
These dynamic environments introduce a new level of tactical consideration, and as the hecticness of combat takes over many a player are apt to forget that the enemy soldiers aren't the only threat. Soldiers trying to move in the middle of blizzards risk being snuffed out by the cold itself, and anyone traversing over a frozen lake risks a watery death should enemies rain explosives down upon them. Relic Entertainment has introduced environmental affects into combat, which all commanders must take into consideration during winter warfare. Combat and gameplay will feel and look the same at first, but it's all the under-the-hood changes and improvements which make the difference for the second title. Luckily, the UI is already very polished, and newbies will quickly grasp how to switch through units and react quickly as the shape of the battlefield changes around them. Those who played the original game will immediately be able to jump in and play, as the controls and user interface remain largely unchanged. It's very similar to the original title, but the improvements made since (and previewed at E3) allow for a more matured, fleshed-out and entertaining strategy experience. Company of Heroes 2 isn't a perfect game, but both its single and multi-player modes ultimately leave those looking for an entertaining strategy game very happy.

While the release of Company of Heroes 2didn't come as early as most predicted, Relic Entertainment has produced a polished real-time strategy title which does a great job at displaying the chaos and hazards of warfare.
