While I understand wanting to keep a classic and linear campaign that’s traditional to RTS games to cater to those that prefer it, this method is dated. If this had been the only single-player campaign included, it would have been disappointing, but it’s the other campaign that truly stands out. The authored narrative that’s portrayed through cutscenes is solid to get the idea of the perspective of war.

This focuses on the Axis-side of the war with two different factions: Deutsches Afrika Korps and the Wehrmacht. These are desert environments that will benefit more vehicles as opposed to infantry. The story being in early 1942 as players will participate in historical battle moments that includes Aldabiya, Gazala and Tobruk. The North African Operation is a traditional-style campaign with linear missions, but Relic has included a narrative with this campaign.

The game focuses on two areas of battle during World War II: Italy and North Africa. There aren’t many (if any) real-time strategy games that offer two separate campaigns in the way that Relic has introduced with Company of Heroes 3. While there’s a certain dated-feeling aspect to the latest iteration, there’s plenty here to keep players busy with deeper gameplay and subtle touches that’ll be appreciated by the community.

The core ideas are the same for the gameplay as capturing victory points in matches for resources is what is needed to develop and expand one’s base. Relic Entertainment took on the franchise with Company of Heroes 3 and went with heavy community input on the direction of the game. This beloved World War 2 real-time strategy franchise has always had its large core audience due to its big changes to gameplay that weren’t seen in the genre at its initial release. The Company of Heroes franchise dates back nearly seventeen years, yet has only seen two releases.

Company of heros board game