Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II

 PC
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2009
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1628 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,230 out of 1628
  2. Mixed: 200 out of 1628
  3. Negative: 198 out of 1628
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  1. LT_Gruber
    Dec 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really good game on its own.

    Warhammer 40 000 – Dawn of War II is the long-awaited sequel to the excellent Dawn of War series after Winter Assault, Dark Crusade and Soulstorm. When it was announced at the time, I did not hesitate and bought it immediately.

    The intro movie was baddass. It got me hyped up, and I could not wait to start playing. When I started the game, I noticed something different. Where is the base building? How can I produce more units? It was all gone. At first this disappointed me, but when finishing the first three missions, I actually liked the new play style.

    Instead of building a base, creating units and go to war, you have some commando squads with different specialties, like the Assault Squad, Tactical Squad and Scout Squad. You find more units to add to your army throughout the campaign like the Dreadnought and the Predator Tank. You can choose which of those units you want to use in your missions before deploying, and figuring out which unit would work best for which scenario is the first step in this new game style.

    When entering the battlefield, you got an assignment you must complete and fight your way trough the map to reach the target location. The careful, tactical advance towards this goal is very different and a fresh new concept in comparison with the previous games, in which you blasted your way to everyone and everything. In this game, you connect more with the units and heroes you have and try to keep them alive, rather then use them as cannon fodder because you could just create more later on. You can secure beacons, foundries and relics for tactical bonuses and experience later on, and they let you replenish your squads when you suffer casualties.

    The way you finish missions, directly impacts your score and you can earn some bonuses when going through them in a certain way. If you speed run a mission for example, you add points to your speed score and may earn another deployment for a second mission that day. It’s a nice little bonus in this game.

    The improved cover system works great and with the right placement, enemies don’t stand a chance when they rush toward you and you are well protected behind your stone wall.

    I also really liked the RPG elements in the game. In the previous Dark Crusade and Soulstorm games, you could also earn gear that you could equip on your hero character and this principle has been perfected in this game. You collect dropped loot, can equip your heroes with new armors, weapons and regalia and can donate unwanted items for experience to level up your characters and give them new skills.

    The graphics are nicely polished and good upgrade from the first game and still feel like the Dawn of War games. The animations have been greatly improved and because of the added ragdoll and physics on the enemy models, it feels more realistic when blasting them away or giving them the might of the Chainsaw Sword.

    The orchestra soundtracks fit the Warhammer 40 000 theme very well and reminds you that the Emperor is counting on you and that you better not fail him or else..

    The story is, once again, rock solid and grim, like we are used to from the Dawn of War games. A swarm of hungry, unstoppable Tyranids threaten the existence of the entire galaxy and it is up to the Space Marines to put a stop to it. Meanwhile, the Eldar and Orcs bother you every second and you need to whoop their asses too, or else they steal or sabotage important locations and relics that you already secured.

    In true Warhammer 40 000 style, the ending is grim and you know this is not the end of the Tyranids and you only bought some more time before sh!t hits the fan again. And it sure does, with the Chaos Rising Expansion.

    In conclusion, I really enjoyed this game and although I still prefer the older games and their play style, Dawn of War II is a fresh new idea in the series and makes for a completely different Warhammer 40 000 experience that, in my opinion, has been executed very well.    … Expand
  2. Chowjust
    Dec 5, 2022
    8
    Still holds up in 2022. Nice character customisation and building your own squad of space marines never gets old.
  3. Dco326
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Jedna od najboljih igrica koje sam igrao! Prezanimljiva lvl up je do jaja, ma sve je do jaja bas :D Prica bi kao mogla da bude bolja mada ne znam ni sam kako ma extra je :D
  4. denisc205
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Всё потому что это Warhammer Warhammer WarhammerДа здравствует Великий пират
  5. Scorpion1980
    Jul 19, 2020
    8
    loved the game, the change to squad tactics was fun, i enjoy a good rts like the next guy, but this game suprised me. nice
  6. HassanS
    Jun 25, 2020
    8
    Great game, it changed the way the genre was from base building/unit production(spam) to the real sense of Hero units that take on thousands of enemies.
    I never got into the 40k universe until after DW2. DW2 managed to deliver the fantasy for me that these are superior beings, capable of taking on hundreds of enemies and get some wounds along the way.
    The game itself is well done, you    Great game, it changed the way the genre was from base building/unit production(spam) to the real sense of Hero units that take on thousands of enemies.
    I never got into the 40k universe until after DW2. DW2 managed to deliver the fantasy for me that these are superior beings, capable of taking on hundreds of enemies and get some wounds along the way.
    The game itself is well done, you have the concept of cover being implemented in a seamless way, your units feel powerful behind it and pretty exposed when out in the open.
    Hero upgrade lines make a difference. Do you want to play melee or ranged? Upgrade energy or health, all these choices make a difference. There are go-to builds, but the choice still exists.
    Weapon and armor upgrades deliver that big upgrade (especially the freedom of changing the type of weapon). While some weapons are better than others, you can make some excellent combinations (Perma-Stealth + Shotgun). I still wished for better range of weapons, sadly in some aspects, it does fall flat, only 1 good shotgun every 6 levels makes such freedom feel very limit. Or getting a great bolter and no 1h upgrade when you're going for a melee build.

    The story itself is pretty well done! You have that banter going on that feels natural for these characters. It's not over the top and delivers a story you can believe in. You feel the intensity of an invasion in the story and the gameplay.

