You can deploy your battalions as they actually fought in the struggle for the Odon. British infantry regimental history is reflected in name among the various battalions. The strategic battlefield offers over two dozen individual battlefields with over three dozen accurately portrayed German and British battle groups. The historic scope of Operation Epsom is captured in single battles, operations, and the grand campaign. Panther, Tiger, Stug, and Mk.IV tanks will arrive to support German Panzergrenadiers as they try to hold the line against a concerted British attack. At your command are Churchill, Cromwell, Firefly, Sherman, Stuart tanks and more. Players can experience the desperate situation of the outnumbered, but well-armed Panzergrenadiers, or the daunting offensive mission of the fully-supported British infantry advancing across the treacherous Odon Valley. You will get to know individual solders, platoons, battalions, and the larger brigades and battle groups which they comprise. You command artillery and mortar barrages and even air strikes.

You will command squads in close combat situations, using small arms, mortars, machine guns, armored cars, and tanks to triumph against the enemy.

You can move or combine your battlegroups on the strategic level and decide the outcome of battles on the tactical level. With Close Combat: Gateway to Caen you can play at the strategic and tactical level, putting yourself in the boots of both the generals and the platoon commanders. Gateway to Caen focuses on the largest, concentrated British offensive since the Normandy landings in an attempt to penetrate the German lines west of Caen and cross the Odon River to get the stalled advance moving again. Close Combat: Gateway to Caen is a great release in the critically-acclaimed Close Combat series.

Close combat gateway to caen