Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Relic Entertainment
- Publishers: Sega
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault: A Harrowing Journey into the Heart of ‘The Battle of the Bulge’
Introduction:
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault is a standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes 2. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega, Ardennes Assault transports players to the heart of one of the most pivotal battles of World War II – the Battle of the Bulge. This harrowing campaign places you in command of American forces as they fight against the relentless German onslaught in the snowy forests of the Ardennes.
Gameplay:
Ardennes Assault introduces a new single-player campaign that follows the desperate struggle of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division as they attempt to hold back the German advance. Players will command a variety of units, including infantry, tanks, and artillery, as they fight across a diverse range of snowy landscapes.
The gameplay in Ardennes Assault is classic Company of Heroes 2, with a focus on tactical squad-based combat and resource management. However, the expansion also introduces several new features and improvements, such as:
- New Units and Abilities: Ardennes Assault adds several new units to the game, including the American paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division, the German Fallschirmjäger paratroopers, and the Jagdpanther tank destroyer. Each unit has its own unique abilities and strengths, allowing for a wide range of tactical possibilities.
- Dynamic Weather System: The weather system in Ardennes Assault is a major factor in gameplay. Snowstorms can reduce visibility and slow down unit movement, while clear weather provides better视野 and allows for more effective long-range attacks. Players must adapt their tactics to the changing conditions in order to succeed.
- Improved AI: The AI in Ardennes Assault has been significantly improved, providing players with a more challenging and rewarding experience. Enemy units will now flank your positions, use cover more effectively, and respond to your actions in a more realistic way.
Setting and Story:
Ardennes Assault is set during the Battle of the Bulge, which took place in the Ardennes Forest on the Western Front in December 1944. The battle was one of the largest and bloodiest of World War II, and it resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
The single-player campaign in Ardennes Assault follows the story of Captain Robert Foley and his men as they fight their way through the German lines. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of memorable characters and face impossible odds as they struggle to survive the horrors of war.
Historical Authenticity:
Relic Entertainment has gone to great lengths to ensure that Ardennes Assault is as historically accurate as possible. The game features authentic uniforms, weapons, and vehicles, and the campaign is based on real-world events. The developers have also consulted with historians to ensure that the game accurately portrays the Battle of the Bulge.
Conclusion:
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault is a superb expansion to an already excellent game. The new campaign is gripping and intense, the new units and abilities add depth to the gameplay, and the improved AI provides a challenging and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a fan of Company of Heroes 2 or a newcomer to the series, Ardennes Assault is a must-play.
Score:
9/10
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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