Company of Heroes (2021) Board Game

Company of Heroes is a popular real-time strategy video game that was first released in in 2021. The game was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. It is set during World War II and has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics and realistic portrayal of warfare. In 2021, Bad Crow Games released a board game adaptation of Company of Heroes, allowing players to experience the intense battles of the video game in a physical format.

Game Components of Company of Heroes

Units and Factions: Players maneuver units from five unique factions, including the US and Wehrmacht, to secure resource points and grow their economy.

Maps and Boards: Multiple double-sided, enormous maps that transform the battlefield with building models, control point capture flags, and field defenses.

Resource Management: Fuel, munitions, and manpower resources are used to purchase and upgrade units.

Commanders and Buildings: Unique commanders with special abilities and production buildings that unlock new units and upgrades.

Dice and Action Cubes: Numerous dice and action cubes for tracking actions, experience, and upgrading units.

Terrain Pack: Includes models like the Cathedral, bunkers, and destroyed buildings to enhance the battlefield.

How To Setup Company of Heroes

Setup is relatively smooth, involving the placement of two infantry units on the board. All victory points and resources are pre-printed, allowing players to start the game quickly. The game includes full plastic trays with lids for each faction, making it easy to distribute components to players[5′.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Collection: Secure fuel, munitions, and manpower resources to purchase and upgrade units.

Unit Maneuvering: Move units around the map to capture specific hexes that generate victory points and resources.

Building and Upgrading: Unlock production buildings and upgrade units using resources.

Commander Abilities: Utilize unique commander-specific abilities and units to specialize in different battle strategies.

Action Cubes: Use three action cubes per turn, alternating between players until nine cubes are spent, marking the end of a round.

Player Experience

The game offers a blend of tactical skirmish gameplay and economy-based resource management. Players enjoy constant decision-making on unit placements, resource allocation, and upgrading units without being bogged down by complex calculations or long wait times between turns. The game is praised for its smooth setup and streamlined gameplay, making it accessible even for those who did not play the video game series.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple maps, factions, and commander abilities provide extensive replay value.

Engaging Gameplay: A mix of tactical maneuvering and resource management keeps players engaged throughout the game.

Excellent Components: High-quality models, maps, and trays enhance the gaming experience.

Balanced Mechanics: Well-balanced gameplay ensures close matches, although occasional blowouts can occur due to strategic decisions.

Cons

Cost and Physical Toil: The game is costly in terms of money and physical space required for the components.

Progression System: The building progression is linear, with some players finding it less dynamic compared to branching systems.

Late-Game Unit Deployment: Players often do not get to field their best units until late in the game, which can be a minor issue.

Personal Thoughts on Company of Heroes

**Company of Heroes** is ideal for fans of strategy board games, tactical miniatures games, and World War II themes. It stands on its own merits, even for players unfamiliar with the video game series. The game’s unique blend of resource management and tactical maneuvering makes it a compelling choice for those looking for a medium-complexity WWII strategy game. While it may not be groundbreaking, it is a well-crafted game that translates the video game experience successfully onto the tabletop.

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