Info on the Allied Units
In the run up to the release of Company Of Heroes, THQ have released a set of developer’s fact sheets, discussing the various units available to the player… So without further ado, kick back and enjoy…
Fact sheet - Allied Infantry
The Allied forces had their work cut out for them in WWII, facing an enemy fighting on their own soil, with superior armor and a strong defensive position. With such significant challenges, the Allied troops relied on persistence, numbers and versatility to eventually win the war. This was not without cost. The Allies sustained heavy casualties throughout the war, totaling approximately 17 million military deaths, compared to about 8 million on the Axis side. In Company of Heroes you take command of these troops. Harnessing their strengths and using their unique abilities to your advantage, join up! and experience Relic's next gen RTS, setting a new standard for both graphics and gameplay in the genre.
Click for larger imageRiflemen
Allied riflemen are well-trained, versatile soldiers. Equipped with a standard M1 rifle, they pose a considerable threat to enemy infantry, especially when the allies have heavy cover. In addition to the standard issue rifle, riflemen squads can be armed with grenades, sticky bombs and BAR rifles. Grenades are excellent for clearing out entrenched enemies. Makeshift sticky bombs are used to destroy or immobilize enemy vehicles and armor. The Browning Automatic Rifle provides a rifle squad with additional firepower to suppress the enemy. If used in concert with the M1 and grenades, the BAR can be devastating. As you can see, the basic riflemen squads are properly equipped to take on almost any enemy threat.
Click for larger imageEngineers
Engineers are the heart and soul of the Allied forces. Although not very useful in heavy combat situations, they do perform many tasks that play an important role in the long run. Constructing buildings, repairing damaged vehicles, setting up MG nests and planting mines just to name a few. In addition to the multitude of tasks carried out behind the scenes, Engineer squads can also be equipped with a flamethrower for clearing out garrisoned enemy troops, demolition kits for bringing down buildings, and minesweepers to keep the rest of the forces out of harms way.
Click for larger imageMortar Teams
Allied mortar squads are tasked with softening up enemy defenses from a distance before an attack. Although vulnerable to direct attacks, their ability to use indirect fire allows them to engage the enemy from safe or defensive positions. In addition to their basic attack, mortar teams are able to barrage a location, or fire smoke bombs to mask friendly troop movements and disrupt enemy attacks.
Sniper
The sniper is a lone wolf, skilled in the art of marksmanship. Armed with a long-range, scoped rifle, the sniper can pick out enemy targets from a distance. “One shot, one kill” is his motto. Snipers can also utilize camouflage which allows them to sneak around undetected, keeping them safe and out of harms way.
Click for larger imageHeavy Machine Gun Team
Machine gun squads carry a tripod mounted, M1917 .30 cal heavy machine gun. Extremely effective at suppression and mowing down large numbers of advancing enemy troops, HMG teams can be devastating to enemy infantry. However, HMG teams are susceptible to flanking attacks and grenades due to their slow speed. For this reason, they usually seek out heavy cover such as sandbags, rooftops and buildings. If upgraded with armor piercing bursts, HMG squads can take down light vehicles as well.
The ground infantry was only one facet of the Allied forces, although arguably the most important. Combined with heavy armor and other Allied divisions; the infantry continued to push until their job was complete, and the war was won.
Click for larger imageCheck back soon for more…