    The game isn't without some flaws. Weapon selection, talent builds, playing on the highest difficulty requires a single specific build across units removing all freedom you had on medium difficulty.

    Overall it was a great game. I highly recommend it, especially if you've never played in a 40k universe before.    … Expand
  7. KilledShinigami
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    So different from the original Dawn of War it can surprise you. But it is great. It has an amazing atmosphere, nice story and really fun gameplay much closer to Warhammer 40 000 lore than the original games were.
  8. davidpole23
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  9. Password
    Nov 27, 2018
    9
    I love strategy games, I love the Warhammer 40k universe, and this game is one of the best examples of the later (the voice acting is superb).

    Caveat Emptor: Personally I play games in singleplayer, competitive players looking for a fully fleshed online mode are better off playing Dawn of War I instead.
  10. canapi
    Dec 21, 2016
    9
    Quite different from the previous game system, but still is a great game, very fast, good graphic, nice units, it should be considered a lot more by sega btw let's see the III.
    If You can take the unofficial Elite expansion, really great additions, the one You would like to see from the original producer.
  11. delete013
    Jul 8, 2016
    8
    COH approach and it bloody works! No more annoying meatgrinder from the first game. The game is really polished, albeit pretty linear. The campaign has a fast tempo and is well scripted. Several tactical approaches possible, each quite satisfying. Another gem is a personalised squad that offers a load of customisation.

    - : still no proper strategic map or operational freedom.
  12. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    9
    Among my favorite Warhammer titles and favorite strategy games period, Dawn of War II is the beginning of a three-part epic tale of the battle for the Blood Ravens' recruitment worlds, continued with the Chaos Rising expansion and concluded in the stand-alone Retribution. This title represented a considerable departure gameplay wise from the first Dawn of War and its expansions, movingAmong my favorite Warhammer titles and favorite strategy games period, Dawn of War II is the beginning of a three-part epic tale of the battle for the Blood Ravens' recruitment worlds, continued with the Chaos Rising expansion and concluded in the stand-alone Retribution. This title represented a considerable departure gameplay wise from the first Dawn of War and its expansions, moving away from base building, resource gathering and large-scale battles towards a smaller squad tactics format seen in the earlier Company of Heroes series, from which Dawn of War II borrowed its graphics engine: a shift that was not universally welcomed. Dawn of War II is a blend of real-time squad tactics and an RPG loot-and-level system that I found deeply engrossing. The campaign is heavily story-driven and takes you to a variety of environments, including the interior of a space hulk made famous by the turn-based series of that name. Excellent music, visual effects and voice work accompany the proceedings. Series mainstays the Space Marines, Orks and Eldar returned, along with newcomers in the fearsome Tyranids, not featured in the first game due to, supposedly, engine limitations. Epic, pitched battles and a surprising end-game return of a popular character from the first game wrapped up the experience for me in the best way possible. The main flaw of DOW II was its use of the Games For Windows Live client, but it has since been updated to remove that particular pustule. An excellent title overall and worth playing today.… Expand
  13. XDerpyX
    Jun 28, 2014
    9
    Dawn of War spielt im Warhammer 40k Universum von Games Workshop.
    Die Kampagne kann wahlweise alleine oder im Koop bestreiten.
    Die Story ist wie bei allen 40k Geschichten… Krieg!. Diese Geschichte handelt vom Kampf um den Sub-Sektor Aurelia, welches auch die Rekrutierungswelt der Bloodravens beinhaltet. Wir spielen einen jungen Space Marine Captain, vom Orden der Bloodraven, der am    Dawn of War spielt im Warhammer 40k Universum von Games Workshop.
    Die Kampagne kann wahlweise alleine oder im Koop bestreiten.

    Die Story ist wie bei allen 40k Geschichten… Krieg!.
    Diese Geschichte handelt vom Kampf um den Sub-Sektor Aurelia, welches auch die Rekrutierungswelt der Bloodravens beinhaltet.
    Wir spielen einen jungen Space Marine Captain, vom Orden der Bloodraven, der am Anfang seiner Laufbahn steht und gegen Orcs in die Schlacht zieht welche die Rekrutierungswelt bedrohen.
    Nur um festzustellen das der Auslöser für den Angriff der Orcs eine weit größere Bedrohung ist.

    Einen Basisaufbau gibt es nicht.
    Der ♥♥♥us liegt auf unseren Squad´s und dem Kommandanten der Space Marines welchen wir ins Feld führen. Die Positionierung, das Nutzen von Deckung, das Ausnutzen der gegnerischen schwächen und die Spezialfähigkeiten unserer Einheiten bringen uns den Sieg.

    Während der Kampagne sammeln die Einheiten welche wir ins Feld führen Erfahrung. Hiermit können wir den unterschiedlichen Einheiten Fähigkeiten freischalten.
    Darüber hinaus können wir Ausrüstungsgegenstände (Relikte und Artefakte des Ordens) finden.
    Die gewählte Ausrüstung und freigeschalteten Fähigkeiten Beeinflussen wie sich der Trupp auf dem Feld schlägt und spielt. Somit hat man die Möglichkeit die Trupps seinen eigenen spielerischen Vorlieben anzugleichen.

    Die Kampagne hat Schlüsselmissionen, daneben ist sie aber dynamisch. So können zeitlich begrenzt zur Verfügung stehende Missionen absolviert oder ignoriert werden, was uns zum Vor- oder Nachteil gereicht.

