“Company of Heroes,” originally developed by Relic Entertainment and now brought to the Nintendo Switch by Feral Interactive, is a groundbreaking real-time strategy game that redefined the genre with its intense World War II setting and innovative gameplay. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the game immerses players in the harrowing battles of Operation Overlord and Operation Cobra, commanding U.S. military units through some of the most pivotal moments of the conflict.

The game’s introduction on the Switch platform is a testament to its enduring appeal and the versatility of the console. Players are thrust into the heart of the action, experiencing the chaos and strategy of war with a level of intimacy and immediacy that only a handheld console can provide. The game’s transition to the Switch has been seamless, retaining all the depth and complexity that made the original a classic while introducing new elements that leverage the unique capabilities of the platform.

“Company of Heroes” on the Switch offers a blend of tactical depth, historical accuracy, and immersive storytelling. The game’s strategic gameplay is both challenging and rewarding, requiring players to think critically and adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the battlefield. The game’s narrative is woven seamlessly into the gameplay, with each mission advancing the story of the U.S. military units and their journey through the war-torn landscapes of Europe.

In summary, “Company of Heroes” on the Nintendo Switch is a masterful adaptation of a classic strategy game. It offers a deep and engaging experience that combines strategic gameplay with a compelling narrative set in one of history’s most tumultuous periods. The game’s transition to the Switch platform is a triumph, bringing its unique blend of strategy and storytelling to a new generation of players.

Setting and Story

The setting of “Company of Heroes” is the war-ravaged landscapes of Europe during the Second World War. The game meticulously recreates the battlefields of Normandy and France, immersing players in the historical context of the conflict. The attention to detail in the game’s environments is remarkable, with each map offering a realistic depiction of the war’s brutality and the strategic challenges it presented.

The story of “Company of Heroes” is centered around two U.S. military units: Able Company of the 29th Infantry Division and Fox Company of the 101st Airborne Division. The narrative follows these units through key moments of the war, from the storming of Omaha Beach to the liberation of France. The game’s storytelling is grounded in historical accuracy, providing players with a sense of the real-life events and decisions that shaped the outcome of the war.

The integration of setting and story in “Company of Heroes” is seamless, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. The game’s narrative is not just a backdrop for the gameplay but an integral part of the experience. Each mission advances the story, with players’ actions on the battlefield directly impacting the course of the war. The game’s storytelling is both educational and engaging, offering a window into the complexities and sacrifices of wartime.

In conclusion, the setting and story of “Company of Heroes” are expertly crafted to create an authentic and immersive experience. The game’s historical accuracy and narrative depth add layers of realism and emotional weight to the gameplay. The combination of a richly detailed setting and a compelling story makes “Company of Heroes” a standout title in the strategy genre.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay of “Company of Heroes” is a masterclass in real-time strategy design. The game challenges players to capture strategic resource sectors, build base structures, produce new units, and outmaneuver their enemies. The strategic depth of the game is immense, with players needing to balance resource management, unit production, and tactical decision-making in real-time.

The game’s mechanics are finely tuned to create a balanced and engaging experience. The combat system is both realistic and dynamic, with each unit type having its strengths and weaknesses. Players must use terrain, cover, and unit abilities strategically to gain an advantage over their opponents. The game’s AI is challenging and adaptive, providing a worthy opponent for even the most seasoned strategy gamers.

“Company of Heroes” also introduces innovative features that set it apart from other strategy games. The game’s cover system, destructible environments, and line-of-sight mechanics add layers of complexity to the gameplay. These features not only enhance the realism of the game but also provide players with new tactical options and strategies to explore.

In summary, the gameplay and mechanics of “Company of Heroes” are a testament to the game’s design and innovation. The game offers a deep and challenging experience that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. The combination of realistic combat, resource management, and innovative gameplay features makes “Company of Heroes” a benchmark in the strategy genre.

Multiplayer and Replayability

“Company of Heroes” shines in its multiplayer mode, where players can engage in 1-8 player matches via LAN or the Internet. The game offers both Allied and Axis forces for multiplayer battles, adding variety and replayability. The multiplayer experience is intense and competitive, with players needing to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents in real-time.

The game’s replayability is further enhanced by its variety of game modes. Victory Point Control and Annihilation modes offer different objectives and strategies, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game’s maps are diverse and well-designed, providing a range of tactical challenges for players to overcome.

While the original Relic Online matchmaking system has been discontinued, the transition to Steam has maintained the game’s vibrant multiplayer community. The Steam version offers a robust online experience, with a built-in automatch and ranking system that keeps the competitive spirit of the game alive.

In conclusion, the multiplayer and replayability aspects of “Company of Heroes” are standout features. The game offers a rich and engaging multiplayer experience that keeps players coming back for more. The variety of game modes, maps, and factions ensures that each match is unique and challenging, making “Company of Heroes” a game with high replay value.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of “Company of Heroes” are a highlight, offering detailed and realistic depictions of WWII battlefields. The game’s visual presentation is impressive, with well-rendered environments, units, and effects that bring the chaos and intensity of war to life. The transition to the Switch has preserved the game’s visual fidelity, with the handheld console capably handling the game’s demanding graphics.

The sound design in “Company of Heroes” is equally remarkable. The game features authentic sound effects that enhance the realism of the battlefield. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and unit commands add to the immersion, making players feel like they are in the midst of the action. The game’s soundtrack is fitting and adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.

The integration of graphics and sound in “Company of Heroes” is seamless, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. The game’s visual and auditory presentation enhances the narrative and gameplay, making it a feast for the senses. The attention to detail in both the graphics and sound design is evident, showcasing the developers’ commitment to quality.

In conclusion, the graphics and sound of “Company of Heroes” are standout features that elevate the game to a cinematic level. The game is a visual and auditory delight, providing an immersive, enjoyable gaming experience that players will not soon forget.

Final Thoughts

“Company of Heroes” on the Nintendo Switch is a masterful adaptation of a classic strategy game. It offers a deep and engaging experience that combines strategic gameplay with a compelling narrative set in one of history’s most tumultuous periods. The game’s transition to the Switch platform is a triumph, bringing its unique blend of strategy and storytelling to a new generation of players.

The game’s setting and story are beautifully crafted, immersing players in a world rich with historical detail and narrative depth. The gameplay mechanics are finely tuned, offering a perfect balance of action, strategy, and exploration. The game’s high replay value and potential for community engagement add to its appeal.

In conclusion, “Company of Heroes” on the Nintendo Switch is a game that masterfully blends action, storytelling, and atmosphere. It offers a deep and engaging experience that will appeal to fans of strategy games and history enthusiasts alike. The game’s unique mechanics, combined with its compelling narrative and immersive setting, make it a standout title in the strategy genre.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of the Company of Heroes for the Nintendo Switch version provided by Feral Interactive.