The latest patch for Relic's Company of Heroes (PC) is now on FileShack, bringing the World War II real-time strategy game and its expansions up to v2.600.

Along with bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, the update adds a new map for the Panzerkrieg multiplayer mode, which is exclusive to the Tales of Valor expansion. Please note that this is an incremental patch that requires v2.502 for installation.

The list of fixes and tweaks packed in the v2.6 download can be found below:

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue where Bergetiger audio volume was lower than intended.
• Fixed an issue with speech mixing.
• Fixed an issue with the game crashing while trying to exit... Read more

Last week, developer Relic began talking about a new Company of Heroes (PC) patch, which would "fix some key bugs" and add a new multiplayer map for those with the Tales of Valor expansion. Now, screenshots and details of that new map have arrived.

Titled Hebecrevon, the six-player Panzerkrieg arena offers tank-based warfare in a "more wide open" setting than the existing Panzerkrieg map, Industry. Balance changes for the mode will accompany the map, such as reduced effectiveness of sticky bombs.

While Relic's community site provided a wealth of information on the map, even noting that it's "derivative of mission eleven of the original Invasion of Normandy campaign," there's still no word as to when patch 2.600 will deliver its various tweaks.

Developer Relic has begun discussing the next Company of Heroes (PC) patch, noting its intentions to "fix some key bugs" and provide those that own the Tales of Valor expansion with a new map for the Panzerkrieg multiplayer mode.

While the company has yet to provide a release estimate for the patch, it did issue a list of the "main points" that will be addressed, along with a promise that "there are further bug fixes and changes in the patch, such as a reduction to the... Read more

It's been five months since one of Her Interactive's Nancy Drew games broke into the top ten, but the prodigal daughter has returned thanks to a cheap jewel case edition.

While Direct2Drive's top ten downloads packs several of that week's new releases, including The Chronicles of Riddick, only Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor managed to appear on both D2D's chart and NPD's list of top-selling games at US retailers.

It was also a week for returning vets, with Left 4 Dead and the StarCraft Battle Chest both re-appearing on NPD's weekly list, and Universe at War hitting D2D's due to a sale.

NPD's Top Ten (4/5 - 4/11)

1. World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King / Blizzard / $36
2. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe / EA Maxis / $20
3. Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor / Relic / $29... Read more

"Certain retailers in Canada received Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor copies affected by incomplete manuals, resulting in the lack of a cd-key," THQ has admitted.

Those affected will need to send the publisher a picture of the manual's back page, showing the blank spot where the key should be, along with a copy of their sales receipt. After a support claim is filed with that info, THQ will dispatch the code via e-mail.

Developed by Relic, the latest game in the WWII PC strategy series arrived this week. "Our apologies for the inconvenience; we look forward to expeditiously resolving this for you, and getting you up and running," added THQ. Thanks to manlyman for the tip.

If hoofing it down to the local game store isn't your cup of tea, you'll be pleased to learn that you can now buy and install Relic's Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor (PC) from the comfort of your computer chair. Just hit up Steam, Impulse, or Direct2Drive.

The Impulse version carries a $2 discount, making it $28, while Steam and Direct2Drive are selling the stand-alone expansion at the suggested price point of $30.

Also available this week from ye olde brick and mortar shops, Tales of Valor brings new units, missions, and multiplayer modes to the World War II strategy series. However, it does not require you to own either of the two previous Company of Heroes titles.

Relic today fired off a patch for the just-released RTS expansion pack Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor.

The file fixes a number of bugs, and also enables multiplayer for the title--a necessary feature, I think we'll all agree. Grab the 2.501 patch on FileShack.

The latest game out of Dawn of War II developer Relic Entertainment is off to manufacturing and will hit retailers on April 9, publisher THQ announced today.

A stand-alone expansion, Tales of Valor (PC) adds three campaigns and three new multiplayer modes, along with new maps and units, to the studio's WWII strategy series.

Though it does not require the past two Company of Heroes games, Valor will interface with them so that owners of all have "complete access to the battles of World War II."

With the spring release of Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor approaching, publisher THQ has issued some new screenshots of Relic's latest stand-alone expansion.

The WWII PC strategy game will pack three new single-player campaigns, along with new multiplayer modes, maps and units. It will also sport a new "direct-fire" feature for better control, and interface with Company of Heroes and the Opposing Fire expansion.

Publisher THQ has deployed a trailer for Tales of Valor, the latest standalone expansion in the Company of Heroes series of strategy games. In the trailer players are given a peek at the new tactical control they will have over their units.

Tales of Valor plays nicely by being fully compatible with the original Company of Heroes and the previous Opposing Fronts expansion, and is expected in spring of next year.

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Relic will continue its World War II PC strategy series next spring with Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, publisher THQ announced today.

Previously revealed by retailer listings, Tales of Valor will be a standalone game, packing three new single-player campaigns and new multiplayer modes along with new maps and units. It also introduces a new "direct-fire" feature, said to offer players "more tactical control of their units and more strategic options in-game."

Though standalone, Valor will be compatible with the original Company of Heroes and the standalone Opposing Fronts expansion. THQ states that this will provide owners of the previous games with "complete access to the epic battles of World War II."

"Company of Heroes is one of the most critically acclaimed RTS series of all time," said THQ VP Peter Matiss. "With Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, Relic Entertainment is delivering an all-new, standalone chapter in the franchise and continues to push the boundaries of innovation and quality in the genre."

Listings for a new Company of Heroes entry titled "Tales of Valor" recently appeared at retailer Amazon.com, prompting speculation that publisher THQ is preparing a second expansion pack in the Relic-developed World War II PC real-time strategy series.

The listing puts Tales of Valor's price point at $29.99, identical to the initial cost of the previous standalone expansion Opposing Fronts, and suggests a tentative release date of March 1, 2009.

The recipient of numerous awards, the original Company of Heroes hit PC in 2006, with developer Relic currently working on the sci-fi RTS Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 (PC), due out in early 2009.

No other details on Tales of Valor were offered in the listing, with publisher THQ having yet to offer an official comment.