Three Stories in One Game
Since the beginning of the Company of Heroes franchise, the stories that it has told have been born of the game's unique and engaging RTS experience. Focused on historically based, intense, small-scale WWII combat rather than the mega battles set in sci-fi or fantasy game worlds that are common to most RTS games, this allows players to experience both the fruits and follies of their battlefield decisions on an intimate level as they truly become part of the story. This approach to storytelling is taken even further in three separate single player campaigns built into Tales of Valor . Set during the historical battles following the Allied invasion of Europe on D-Day, these three -- Tiger Ace, Causeway and Falaise Pocket -- illustrate the struggles of both individual German and Allied squads from both the perspective of tank commanders and crew and field soldiers. Each campaign contains three missions, allowing players to immerse themselves in the gameplay and get to know their squadmates.
New Multiplayer Vehicles and Modes
In addition to its single player campaigns,
Company Of Heroes Tales Of Valor also features significant new multiplayer functionality. The first example of this are the variety of vehicles that players will have access to in multiplayer modes. These include, but are not limited to, the 'Schwimmwagon' an German amphibious vehicle used for reconnaissance missions and enemy troop harassment; the Hellcat, a sturdy Allied plane valuable in battling tanks from above; and the Kangaroo, a heavily armored, British troop carrier. The game also contains three new multiplayer modes which utilize both Allied and Axis forces. 'Stonewall' mode is a co-op mode where players work together to fend off invasion as they struggle to keep a town from falling under enemy control. 'Assault' mode challenges players to push the limits of the front line as they choose a unit, battle opposing enemy units and attempt to destroy the opposition's headquarters. And finally, 'Panzerkrieg' is an all out arcade style tank battle where every unit is out for itself.
Direct Fire Control
As an extension of Company of Heroes' focus on small-scale, but intense combat, Tales of Valor features a new optional targeting system known as 'Direct Fire.' Through this players can target exact spots on tanks or other vehicles, specific areas of the battlefield or even individual soldiers within a unit. This ultra specific targeting system allows players to get even closer to the action than in previous games, yet is toggle based, making it is easy for players to return to standard firing as you choose. 'Direct Fire' is available in all single player campaigns, as well as the 'Panzerkrieg' multiplayer mode.