    Für PvP Liebhaber gibt es 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 Kämpfe bei denen durch das Halten von Kontrollpunkten der gegnerische Punktestand auf 0 reduziert werden muß um zu gewinnen. Zur Wahl stehen die vier Rassen die in der Kampagne die Hauptrolle spielen.

    Die Animationen und die generelle erzeugte Atmosphäre passen perfekt um sich im 40k Universum wiederzufinden!

    Ein rundes RTS Spiel welches ohne den Basisaufbau für ein schnelles dynamisches Spielerlebnis sorgt.    … Expand
  14. Banhammer0
    Oct 4, 2013
    10
    Easily the best RTS game out there, even a few years after release (with Retribution expansion pack) compared to it Starcraft 2 feels like it is DoW's retarted cousin.
    There are 6 factions in multiplayer, each one feels very different from another and each has 3 different commanders which differentiate them further, making it very hard to be bored with it.
    There is an incredible amount    Easily the best RTS game out there, even a few years after release (with Retribution expansion pack) compared to it Starcraft 2 feels like it is DoW's retarted cousin.
    There are 6 factions in multiplayer, each one feels very different from another and each has 3 different commanders which differentiate them further, making it very hard to be bored with it.
    There is an incredible amount of unit upgrades, wargear for commanders, abilities and tactics to use. Each race takes a good 30-50 hours to master, there are many people with 1 k hours clocked in and still playing (personally I have about 300 and counting). Larger maps with up to 6 players are even more challenging, with more emphasis on long term strategy rather than micromanagement.
    Yet the game is not by any means overwhelming, and it's quite easy to learn the basics.
    The only thing that's not done right is too few maps. I'd really like to see some maps coming in DLC format, but since THQ got bankrupt it's very unlikely.
    There is also survival horde-mode, where up to three players defend themselves from hordes of incoming enemies, after each game earning experience and wargear to upgrade their heroes. Although not very complex it is very addictive.
    As to singleplayer, the base game's singleplayer campaign is pretty good and lasts for a good 15 hours if you do all the side missions. Chaos Rising campaign is shorter but has new interesting features and multiple endings making it also a good chunk of fun. In Retribution, the advantage is that you can play it with any race of your choosing, not just Space Marines, but the disadvantage is worse story and less unit customization options. Personally the base game's campaign is my favorite.

    There are still people playing in time I write this review (october 2013), it's very easy to find someone to play with, both newbies and pros with thousands of hours. There are also mods (I recommend Elite mod) that add additional units and maps. Easily one of the best game I've played, and the best RTS.
    Get it, it's dirt-cheap these days. No excuses, go to a store     … Expand
  15. Damascus
    Jun 6, 2013
    8
    In many ways a very good game. It was however somewhat ruined by repetitive and unimaginative maps. It captures a lot of the atmosphere of the wh40k universe, and the units feel unique and have interesting development options.
  16. crackajaxx
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    Dawn of War 2 is kind of a mix of strategy and RPG. It's different from other RTS's in the sense that units level up as they fight and get stronger. You can also equip different weapons on to different squads and change them up to your liking. At least in the singleplayer.

    but who gives a about the singleplayer, the MULTIPLAYER in this game is badass, and for me that's what really    Dawn of War 2 is kind of a mix of strategy and RPG. It's different from other RTS's in the sense that units level up as they fight and get stronger. You can also equip different weapons on to different squads and change them up to your liking. At least in the singleplayer.

    but who gives a about the singleplayer, the MULTIPLAYER in this game is badass, and for me that's what really makes this game amazing. It's addicting, it's tactical, it's competitive, and it's simply awesome. It has a very high learning curve however, expect to get your ass kicked for a while before you actually get good at it. It doesn't have enough maps, and the pathing is a bit messed up, but the sheer attention to detail with the character models and superb voice acting mixed with incredible depth (in the multiplayer) makes this game a must for strategy fans in my books.    … Expand
  17. Viacota
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    Me encanta en todo ámbito, las misiones son muy simpáticas. Me gusta el progreso de cada personaje e ir mejorando las aptitudes que estimes convenientes. Me gusta que siempre haya un jefe final al que vencer y los hay unos bien poderosos. Siendo solo un iniciando en el mundo warhammer, debo decir que me encanta esa ambientación futurista retro tecnológica, esa mezcla fascinante como deMe encanta en todo ámbito, las misiones son muy simpáticas. Me gusta el progreso de cada personaje e ir mejorando las aptitudes que estimes convenientes. Me gusta que siempre haya un jefe final al que vencer y los hay unos bien poderosos. Siendo solo un iniciando en el mundo warhammer, debo decir que me encanta esa ambientación futurista retro tecnológica, esa mezcla fascinante como de futuro y pasado. Lástima que sea tan opacado por starcraft, siendo que éstos tomaron "prestadas" muchos conceptos para su juego. En fin no he probado el multiplayer,pero la campaña está de lujo no tengo aspectos negativos que comentar.… Expand
  18. faceless-1
    Jan 7, 2013
    9
    One of the best looking RTS for sure.. Camping mod has som really interesting missions but also some boring ones. Story is good and characters are funny too. The multiplayer is best part of this game for sure.
  19. Ccx55
    Jan 3, 2013
    8
    This is definitely one of the best games I have ever played in my entire life. I will rate it 8 because it uses Windows LIVE, though. Absolutely terrible service.
  20. Xradus
    Dec 11, 2012
    8
    A lot of people give their rating based on their taste instead to look at the game from a neutral position. It is a lot different than the first part, but it sure is a worthy part in the Warhammer series. I got really late into the Warhammer world, with DoW 1 being released in 2007 and the second one in 2009. I played the first one first to get into the story in case the second one is aA lot of people give their rating based on their taste instead to look at the game from a neutral position. It is a lot different than the first part, but it sure is a worthy part in the Warhammer series. I got really late into the Warhammer world, with DoW 1 being released in 2007 and the second one in 2009. I played the first one first to get into the story in case the second one is a continuation of the story. I understand that some people are upset it isn't like the first one but in my opinion it's even better. DoW 1 was a standard RTS just playing in the Warhammer universe, nothing special. But DoW 2 actually isn't like most of the other RTS games, it has some RPG elements that fit right in. The campaign is challenging if you're playing it on a hard difficulty, it's quiet boring in the beginning but you get more and more into the story and get hooked. With all the upgrades and skills for each squad you actually have a choice on how you want to do your missions. If you're looking for a little different RTS, DoW 2 is a good choice.… Expand
  21. Cooperus
    Nov 14, 2012
    8
    How's every body doing, for my first review I decided to do one of my favorite games. Having played all of the previous Dawn of War games I had pretty high expectations for this one, especially with all the epic fails that all the expansions for the previous dawn of war ended up being.

