Company of Heroes 3
" Tactical action-strategy with deep combat and immersive sound but persistent multiplayer balance issues "
Company of Heroes 3 Review
Company of Heroes 3 is a divisive entry in the beloved RTS franchise, eliciting mixed reactions from its large player base. The game retains the core tactical combat and dynamic battlefield experience fans expect, with improvements like the Tactical Pause system and destructible environments enhancing gameplay.
However, many players criticize the game’s launch state, citing numerous bugs, balance issues, and a fragmented content rollout heavily reliant on paid DLCs. The new battlegroup system replacing COH2's commanders is seen by some as a step backward, lacking depth and flexibility. Multiplayer balance, especially the perceived favoritism toward Allied factions, remains a major sticking point. The single-player campaigns receive mixed feedback, with the Italian campaign praised for its design, while the turn-based dynamic campaign and North African operations feel uneven.
Graphically, COH3 is competent but not groundbreaking, with some players disliking the art style and UI polish. Despite its flaws, ongoing developer support and patches have improved the experience, making it more enjoyable than at launch but still leaving room for growth.
Highlights
Players praise the tactical depth and fluid combat mechanics, including cover-based firefights and destructible environments that add realism. The Tactical Pause feature is highlighted as a valuable addition for strategic play.
The Italian campaign is frequently mentioned as a well-crafted and engaging experience. Sound design and voice acting receive positive notes for enhancing immersion. Multiplayer remains tense and competitive with unique factions and maps.
Many appreciate the game’s potential and ongoing updates, recognizing it as a solid RTS that improves with each patch.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on persistent balance problems, especially the Allied factions’ overpowering advantage over Axis, leading to frustrating multiplayer matches. The battlegroup system is seen as less satisfying compared to previous games.
Players report a lack of content and polish at launch, with the game feeling incomplete and reliant on expensive DLCs. The single-player dynamic campaign’s pacing and AI are considered underdeveloped, and the turn-based elements unpopular.
Graphical inconsistencies, UI clunkiness, matchmaking issues, and lingering bugs also detract from the overall experience, with some calling the game a downgrade from COH2 in several respects.
Pros
- • Tactical combat with cover and flanking adds strategic depth to battles.
- • Tactical Pause system enhances single-player strategic control.
- • Italian campaign praised for engaging and well-designed missions.
- • Sound design and voice acting create immersive battlefield atmosphere.
- • Four unique factions with distinct playstyles and battlegroups.
- • Destructible environments increase realism and tactical options.
- • Multiplayer remains competitive and tense with varied maps.
Cons
- • Persistent multiplayer balance issues favor Allied factions heavily.
- • Battlegroup system lacks depth compared to previous commander system.
- • Game launched with numerous bugs and technical problems.
- • Content feels sparse and fragmented, requiring costly DLC purchases.
- • Single-player dynamic campaign pacing and AI are underwhelming.
- • Turn-based campaign elements unpopular and disrupt series feel.
- • Graphical art style inconsistent and UI lacks polish.
Rating Criteria
Company of Heroes 3 combines heart-pounding combat with deeper strategic choices in a stunning Mediterranean theatre of war. In Company of Heroes 3, every battle tells a story...what's yours?
