COMPANY OF HEROES 2: THE BRITISH FORCES (2015)

Of course, when the German troops get to their end game and are able to pump out a large number of tanks, it can be rather difficult for the British – and other allies, it must be said – to keep up, regardless of what has been built. To this end the basic infantry unit can dig a quick trench for cover, and dropping a machine gun unit will be very effective at closing down an infantry assault, while the engineers create mortar emplacements and other support structures behind them to rain down fire from above or give you a forward point to retreat to. As you capture a key position in multiplayer or skirmish, you’ll ideally want to strengthen it with various emplacements. It certainly feels as though the more defensive style of play is the better fit for this army, which has more natural defensive abilities than attacking.

The former is perhaps more oriented to the daring infantry-led assault with light vehicles backing it up, the latter on maintaining a strong front line defence. The Commando, for example, lets you send commands behind enemy lines with a glider or can let you call in a smoke barrage that obscures your advance, while the Special Weapons Regiment can call in a special tank hunting unit, a halftrack from which weapons and unit reinforcements can be deployed and more. The various commanders you can choose from during a battle – you pick three to take in with you, and choose one as you see the battle unfolding – can also have a major impact on how your army plays, with the abilities they unlock giving you a lot of options and flexibility.

COMPANY OF HEROES 2: THE BRITISH FORCES (2015)