    Just to start I'll go into the single player campaign. The game mechanics are very similar to the    How's every body doing, for my first review I decided to do one of my favorite games. Having played all of the previous Dawn of War games I had pretty high expectations for this one, especially with all the epic fails that all the expansions for the previous dawn of war ended up being.

    Just to start I'll go into the single player campaign. The game mechanics are very similar to the first Dawn of war, which were fairly easy to pickup within the first mission or two. It became very obvious to me from the beginning that the guys at THQ have actually started to listen to some of the fan base of the original game. They have implemented and in depth story line that does the books justice but still allowed for some choice on how to develop your characters, and how you proceed along the liner story line. "You must remember while playing the game that yes, the game play is important but they are trying to tell a story as well." The cover concept was add back into the game, well maybe that's a bad way to put it. A better way to put it is that they made cover important again, basically there is no more mad rush tactics that were so common in the previous expansions. Basically the campaign it's self is pretty solid all around, keeping you interested right till the end.

    The RPG element of the game, they have made vast improvements in this compared to it's predecessor. Now I'm not saying that it is anything new that we haven't seen in other games, but it works, it's simple and it keeps your focus where it should be... on the Mission map. Simply there is two RPG elements common to all RPG games leveling your characters and they're load out of equipment. The equipment load out is pretty simple you'll figure it out for your self. The leveling of your character can be a little trickier, you have to choose between being a jack of all trades or leveling up in very specific areas. This being said if you are not adaptable and can't move away from a certain play style your are not going to get much replay value out of DOW 2.

    Multiplayer, sorry I can't really comment on this part of the game. This is mostly because, the very hard-line multiplayer focus of the previous DOW was what ruined the game for a lot of fans of the first game, so to be honest I really had no interest into delving into that part of the game.

