THQ announced that Relic Entertainment will be working with ColdTech technology in the Essence Engine 3.0 to create a more realistic experience in Company of Heroes 2.

The sequel to the critically acclaimed title will feature the most realistic simulation possible in its Eastern Front World War II setting. These Sovjet battles were plagued by intense colds and the ColdTech system allows for this to spring to life better than ever. For one, snow will be able to realistically be added or removed in its environments, making for a more detailed snowy landscape. Players that leave their infantry outside will need to move them to garrisons or build fires for them to survive. Failing that, the harsh weather conditions reaching more than -40°C would cause a person’s skin to freeze in just a few minutes.

The snow will also adeptly hinder movement of soldiers and vehicles alike, according to its depth. Ice has a similar effect, with the added bonus of being able to use it as a weapon for others to fall through. Destroyed ice will also reform naturally, according to the current weather conditions. Relic director Quinn Duffy mentioned: “Thanks to the enhanced technology offered by the new Essence Engine we are able to accurately portray the bitter Soviet winter which crippled the German army.”

Winter is most definitely coming. The original Company of Heroes currently retains a mighty 93 rating on Metacritic and other rankings sites. We hope this will continue with the sequel.