Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2 feels much like playing the same game we’ve played all those years back. Apart from that, it honestly doesn’t offer any changes to a familiar formula.

Company of Heroes 2 would be a singular kind of RTS, if the previous game didn’t exist. While Company of Heroes had its own host of practical issues that Company of Heroes 2 looks to fix — matchmaking and server stability among them — it’s difficult to see how the sequel makes enough forward progress. Company of Heroes 2 is a good game, and a great, unique multiplayer experience. But the most frustrating thing about Company of Heroes 2 is how disinterested it appears to be in showing players exactly what it does best.

Company of Heroes 2 doesn't really reinvent its own formula; but it clearly enriches it with several new layers of micro-management. It's a hell of a rich RTS game, but one that doesn't really take care of newcomers; if you were a fan of the original, you'll probably love this sequel, if you're new to the series, well, brace yourself, you'll have to learn the hard way.

Company of Heroes 2 has its number two in the title somewhat wrongfully. This is not a sequel in its true meaning because it does not guide the series to a new way. This is only an enhancement enriching it with a few trifles and one new playable nation. Once again, it is the strongest in its multiplayer game. If Relic continues to deliver its usual expansion packs, the CoH 2 game is going to be better and better.

It was a great game in 2006, it's remained a great game since, and now this sequel is roughly more of the same. But after seven years and with a $60 asking price, I'm also left asking, "Is this all there is?" It's the Eastern Front, after all. It seems like there should be more to it.

Hopefully COH2 gets a ton of post-release support, as it really needs it. The technical aspects are lacking, and the graphics are nowhere close to justifying the hardware requirements. But if you turn down the bells and whistles and push through the opening tedium of the campaign, and you’ll find an engrossing and entertaining strategy game.

A disappointing sequel in many ways but as a refinement of one of the best real-time strategies of all-time this is still an enjoyably cinematic experience.

Attempting to explore the Eastern Front thematically proves misjudged, while persistent unit stupidity is wearing thin after seven years and four games. Counteracting that are the core mechanics, which are as enjoyable as ever, and there are smart new missions to test series veterans. It’s not a glorious revolution, then, but COH2 is a solid continuation of the finest WWII RTS around.