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Company of Heroes 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Company of Heroes 3
Item: Company of Heroes 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 23, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperRelic Entertainment

Overview

The legendary strategy franchise is back! Company of Heroes 3 is the ultimate package of action, tactics and strategy. Take charge in the heat of real-time battle, then command as a General guiding the overall campaign where every decision matters. Overwhelm your opponents with new and familiar factions, units, and international Battlegroups. Command ground, air and naval forces and build supply lines to crush enemy advances on the new Dynamic Campaign Map - no two playthroughs are ever alike! Play at your own pace across campaign and skirmish modes before diving into blistering multiplayer action. Discover the untold stories of a stunning Mediterranean theatre, featuring next generation destructible environments, all powered by Relic's proprietary Essence Engine.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The storytelling in Company of Heroes 3 has received mixed reviews from critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the immersive voice acting, compelling storytelling from different perspectives, and the emotional weight of World War II depicted successfully. Critics like CGMagazine and Impulsegamer appreciated the game's exploration of the cruelty of war and the inclusion of letters from soldiers sharing their victories and defeats. Additionally, Pure Xbox praised the mix of old-school Company of Heroes gameplay with a strong narrative, including the controversial decision to have players control Erwin Rommel in North Africa. On the other hand, negative feedback regarding the story of Company of Heroes 3 includes criticisms of disconnected cutscenes from gameplay, pacing issues, and a lack of historical context. Shacknews and Digitally Downloaded expressed concerns about the game's failure to effectively address the war, with Shacknews specifically mentioning the shallow narrative style and lack of historical context, especially regarding the Jewish experience in North Africa during World War II. Metro GameCentral found the main story campaign to be dull and lacking genuinely new ideas, while PC Gamer noted that while the game attempted to balance playing as historical villains with telling less well-known stories, the storytelling ultimately lacked impact. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Company of Heroes 3 is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the variety, twists, and challenging combat scenarios offered by the story, others found issues with disconnected storytelling elements, lack of historical depth, and pacing problems. The game seems to excel in capturing the emotional weight of war and offering unique gameplay experiences, but it falls short in fully immersing players in the historical context and delivering a cohesive narrative that resonates with the war setting. Critics like GAMES.CH and TheXboxHub praised the enjoyable and varied story, while others like Screen Rant and New Game Network pointed out shortcomings in storytelling execution. Ultimately, Company of Heroes 3's story seems to have strengths and weaknesses that cater to different preferences among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the storytelling in Company of Heroes 3. Positive points include immersive voice acting, diverse perspectives, and emotional depth of World War II. Some praised the exploration of war's cruelty and soldiers' letters, while others critiqued disconnected cutscenes, pacing, and lack of historical context. While some appreciated the unique gameplay experiences and twists, others found the narrative dull and lacking impact. Overall, Company of Heroes 3's story has strengths and weaknesses that cater to various preferences among players and critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Company of Heroes 3 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its excellence. Critics such as Movies Games and Tech, Gamer.nl, and Eurogamer Poland praise the tactical depth, cover system, and strategic essence of the gameplay, emphasizing the importance of unit positioning, weaponizing, and map control. The introduction of new mechanics like active pause, diverse factions with unique characteristics, and engaging tactical battles in both single-player and multiplayer modes, as noted by IGN Adria and Eurogamer Germany, further enhance the gameplay experience. The ability to plan moves in advance, immersive battles, and the inclusion of strategic elements like base building and territory capture, as mentioned by Cultured Vultures and Push Square, add layers of complexity and enjoyment to the gameplay. On the flip side, Worth Playing stands out as a critic who points out flaws in the gameplay of Company of Heroes 3, citing issues such as game-breaking bugs, nonsensical UI decisions, and balance problems. SpazioGames also notes struggles with unit selection and pathfinding issues, which may hinder the overall experience for some players. Additionally, GRYOnline.pl mentions the absence of certain features like tanks running over infantry, which could impact the realism and immersion of the gameplay. While these criticisms are valid and important to consider, they seem to be in the minority compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of reviewers who found the gameplay to be engaging, strategic, and well-implemented. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Company of Heroes 3 delivers a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience that stays true to the series while introducing innovative mechanics and strategic depth. The game's blend of real-time tactical battles, turn-based elements, diverse missions, and faction specialties, as highlighted by various critics such as Meristation and Shacknews, offers a balanced and engaging gameplay experience. The positive mentions of intense strategy, map design, dynamic campaigns, and the tactical pause feature indicate a high level of satisfaction and enjoyment from the gaming community. Despite a few criticisms regarding technical issues and missing features, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Company of Heroes 3 remains overwhelmingly positive, making it a standout title in the real-time strategy genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Company of Heroes 3's gameplay shines with tactical depth, strategic essence, and engaging battles praised by critics like Movies Games and Tech, Gamer.nl, and Eurogamer Poland. New mechanics, diverse factions, and immersive experiences in single-player and multiplayer modes earn accolades from IGN Adria and Eurogamer Germany. While Worth Playing points out some flaws like bugs and UI issues, the majority laud the game's complexity and enjoyment. Overall, critics agree that Company of Heroes 3 offers a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience with innovative mechanics and strategic depth, solidifying its position as a standout title in the real-time strategy genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Company of Heroes 3 have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its detailed environments, impressive destruction effects, and visually stunning landscapes. Critics like CGMagazine and Pure Xbox highlighted the beautifully detailed maps and visually impressive elements, such as destructible environments and detailed vehicles. Gamereactor UK also appreciated the atmospheric graphics in villages and the engaging animations like breaching houses, enhancing the overall visual experience. The game's ability to showcase different terrains, from snow-covered towns to deserts and oasis-like city squares, was noted by CGMagazine, adding variety and visual appeal to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out various shortcomings in the graphics department of Company of Heroes 3. PlayStation Universe and Screen Rant mentioned issues with blurry textures, fluctuating framerates, and lack of polish in textures and shadows. Gamereactor UK criticized the strategic map for being simple and not very visually appealing. Eurogamer Poland and Finger Guns highlighted concerns about visuals feeling last generation, lack of depth and detail, and art style that may not appeal to everyone. These criticisms suggest that while the game has its visual strengths, there are areas where improvements could be made to enhance the overall graphical experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Company of Heroes 3 leans towards a positive reception with some room for improvement. While the game impresses with its detailed environments, destruction effects, and immersive historical settings, there are notable drawbacks like blurry textures, fluctuating framerates, and lack of visual polish in certain areas. Critics like PC Gamer and Vandal appreciated the exceptional destruction effects and detailed units, while others like Eurogamer Poland and Finger Guns raised concerns about the visuals feeling dated. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the game's strengths in delivering a visually engaging World War II strategy experience, albeit with some areas that could be refined in future updates.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed feelings about the graphics in Company of Heroes 3. Some praise its detailed environments and stunning landscapes, while others criticize blurry textures and fluctuating framerates. Overall, the game impresses with its destruction effects and historical settings, but there is room for improvement in certain areas.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Company of Heroes 3 have garnered praise from several critics for various aspects. CGMagazine commends the impressive sound design, noting the minute detail in every sound, outstanding voice acting, and characters portrayed with weight and emotion. Player 2 also highlights the immersive audio design, mentioning hilariously dark-humored squad banter, booming explosions, and panicked calls for help. Additionally, Cultured Vultures and Softpedia appreciate the phenomenal soundtrack that adds to the immersive experience, with Softpedia specifically mentioning how the music emphasizes narrative beats and the grandeur of engagements. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Company of Heroes 3. PlayStation Universe criticizes the voice acting as cringeworthy, mentioning that units sound too cheerful given the warzone setting. Gamereactor UK, in their PC playthrough, notes that the background music can be repetitive at times, with a limited selection of suspenseful tunes, which may detract from the overall experience. Pocket-lint also criticizes the music for being overly bombastic and overblown at times, suggesting that it might not always complement the gameplay effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Company of Heroes 3. Critics like Push Square and COGconnected praise the exemplary sound design and terrific sounds of the battlefield, respectively. TheXboxHub specifically mentions the rousing war music score. While there are some criticisms, such as those from PlayStation Universe and Gamereactor UK regarding voice acting and music repetition, the majority of critics appreciate the immersive audio elements that enhance the gameplay experience. The diverse range of sounds and fitting music, as noted by Vandal, further contribute to enhancing the overall gaming experience, making Company of Heroes 3 a standout title in terms of its audio design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Company of Heroes 3's detailed sound design, outstanding voice acting, and immersive music, while some point out flaws like cringeworthy voiceovers and repetitive background music. Overall, the game's audio elements enhance the gameplay experience, with most critics praising its immersive qualities and diverse range of sounds.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Company of Heroes 3 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from multiple critics. TheXboxHub commends the voiceover as brilliant, full of character, and superbly acted throughout, setting a high standard for the game. Checkpoint Gaming also highlights the emotive and realistic voice acting that adds to the immersive atmosphere of the game, enhancing the player's experience. Gamer.nl appreciates how the voice acting adds personality to the units, making them more than just numbers in the army, showcasing the depth and attention to detail in the character portrayals. While the majority of critics praise the voice acting in Company of Heroes 3, there is a lack of negative feedback regarding this aspect of the game. No critic explicitly mentions any issues or drawbacks related to the voice acting, indicating a consensus among reviewers that this element of the game was well-executed and successful in enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Company of Heroes 3. CGMagazine notes that the voice acting in the campaign was immersive and not over-the-top, suggesting a balanced and well-integrated approach to character portrayals. COGconnected describes the dialogue and acting as well-written and engaging, emphasizing the quality of the voice performances in enhancing the narrative and player engagement. Movies Games and Tech's praise for the voice acting and dialogue further solidifies the positive reception of this aspect of the game. In conclusion, the voice acting in Company of Heroes 3 is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the immersive and engaging nature of the game, garnering widespread acclaim from critics across different platforms.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Company of Heroes 3, citing it as immersive, realistic, and enhancing the gameplay experience. No negative feedback was found, indicating a well-executed and successful portrayal of characters. The voice acting adds depth and personality to units, setting a high standard for the game and contributing significantly to its immersive and engaging nature.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Company of Heroes 3 on the PS5 seems to have garnered positive feedback from several critics. God is a Geek mentions that the PS5 version is stable with fewer technical issues compared to the PC version. Impulsegamer highlights that the game on PS5 is relatively bug-free, with consistent framerates even during intense moments. MeuPlayStation also praises the smooth performance on PS5 without any reported performance issues or crashes. Eurogamer Germany notes that the performance mode on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 is stable, even in larger battles. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out technical issues on different gaming platforms. Push Square mentions technical hiccups on the PS5 version, including unstable shadows and frame drops. Pure Xbox reports performance issues on Xbox Series X, with stuttering problems in quality mode and visual artifacts in performance mode. Finger Guns notes decent performance on PC but highlights issues with visuals and art style. Eurogamer Poland and GamingTrend mention frame rate drops and AI pathfinding problems on the PC version, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while the PS5 version of Company of Heroes 3 seems to offer a stable and smooth performance according to critics like Impulsegamer and MeuPlayStation, there are still technical issues present on both the Xbox Series X and PC platforms. Critics like Push Square and Eurogamer Poland have pointed out specific issues such as frame rate drops, AI problems, and pathfinding issues that affect the gameplay experience. Despite some positive feedback on performance from critics like Vandal and PC Gamer, the consensus among reviewers suggests that technical issues, including bugs, glitches, and AI problems, persist across different gaming platforms, impacting the overall enjoyment of Company of Heroes 3. Additional patches and updates may be necessary to address these concerns and enhance the technical performance of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise stable performance of Company of Heroes 3 on PS5, with minimal technical issues. However, Xbox Series X and PC versions face various problems like frame rate drops and AI issues. Despite some positive feedback, overall consensus highlights persistent technical issues impacting gameplay enjoyment across platforms. Updates needed to address concerns and improve performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

