An A-1 production from top to bottom. Highly addictive gameplay!
I must say that I was a bit hesitant at first to purchase COH. Aspects of the game intrigued me such as the WWII setting as well as typical overhead gameplay. However, I generally find that many RTS games just overwhelm me with resource management and complexity. COH has these elements but is presented in such a way that makes it accessible to less experienced gamers. I found COH to be a very manageable and enjoyable game. (An updated note - I've played many more RTS games since COH like Total Way and have to say it's my favorite genre now)
The graphics are the best I've seen in a game of this genre. Everything stands out clearly with great attention to detail. The game is self-updating , has been patched several times, and with the more recent expansions has still maintained an excellent graphical quality by today's standards The maps are laid out nicely in such a way that strategies can be planned out and sections taken over as you progress through the map. The overall gameplay is just excellent. There are some interesting and challenging battles between Allied and Axis forces with specific end games for each scenario. In addition, the developers provide a skirmish option that appears to be a modification of the old "capture the flag" standby. Essentially, you must capture and secure several strategic points on the map until the opponent score goes to zero. In addition, there is a total annihilation option for skirmishes. The skirmish mode and multiplayer (i don't play this or have comments) add a tremendous amount of replay value to the game. There are plenty of a different official and community created skirmish maps. The skirmish mode is truly a blast and multi-player appears to still be very active.
Although I've reviewed the expansion Opposing Fronts separately (and it's excellent by the way), I will mention here that combined with COH they make for a nice lengthy single player experience. Each campaign by itself is not tremendously lengthy, but taken as a whole they are very satisfying. I find the replay value high since one can try new strategies out each time. I've played some campaigns at least 3 times to date. With the excellent single and multiplayer skirmish modes, one is certainly going to get more than their money's worth with COH.
I highly recommend this game primarily on the gameplay, innovative presentation, and the enjoyment received from all-out and well-designed battles. COH really is a game that must be played by any RTS fan and I feel is accessible enough for those just now venturing into the genre.