    In all I gave the game and 8 because THQ took and old game that people love and made it new again.    … Expand
  22. metabacon
    Oct 10, 2012
    10
    Finally, an RTS that requires a huge amount of skill and tactics in multi-player. Although I do see why people prefer the original, I believe that replacing the huge army with smaller, more tactical squads is a welcoming change. The campaign is entertaining, but would be much better if the AI had any intelligence at all. However, multi-player is where this game shines. Probably the bestFinally, an RTS that requires a huge amount of skill and tactics in multi-player. Although I do see why people prefer the original, I believe that replacing the huge army with smaller, more tactical squads is a welcoming change. The campaign is entertaining, but would be much better if the AI had any intelligence at all. However, multi-player is where this game shines. Probably the best RTS I have played in a long time.… Expand
  23. Matseb2611
    Sep 23, 2012
    9
    I am generally not a big RTS fan, but I greatly liked Dawn of War II. Maybe perhaps it was very action-oriented and had a good pace. Maybe also this is why many of the fans of the original didn't like this one. You don't actually build anything in this game or collect resources, etc. You just get dropped off in the battle zone and using various skills and military tactics you have to getI am generally not a big RTS fan, but I greatly liked Dawn of War II. Maybe perhaps it was very action-oriented and had a good pace. Maybe also this is why many of the fans of the original didn't like this one. You don't actually build anything in this game or collect resources, etc. You just get dropped off in the battle zone and using various skills and military tactics you have to get the mission done. The missions have a good length and do not drag on, but there are loads of them. Another feature that I really loved about Dawn of War II is the presence of RPG elements. The squad characters level up as you complete missions and when they level up you can advance them in certain combat disciplines, whether it's health and survival, ranged damage, melee damage, or energy utilisation. This gives a certain element of replayability as you can take each squad member in different directions. Each character has their distinct strengths and weaknesses, and hence a lot of decision making befalls on the player when it comes to choosing which gear to equip them and in fact which squad members to take on the mission (as you can't take them all). The campaign is pretty long and also has a bit of an open-ended style to it after about halfway through, where some missions are optional and others are time-sensitive, meaning you also have to make decisions in regard to prioritising your missions, which is great fun and is incredibly intense. There is a lot of incentive to do well on each mission, because the better you do them, the more additional deployments you get and hence you can solve time-critical missions earlier on. I'll also review the Chaos Rising expansion on here too. It introduced a new story arc that takes place a year after the Dawn of War II campaign, and although the storyline is better, full of various twists, the campaign suffers a bit from being way too linear. There is no more incentive for doing well, because you do not get additional deployments and there are hardly any optional and time-critical missions. Chaos Rising also introduces an additional squad member, as well as a new idea to the gameplay - the corruption system. To be honest, I wasn't too fond of this idea as it was a bit annoying since all of the best gear was corrupting to the squad members, so you either had to use mediocre gear, or to use the corrupting gear and face the consequences during the game. Although Chaos Rising was a bit weaker in my opinion than the Dawn of War II campaign, I generally enjoyed them both and they lasted me a good amount of time - the original DoW II campaign should last you around 20 hours, and Chaos Rising another 10, so you'll have at least 30 hours in a single playthrough, not to mention the option of playing co-op with friends, as well as the hoard/survival mode.… Expand
  24. totalmech
    Aug 5, 2012
    8
    Dawn of War II is weaker than its predecessor, but it's still a good game. The unit customization, experience and campaign are nice, but it lacks the strategic depth of the first game.
  25. Interloper
    Jul 28, 2012
    9
    Okay, I'll be honest with you. At first, having tried the demo and a taste of what DoW2 has to offer, I was sorely disappointed by the drastic change from the gameplay of the original game. HOWEVER, I still decided to give it a shot and I'm so glad that I did. The game plays differently, (there's no building, and more about squad abilities and tactics) but this is by no means bad. TheOkay, I'll be honest with you. At first, having tried the demo and a taste of what DoW2 has to offer, I was sorely disappointed by the drastic change from the gameplay of the original game. HOWEVER, I still decided to give it a shot and I'm so glad that I did. The game plays differently, (there's no building, and more about squad abilities and tactics) but this is by no means bad. The campaign is quite engaging and you're given a number of varied squads to improve and upgrade throughout the game, and that is by far my favourite part. There is choice involved in missions, outfitting and strategy, making an overall flamboyant single player campaign. The co-op is just as sweet. But wait there's more. The cream of the crop is the multiplayer and The Last Stand where you take on hordes of monsters with 2 other heroes. Great additions all way round. Long story short, yes it is a massive departure from DoW1's style but it is fortunately just as good in its own right. I certainly have respect for the devs for changing things up and trying out something new, and I'm glad that they've still kept the strength of this series and its ability to constantly impress me.… Expand
  26. awildseaking
    Jul 28, 2012
    9
    I find it rather odd how people are complaining about the RPG elements in the singleplayer mode. Warhammer 40k having RPG elements is bad? Did people have a lapse of memory as to what 40k is? The RPG elements do a better job of resembling collecting figures, building your army, and rolling dice than having completely uncustomizeable units. I mean seriously...

    GFWL is a complaint? It's    I find it rather odd how people are complaining about the RPG elements in the singleplayer mode. Warhammer 40k having RPG elements is bad? Did people have a lapse of memory as to what 40k is? The RPG elements do a better job of resembling collecting figures, building your army, and rolling dice than having completely uncustomizeable units. I mean seriously...

    GFWL is a complaint? It's free. I honestly do not understand why people think it is such a hassle. Aside from the automatic sign in as the game launches, you wouldn't even notice that GFWL exists until you play multiplayer. Making an account takes a minute unless you're handicapped in some regard. I've had GFWL for 7 years now and never in my entire usage did I encounter the kinds of problems people commonly complain about. I get it, it sucks having to use it. I completely agree, but that alone doesn't make it bad.

    Retreat is definitely an issue, but this is more of a Relic issue, not a DOWII issue. Relic did the same **** in COH and they realized people were upset by it so they're changing it. I agree, the current retreat feature is completely oversimplified.

    Aside from "it wasn't like the old game", the removal of base building can be seen as a good thing. Your focus is shifted completely off of bases and onto combat. This allows for combat to be significantly more intricate than before, but as several others have pointed out, the Orks and Tyranids don't play very uniquely.

    If you believe the singleplayer is overly easy and you can spam retreat to save yourself, you must have been playing on Normal. Try that on Primarch. I dare you. Yes, you can complete the campaigns on Normal with almost no thought involved. As soon as you start trying to maximize tokens (>80% of units killed, no squads incapacitated, very short clear time), as well as playing on Primarch, the single player becomes very challenging and thoughtful.

    As for other simplifications from the original DOW, these criticisms are completely valid. The game easily could have had more content and customization. The lack of scope in the game is a completely valid change, as it places more importance on individual units and how you use them in combat instead of "amass X number of unit Y, use this build order, rush". Those kinds of "strategies" can be just as repetitive and if you won't admit it you're lying through your teeth.