49%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Company of Heroes 3 is widely praised by critics, with many highlighting the diverse gameplay options that contribute to its longevity. Critics such as Gamereactor UK and MeuPlayStation appreciate the multiple campaigns, skirmish mode, and competitive multiplayer, providing players with hours of gameplay and unpredictable battles. Player 2 and Pure Xbox commend the customisable company skill trees, diverse tactical options, and deep Co-Op and PvP online play, enhancing the replayability of the game. Additionally, Cultured Vultures and Gamer.nl mention the distinct factions, engaging campaigns, and varied map designs that cater to both veteran and new players, adding to the overall replay value. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks that may impact the Replay Value of Company of Heroes 3. CGMagazine notes that the AI in skirmish mode lacks proper difficulty ramping, which can lead to frustrations impacting replayability. Finger Guns mentions that while the game has a solid foundation, it may feel tedious in certain aspects, and GameSpew expresses concerns about the game feeling too similar to previous entries, potentially diminishing its replay value. Vandal also highlights AI issues that detract from the experience, which could hinder the overall enjoyment and replayability of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Company of Heroes 3 offers substantial replay value through its diverse gameplay modes, deep strategic options, and engaging campaigns. Critics such as Eurogamer Germany and IGN Italia praise the competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes, mod support, and various map options that enhance replayability. Despite some criticisms regarding AI challenges and lack of innovation, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's extensive content, strategic depth, and potential for long-term engagement, making it a recommended choice for fans of the genre seeking a rewarding and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Company of Heroes 3 earns high praise for its extensive replay value, offering diverse gameplay options like multiple campaigns, skirmish mode, and competitive multiplayer. Critics laud its customisable skill trees, tactical variety, and engaging Co-Op play. While some mention AI issues and lack of innovation, the game's deep strategic elements and engaging content make it a top choice for fans of the genre seeking a rewarding gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on Company of Heroes 3, it is evident that the game has received a mix of positive feedback. Critics such as Player 2 and Cultured Vultures praise the game for its solid gameplay mechanics, immersive audio design, visually stunning environments, and engaging moment-to-moment gameplay. The introduction of minor improvements while maintaining the core gameplay of the series, as highlighted by Gamer.nl, adds to the overall positive experience for fans of the franchise. Additionally, Pure Xbox commends the game for surviving the transition to consoles, offering a wealth of gameplay modes, a strong Italian campaign, and catering to console RTS fans. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks of Company of Heroes 3. Worth Playing expresses a lack of recommendation for the game over replaying previous titles in the series, indicating a sense of disappointment in the overall experience. Critics like PCGamesN and PC Gamer highlight issues with the campaign mode, with the former criticizing it for being bloated and unfinished, while the latter refers to it as a flawed experiment with a disappointing campaign. Furthermore, critics like Eurogamer Germany and CGMagazine mention occasional unit pathfinding issues and rough controls in skirmish mode as areas for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Company of Heroes 3. The game is praised for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, immersive experience, and potential for multiplayer, as noted by CGMagazine and NPR. Despite some flaws and areas for improvement, such as passive AI and minor bugs, GameWatcher acknowledges the game's success in balancing nostalgia with innovation and maintaining its reputation in the strategy genre. The game's ability to offer a compelling and immersive experience, as highlighted by CGMagazine and Wccftech, suggests that Company of Heroes 3 is a worthy addition to the series that appeals to both veterans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Company of Heroes 3, with some praising its solid gameplay mechanics, immersive audio design, and stunning visuals, while others point out drawbacks like a disappointing campaign and occasional issues with unit pathfinding. Overall, the game receives a positive reception for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and potential for multiplayer, successfully balancing nostalgia with innovation in the strategy genre.

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Reviews

112 reviews found

100

Pocket-lint

Jun 23, 2023