s core strengths, delivering stunning visuals, engaging audio, and a robust multiplayer experience. However, the underdeveloped campaign, persistent AI issues, and lingering technical problems prevent it from reaching its full potential. While offering a solid foundation, Company of Heroes 3 needs further refinement to truly satisfy long-time fans.

Company of Heroes 3 Tactical Gameplay

Company of Heroes 3 AI Issues

Company of Heroes 3 Technical Glitches