    I could have sworn PLAYING THE FULL GAME was a prerequisite to writing a review.    … Expand
  27. oda_krell
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    Someone else wrote the perfect summary in a review: Dawn of War II is a great game. But it doesn't feel like "Dawn of War", or like a real time strategy game. If you manage to ignore that, it's a lot of fun: it's basically part Diablo, part Jagged Alliance, which is great. It's also very fast paced, requires quite a bit of playing skill (on higher difficulty levels at least), and looksSomeone else wrote the perfect summary in a review: Dawn of War II is a great game. But it doesn't feel like "Dawn of War", or like a real time strategy game. If you manage to ignore that, it's a lot of fun: it's basically part Diablo, part Jagged Alliance, which is great. It's also very fast paced, requires quite a bit of playing skill (on higher difficulty levels at least), and looks great -- a very visceral feel of obliterating those enemies of mankind. But what is missing is the feel that you're leading an *army*. That is something that many of us enjoyed in the original Dawn of War, and that is the real problem of the sequel: I don't mind that there's no base building, but the fact that I only play 4 squads of soldiers makes this a completely different type of game. I would have preferred if THQ would have created two series of games: the original RTS Dawn of War series, and a series called something like Dawn of War: Squad Combat, in which this game would belong. In summary, it's a pretty good game, but I miss the more epic scale of a real RTS.… Expand
  28. Loyka
    Jun 1, 2012
    8
    The campaign is a great mix of RPG and strategy game-play and the last stand is one of my favorite games but i preferred DoW 1's base building and larger armies to this game's shift to tactical game-play although many people will probably like it
  29. STMary
    May 15, 2012
    9
    I enjoyed this game. Its downside is it seems to lack some complexity. I haven't tried online mode, so this rating is only representative of campaign play.
  30. watithink123
    Apr 24, 2012
    8
    Dawn of war 2 is a great game to have for your pc. Campaign's a lot of fun. Multiplayer is very fun to play Campaign 8/10 Multiplayer 8/10 DOW 2 8.5/10
  31. McFinnegan
    Nov 3, 2011
    9
    Singleplayer was great, although filled with cheese. No room for character development with space marines, but I guess that's how they were created. Once the tryanids came in, you did see some repeating missions, but they were avoidable for the most part. Great strategic gameplay, and I loved the loot and the abilities (SO! MUCH! LOOT!!!!).

    The multiplayer modes seem well balanced,    Singleplayer was great, although filled with cheese. No room for character development with space marines, but I guess that's how they were created. Once the tryanids came in, you did see some repeating missions, but they were avoidable for the most part. Great strategic gameplay, and I loved the loot and the abilities (SO! MUCH! LOOT!!!!).

    The multiplayer modes seem well balanced, although I haven't touched them enough to give a rock-solid review on them. Last Stand is incredibly fun, constantly having me come up with new and interesting ways to slaughter hordes of enemies (although there's some loadouts that are clearly better).

    Some may not like the squad based gameplay, and I was a little confused with it at first, but it grows on you. Instead of most RTSs where individual units are usually expendable, keeping units alive in this game is crucial (multiplayer). As long as one squad member survives, you can replenish the squad, so their upgrades and levels don't go to waste. The entire squad gets gibbed, you lose their vital experience. That's not to say that you can't beat higher level enemies, but it's certainly harder.    … Expand
  32. fixedThor
    Oct 23, 2011
    8
    I love the graphics,the Characters,the weapons,the costumization hero,I'm not so impress with multiplayer mode but it's not bad.I don't really like about the design each mission of the campaign,they're al just the same activities= Explore,find the foundry or the what they call commlink or something,kill the ORKS then find the boss on the top of the map,get the wargear.it's kind of boringI love the graphics,the Characters,the weapons,the costumization hero,I'm not so impress with multiplayer mode but it's not bad.I don't really like about the design each mission of the campaign,they're al just the same activities= Explore,find the foundry or the what they call commlink or something,kill the ORKS then find the boss on the top of the map,get the wargear.it's kind of boring activity to me...however I still love the fantasy of the Warhammer 40K universe… Expand
  33. Darkstalker
    Sep 25, 2011
    10
    Ein sehr gelungenes und spannendes Spiel, macht mir heute immer noch SpaÃ
  34. DeadlyCornbread
    Jul 12, 2011
    8
    I'm a longtime fan of Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. Dawn of War gave me the flair i loved of the stories from that game on my computer. And seeing the models I've painted for years coming to life on my screen was a thrill. Now dawn of war II comes out and I was excited to buy it.

    I wish on the cover it would have said tactical RPG, because there is no resource management at all in the    I'm a longtime fan of Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. Dawn of War gave me the flair i loved of the stories from that game on my computer. And seeing the models I've painted for years coming to life on my screen was a thrill. Now dawn of war II comes out and I was excited to buy it.

