Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts builds on the solid real-time strategy foundation of its predecessor by introducing two distinct and fully fleshed-out factions: the British 2nd Army and the German Panzer Elite. Each faction offers unique gameplay mechanics via dedicated command trees. The British specialize in combined-arms tactics, relying on Royal Canadian Artillery barrages, nimble Royal Commandos for stealth raids, and sturdy Royal Scottish Engineers to fortify positions and lay mines.

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On the other side, the Panzer Elite emphasize rapid maneuver warfare, fielding halftracks, mobile Panzergrenadiers, and the game-changing Bergetiger salvage unit that can reclaim wrecked Axis vehicles. Their three doctrinal options—Scorched Earth, Luftwaffe, and Tank Hunters—provide players with complementary abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Whether you’re softening enemy lines with air strikes, laying mines, or rushing forward with tank hunter teams, each tree feels deep and impactful.

The expansion’s two new single-player campaigns add fresh strategic scenarios set in the battle for Caen and Operation Market Garden. These missions introduce dynamic objectives, forcing you to adapt on the fly as front lines shift and weather changes. The improved AI not only reacts more intelligently to flanking maneuvers and artillery strikes, it also issues realistic counterattacks, pushing players to think several moves ahead in every engagement.

Multiplayer remains a highlight, with original-game owners free to choose from all four factions and Opposing Fronts–only players restricted to the British and Panzer Elite. This model mirrors the success of earlier standalone expansions and keeps matchmaking fast and balanced. Whether you prefer large-scale pushes with allied vehicles or hit-and-run assaults with commandos, the multiplayer meta feels refocused and invigorated by these additions.

Graphics

The visual leap in Opposing Fronts is immediately apparent in the expanded environmental detail and more dynamic weather system. Rainstorms, fog banks, and rolling clouds not only set the mood but also affect unit visibility and movement, adding an extra layer of tactical consideration to the battlefield. Watching artillery shells trail through smoke-choked skies lends authenticity and drama to every engagement.

Unit models are finely detailed, from the rivets on a Churchill tank to the camo patterns on Panzergrenadier uniforms. Animations have been polished to show infantry diving for cover, vehicles recoiling from impacts, and engineers frantically erecting sandbags. The salvaging Bergetiger is a standout: seeing it haul away wrecked armor piece by piece brings a remarkable sense of realism to salvage operations.

Terrain textures and destructible environments have also received attention. Buildings crumble convincingly under prolonged fire, walls fracture realistically, and trenches fill with rainwater over time. This level of environmental interactivity not only looks impressive but also affects cover and line-of-sight, reinforcing the importance of terrain in your overall strategy.

Story

While Opposing Fronts is primarily a tactical experience, its two new campaigns offer a compelling narrative framework grounded in historical battles. The British 2nd Army campaign casts you as a commander tasked with breaking through German defenses around Caen. Each mission weaves in diary entries and radio chatter that bring the tension of the Normandy hedgerows to life.

The German Panzer Elite storyline shifts perspective, putting you in the driver’s seat of a rapid-response armored force fighting to repel the Allied advance during Operation Market Garden. The campaign emphasizes the fluid nature of modern warfare, with surprise airborne landings and supply line skirmishes creating unpredictable turnarounds in momentum.

The narrative pacing is deliberate yet effective: early missions serve as tutorials for new faction mechanics, while later operations test your mastery of doctrines under pressure. Use of period-accurate voiceovers, authentic radio transmissions, and battlefield reports enriches the sense of immersion, making every victory feel earned and every setback carry weight.

Overall Experience

Opposing Fronts stands out as a must-have expansion for fans of Company of Heroes and an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series. The twin factions feel refreshingly different, ensuring that revisiting Normandy and the Low Countries never grows stale. Improved AI, dynamic weather, and expanded multiplayer options further amplify the game’s longevity.

From the visceral satisfaction of orchestrating a pinpoint artillery barrage to the adrenaline rush of a flanking commando raid, the expansion delivers on its promise of deep, engaging RTS action. Graphical enhancements and finely tuned unit behaviors keep each match visually stunning and tactically diverse, whether you’re playing solo or online against rivals.

Ultimately, Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts succeeds in broadening the strategic horizons of its base game without sacrificing accessibility. Its carefully crafted campaigns and robust multiplayer ecosystem provide hours of replayability, making it an invaluable addition to any strategy enthusiast’s library.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10