In a surprise twist, the Company of Heroes Collection brings the acclaimed PC real-time strategy classic that is Company of Heroes to the Nintendo Switch, delivering an experience that, despite some small nuances, proves to be an engaging tactical endeavor and a great portable RTS experience.
Taking place against the backdrop of World War II, the game’s narrative holds nothing back in depicting the brutal realities of warfare, setting the stage for the demanding, strategic gameplay that follows. PC gamers will be quick to remind you that you can’t jump in as easily as you can in games like Command & Conquer. The Normandy Beach invasion, depicted in Company of Heroes in all its brutality, serves as a stark reminder of the harshness of the war – especially if you haven’t gotten comfortable with the gameplay mechanics here.
The visuals, while not on par with today’s games (like the recent sequel), adequately convey the wartime atmosphere. Character models in cutscenes may appear somewhat crude, yet maintain fluidity during the intense combat missions. Running smoothly at 30fps, the maps maintain a commendable level of detail, although a slight dip in quality is noticeable in handheld mode.
The essence of Company of Heroes has always been in its tactical depth. Navigating units across the battlefield and choosing when and where to deploy them has a big impact on the outcome of the battle. Each decision carries weight, emphasizing the importance of strategic foresight. While the learning curve for controls on the Switch is apparent, especially for newcomers, it eventually becomes second nature, allowing for satisfying maneuvers like pincer attacks on enemy positions.
The conversion to the Switch is commendable on a technical level, considering the limitations of a joystick compared to a mouse. The option to pause and issue commands adds an extra layer of strategic depth, and the campaign offers a diverse range of challenges, from defending against air attacks to safeguarding allied units from enemy fire. Maps are thoughtfully designed, and the AI presents a commendable challenge, countering your own offensives with clever counter-attacks.
The Company of Heroes Collection on the Switch encompasses the base game along with the expansions Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor, offering a wealth of content. The absence of multiplayer at launch is a notable drawback, leaving veterans yearning for this key feature. However, it’s scheduled for a post-launch patch, and once implemented it has the potential to elevate this one to be even better and have more lasting appeal.
Despite the omission of multiplayer, the single-player campaigns should provide players with approximately 30 hours of gameplay, with Skirmish mode extending the replayability even more. The absence of online play may be keenly felt to those who enjoy it, but Company of Heroes Collection is still a fantastic package at its price point, and well worth the investment for RTS enthusiasts.
In summary, Company of Heroes Collection successfully translates the RTS classic to the Nintendo Switch, offering an engaging and challenging tactical experience. The absence of multiplayer at launch is a shame, but the robust single-player content, thoughtful map design, and refined controls make it a must-play for strategy fans.
Score: 8.2/10
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