A refreshing, original change in RTS gameplay.
Graphics-Gameplay and originality may make or break the game, but some eye candy never hurt anyone, and CoH brings it in in bucket loads. Even run on the lower settings the detail is impressive, with soldiers moving through cover, changing vantage points in buildings, keeping their heads down out in the open, its all here. On the higher settings be prepared for a feast of excellent detail, with animations smoothly done and models looking impressive to say the least.
Sound- Quite possibly the weakest point of the game, but only because everything else is so great. The sound is actually excellent, with tanks rumbling across open ground and the yells of soldiers fighting filling the battlefield with an ambience of cinematic preportions. An excellent element of the game, if somewhat overshadowed by the graphics and gameplay.
Gameplay- The big decider for any game, and I am glad to say that CoH delivers. With a new, innovative combat system focused more on managing your troops and less on getting a build order perfect, it brings a welcome wave of originality. The cover system forces you to think your maneuvers through, instead of blindly rushing, and as you progress, you will find yourself using new tactics like artillery, defensive plays, offensive plays, *shock* FLANKING and using your troops to fulfil anti-tank, anti-infantry or multi purpose roles. This new strategic depth is an excellent addition to the game, and even though a build order must be at least worked upon in order to succeed online, its not the end all like it has almost been in other games. Value- Although it offers the staple fare of a RTS game, the campaign is lengthy and challenging (although the distinct lack of an Axis campaign stands out) but what really gives this game its value is its dynamic ai, and especially the multiplayer. The AI is quite impressive, with games often changing as you change tactics and so does the AI. However, the real beef of the game comes from the challenge of other players on the multiplayer.
To sum up, CoH is a new, welcome change to a almost crowded RPG market, and succeeds in standing out with original gameplay, fast paced action and a great fun factor that just draws you back in.