Video game publisher THQ announced today that its World War II real-time strategy game Company of Heroes has been released to manufacturing and is due to hit store shelves on September 14, 2006.
Developed by Relic Entertainment, the game utilizes Relic’s proprietary Essence Engine to create stunning visuals, completely destructible environments, and what the company describes as some of the most realistic artificial intelligence available. (Funny how it’s a good thing for intelligence to be realistically artificial!) The game follows the members of Able Company as they fight their way across Europe in the closing days of World War II. Company of Heroes supports two to eight players via LAN or the Internet, and players can choose to play as either Allied or Axis powers, each with their own weapons, vehicles, and “commander trees.” (Watch out for those big, nasty trees.) A version of the game is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in the third quarter of 2006.
“Based on early critical feedback, we’re confident Company of Heroes raises the standard for the RTS genre, bringing an incredible combination of realism, action and authenticity to a strategy game,” said Tarrnie Williams Relic’s general manager. “We’ve captured the essence of real soldiers, real battlefields and real war, providing gamers with an unprecedented game-play experience. Reaching the gold milestone is a huge accomplishment for an incredibly innovative team that has truly delivered on its vision.”
Company of Heroes will carry a suggested price of $49.99, requires Windows XP, and is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.
