THQ Inc. announced earlier today that the next chapter in its groundbreaking WWII real-time strategy (RTS) franchise, Company of Heroes, is coming to PC gamers as a new standalone expansion, titled Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts. Developed by internal studio Relic Entertainment, Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts will be powered by Relic's proprietary Essence Engine and Microsoft DirectX 10. Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is currently on track for a Fall 2007 release.

In Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts, players take command of the German Panzer Elite as they struggle against the might of Operation Market Garden, or lead the British 2nd Army in the vicious battle for Caen, France. The standalone title features two unique armies with full length campaigns, new multiplayer modes, DirectX 10 support, mission persistence, improved vehicle and soldier AI, enhanced physics, and a dynamic weather system. Owner of the original Company of Heroes game get the added bonus of incorporating the new features and armies of Opposing Fronts into the original experience. Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is fully compatible with Company of Heroes, allowing players to wage war with all four unique armies.

“Company of Heroes smashed preconceptions of what an RTS game could and should be, earning dozens of industry awards and the highest review score average of any RTS title in the last decade,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is an epic new chapter in this series, and we are excited to bring this top-tier cinematic RTS to consumers worldwide.”

”In Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts players will experience fast-paced dynamic tactics like never before, in two of the most brutal World War II campaigns ever fought,” said Tarrnie Williams, general manager, Relic Entertainment. “With two intensely cinematic campaigns, significant upgrades to the Essence Engine, mission persistence, improved vehicle AI and weather effects that directly impact the battlefield, we’re delivering yet again on our commitment to leading the way in strategic gaming with the best, most innovative titles available.”