    I wish on the cover it would have said tactical RPG, because there is no resource management at all in the campaign. Go here, blow this up, go there blow that up. Use some abilities, mission ends. It is fun, but it is not a real time strategy. it's a fun game in it's own right, if you want more tactical play, get Company of Heroes or the original Dawn of War game with expansions.    … Expand
  35. Fore
    Apr 10, 2011
    8
    I have DOW 2 and DOW 2 Chaos Rising, will probably get Retribution sometime this year. This game is good. The stand alone campaign is interesting and replayable. What makes this game really good is the co-op game "The Last Stand" and you can co-op the campaign games too. It is worth getting all 3 games together at $60 on steam but you can buy the first 2 games for $20 each.
  36. mikey42782
    Jan 2, 2011
    8
    I never knew anything about the Warhammer Universe, until i picked up my copy of Dawn of War, several years ago and i was immediately engrossed. With great eagerness, i picked up this game the day it was released. EDITORS NOTE-All in all, i fear change so my review may be seriously biased but here it goes anyway.
    DOW 2, is a game that will please you and frustrate you at the same time.    I never knew anything about the Warhammer Universe, until i picked up my copy of Dawn of War, several years ago and i was immediately engrossed. With great eagerness, i picked up this game the day it was released. EDITORS NOTE-All in all, i fear change so my review may be seriously biased but here it goes anyway.
    DOW 2, is a game that will please you and frustrate you at the same time. To me, it is just company of heroes meets DOW and that aspect bothered me a lot. It took me a while to get over that. Also, the fact that you have to have an internet connection, and you have to get windows live bothered me a lot too. Well, what if someone doesn't have an internet connection. I am sure there are some people out there who still do not. I am lucky enough to have that.
    For those of you who are huge DOW fans, you might be a tad dissapointed at what is going on in this game. For starters, there are no more base building. You have an galactic map which shows you all the planets that you can travel too. there are three of them in which you are to initiate warp travel to reach. You start out with yourself, the commander, and a tactical squad. Mind you, the squad consists of only 4 space marines. then, as you progress you get other squads, a devestator squad(heavy weapons, 3 space marines), a scout squad,(3) and an assault squad.(3). As for the assault squad well, what can i say about the assault squad? I have had it on missions and he is always usually the first to die. He kinda sucks in the first DOW 2. He gets better in Chaos rising.
    During missions, your squad earns xp, and upon leveling up you can unlock new powers for your squads to use, some of which are pretty bad ass. But it seems to me, you can only have one and not the other, as there is a level cap of 20, so choose the right path you want for your squads, as you will not be able to get those points back.
    Personally, i stuck with the same for guys more or less the same time, varying upon the different missions parameters, which aren't really that different at all. You are going to either attack or defend, and most defend missions, you will have a time limit to do so, in which if you miss it you have to wait for a later point to go resecure that sector and what was lost. At times, i also do feel very overwhelmed. I know space marines are all powerful to an extent, but sometimes it is just insane. I do believe before the first patch, the weapons were a bit different and did more damage, as i get confused, when a bolter says it only does 11.6 damage per second and my squad which does 9 damage, goes down. I thought higher damage was better, call me crazy. Which includes power weapons. Most power weapons, which although do more damage then a chainsword, do not actually do as much damage on the field, due to their attack speed i am guessing?
    anyway, all set aside i have fallen asleep during the single player. The same type of missions do tend to get a tad mundane and repetitive, and sometimes the war gear rewards aren't even worth doing it in the first place. But it is a decent campaign.
    The multiplayer is pretty engrossing, but once again highly modeled upon the COH engine, with holding of victory points, and anniahalte. No base building, so dont even think about that. It is definitely a far cry from the DOW.
    the army painter i was dissapointed in as well, as it seems to me there is less detail you can do from the first one.
    the last stand? I don't even know what to say about that. It's as if someone said, no no, we want the game to be harder so they did. It gets repetitive. The leveling up takes too long. DONT EVER PRESTIGE BECAUSE IT SUCKS AND YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING AND GET SOME CRAPPY REWARD.
    do i reccommend it? if you're new to DOW yeah, you can go in this with a clear head. If you are into DOW? Sure, just be prepared to be let down a bit. Thanks    … Expand
  37. El_Burrito
    Dec 4, 2010
    8
    This along with Company of Heroes are my most favourite current RTS. The reason for this is the way the game plays. Rather than matches being about unit spam (unless you're playing Orks or Tyranids, where it's partly about unit spam), it's more about tactics and unit placement. My real problem with the game is how hard it is. I can't speak for everyone as I'm naturally bad at RTS games,This along with Company of Heroes are my most favourite current RTS. The reason for this is the way the game plays. Rather than matches being about unit spam (unless you're playing Orks or Tyranids, where it's partly about unit spam), it's more about tactics and unit placement. My real problem with the game is how hard it is. I can't speak for everyone as I'm naturally bad at RTS games, but I do believe that there has been a problem with this game for not just me, but a majority of people who try to play online and usually end up fighting against people 10x better than themselves. This causes a lot of new players to be put off meaning that other new players don't get a chance to fight against equally skilled people. I suppose it really just takes perseverance but it's still tough.
    The graphics of the game are absolutely lovely, definitely best out there, on par with, if not better than Starcraft 2's graphics.

    For originality of gameplay how ever, this game is basically Company of Heroes, set in WH40k, and a smaller viewing angle with a closer in camera.    … Expand
  38. Thunderkat
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    Beautiful campaign mode. Great voice acting. Great action. Wonderful ability to outfit your team and unit selection. nice graphics.
    A Rare game that is nearly perfect as far as a role play campaign is concerned.
    2 thumbs up!
  39. CarinWinters
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    Relic has been pushing innovation in the RTS genre that was dominated in the early 90's by the powerhouses of Westwood Studios and Blizzard. While Westwood was absorbed into EA and Blizzard switched their focus towards the MMO market, this developer has quietly pushed release after release in the RTS market starting with the wonderful Homeworld series. If you like "traditional" style ofRelic has been pushing innovation in the RTS genre that was dominated in the early 90's by the powerhouses of Westwood Studios and Blizzard. While Westwood was absorbed into EA and Blizzard switched their focus towards the MMO market, this developer has quietly pushed release after release in the RTS market starting with the wonderful Homeworld series. If you like "traditional" style of RTS found in Starcraft and C&C this might not be your game. Single player it plays like an RTS with elements of an RPG with experience pts, skills, and item drops. This is not a game where who has the highest APM but using good tactics that utilize the strength of your squads. Charging into battle will only get you killed. This puts the strategy into RTS, not simply following the same build order in SCII for the first 10 minutes over and over again.… Expand
  40. Neli
    Oct 4, 2010
    10
    Dawn of War II is an excellent game in its own right. However, it is easy to understand how fans of the first game feel slightly wronged after having played it. It is very different compared to the first game, perhaps too much so for it to be called a direct sequel. But if you only look at it as a game it is still quite a great one.

