Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor

Relic Are Stripping World War II RTS gameplay to pure, adrenaline-fuelled, finger-on-the-trigger gaming with the new Company of Heroes.

Gone, in single-player at least, are control points and micromanaging expansion, manpower, munitions and fuel. Instead, you simply have objectives to fulfil. Tales of Valor is the gaming equivalent of a book of short stories; three mini-campaigns followed by a potential two others, each telling a story of bravery against desperate odds - such as controlling a German Tiger Ace Panzer tank against a town full of Allied troops in the eminently destroyable town of Villers-Bocage in Normandy. Direct control means that you'll be the one firing the shells and agitatedly waiting for the steel beast to reload, although you could sacrifice this ability and have a few extra troops to command instead. You'd be a fool to do so however, as tank control brings a new level of tension, fear and pressurised decision making to the fray.

Changes to the multiplayer game haven't been confirmed, but you will be choosing armaments pre-game, encouraging distinct playing styles. Will the easy access stylings of single-player agitate the faithful? With Relic's prowess considered, we're probably safe on this one.