Company of Heroes 3 marks the highly anticipated return of the critically acclaimed real-time strategy franchise to consoles. Developed by Relic Entertainment and adapted for consoles with care, Company of Heroes 3 offers an immersive World War II experience packed with tactical depth, stunning visuals, and gripping gameplay. I’ll be upfront in saying I’ve never experience a tactical strategy franchise on console up until this point, as I always assumed it was necessary to have a mouse and keyboard to really experience everything this genre have game has to offer, but I must admit – I was pleasantly surprised.
Company of Heroes 3 offers a robust and deep gameplay experience that shines on consoles. The controls have been carefully adapted for controllers, providing an intuitive and smooth interface that makes commanding troops feel natural. The tactical depth of the game remains intact, allowing players to strategize and execute complex maneuvers with ease.
Commanding units feels dynamic and responsive, with a wide range of options at your disposal. From infantry squads to armoured divisions, each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, requiring players to carefully consider their composition and positioning. The game rewards smart decision-making, emphasizing the importance of flanking, cover, and combined arms tactics. It strikes a balance between accessibility for newcomers and satisfying depth for seasoned strategy enthusiasts.
The game’s replayability is bolstered by its extensive customization options. The ability to modify loadouts, unlock new units, and upgrade abilities adds depth to the gameplay and encourages experimentation. Furthermore, the inclusion of a powerful map editor allows the community to create and share their own scenarios, adding infinite possibilities and longevity to the game.
The single-player campaign in Company of Heroes 3 is a gripping narrative experience that spans across the major theatres of World War II. The storyline is well-crafted, featuring memorable characters and intense missions that showcase the horrors and heroism of war. The campaign’s diversity, as players command different factions, provides a fresh perspective and ensures a varied gameplay experience.
To heighten this, Company of Heroes 3 delivers an incredibly engaging (and competitive) multiplayer and co-op experience, allowing players to test their tactical skills against friends or online opponents. The matchmaking system works seamlessly, and the variety of game modes and maps ensures there is always a new challenge to conquer. Co-op mode is a standout feature, enabling players to team up with a friend and tackle missions together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork (or in the case of playing with me – a constant reminder of my ADHD).
Visually, Company of Heroes 3 sets a new benchmark for console strategy games. The attention to detail in the environments is outstanding, bringing the war-torn landscapes of World War II to life. From lush European countrysides to war-ravaged towns, the game’s graphics provide an immersive and authentic experience. The level of visual fidelity on consoles is impressive, showcasing Relic Entertainment’s commitment to delivering a stunning experience.
On PS5, Company of Heroes 3 performs admirably. The game runs smoothly, maintaining a steady frame rate even during intense battles. The optimization is commendable, as it allows for large-scale battles without sacrificing performance. However, occasional minor glitches and AI quirks detract slightly from an otherwise polished experience, and were never game-breaking or all too noticeable in my experiences.
Overall, Company of Heroes 3 (Console Edition) is a triumph, successfully bringing the depth and excitement of the critically acclaimed franchise to console players. The immersive visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and gripping single-player campaign make it a standout title in the real-time strategy genre. With robust multiplayer options and extensive customization, the game offers immense replayability and hours of strategic warfare. Despite minor technical hiccups, Company of Heroes 3 is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike, showcasing Relic Entertainment’s prowess in delivering an unforgettable World War II experience