    The visuals are very nice and the gameplay is fluid and    Dawn of War II is an excellent game in its own right. However, it is easy to understand how fans of the first game feel slightly wronged after having played it. It is very different compared to the first game, perhaps too much so for it to be called a direct sequel. But if you only look at it as a game it is still quite a great one.

    The visuals are very nice and the gameplay is fluid and fun. Dawn of War keeps setting the standard for visceral combat in the RTS genre.    … Expand
  41. OliverH.
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    So many multiplayer options, fantastic campaign mode with so many unlockable items and highly strategic : ) Awesome
  42. AlexandreM
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    Even without building elements this game is awsome!! All the battlesare really intense. If u like RTS, check it out
  43. RamoneB
    Jan 18, 2010
    10
    How can you build your Army when the Computer is at full strenght and attacking you before you get to your first power supply?
  44. flyntj
    Jan 6, 2010
    9
    pretty fun like the multiplayer stuff and survival mode, main quest is fun though a little boring after a while
  45. Peterw
    Jan 5, 2010
    10
    I love that game! I think it is like 1000 times better than the old one where you just built a huge amount of units and charged towards the enemy. Each unit got a purpose and you dont embarass yourselves with tons of upgrades, buildings ad workers and all that stuff. I personnaly have a 9000 points chaos army, i saw lots of other units that they coud have included, but then it would have I love that game! I think it is like 1000 times better than the old one where you just built a huge amount of units and charged towards the enemy. Each unit got a purpose and you dont embarass yourselves with tons of upgrades, buildings ad workers and all that stuff. I personnaly have a 9000 points chaos army, i saw lots of other units that they coud have included, but then it would have been another crappy game like soulstorm!!!… Expand
  46. JonH
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    This game is amzing it conects with the table top RTS it's based on to the letter I can't wait for the expansions.
  47. kajemby
    Jan 2, 2010
    9
    Maybe Pratoe M should get a new system. But then do we really want to be playing this excellent game with a racist? I think not.
  48. Eve860Eve860
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    Guys this is without doubt the best RTS i've ever played, it's a bit demanding on the graphics cards but the effect is fabulous!!! I've had the game ever since Beta, and it still remains to be my utter favourite game ever!!! The competition is so tough i'd advise any would be buyers to buy now and train for the release of Chaos in March, it's so in the bag for me Guys this is without doubt the best RTS i've ever played, it's a bit demanding on the graphics cards but the effect is fabulous!!! I've had the game ever since Beta, and it still remains to be my utter favourite game ever!!! The competition is so tough i'd advise any would be buyers to buy now and train for the release of Chaos in March, it's so in the bag for me personally!!! well done Warhammer and co. Starcraft II really has had to be remade cos I bet they knew they'd have a flunk on their hands compared to this masterpiece! Buy buy and die people! muahahaha!… Expand
  49. isaccos
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    the best game ever, if u wanna challenge your intelligence try to win multiplayer games against the rest of the world gamers... try if u think to be sooo good and accept the DEFEAT!
  50. DanielS
    Dec 4, 2009
    10
    I personally love Dawn of War 2. The campaign might lack of gameplay but i think that the multiplayer option is fantastic, instead of having tons of buildings with tons of units that dosn't have any special purpose like in dawn of war 2. Dawn of War 2 might not have as many units as in Dawn of War but they all got a purpose.
  51. Artery22
    Nov 28, 2009
    8
    Very good game! The campaign grants many action, but the after some time, the story gone away! And the final Mission isn't very special... The multiplyerpart is good, you can play every 4 races! No base-building only action, thats what i want. And with the last update, there is a new Gamemode "The Last Stand", I played it many hours and I continue to play it many hours =)! It's Very good game! The campaign grants many action, but the after some time, the story gone away! And the final Mission isn't very special... The multiplyerpart is good, you can play every 4 races! No base-building only action, thats what i want. And with the last update, there is a new Gamemode "The Last Stand", I played it many hours and I continue to play it many hours =)! It's a big fun, but some items are unusefull and dump!… Expand
  52. NoMadM
    Nov 1, 2009
    10
    The greatest Game of Warhammer 40.000 I ever Played! It's a very well mixture of RPG and Strategy. I play Warhammer since 1999 and could say it was the best Game...most realistik one...I know! It has devenetf dhe Flair of the Warhammer 40.000 Galexy. WELL DONE, RELIK! And, "For the Emperor!"
  53. AaronLane
    Oct 22, 2009
    10
    Just what I needed. More games like this! Warhammer 40,000 is an incredible universe with plenty of game-worthy ground to explore.
  54. SPARTANVI
    Oct 20, 2009
    9
    Dawn of War II feels like Company of Heroes and StarCraft smushed together and it is a wonderful marriage. I haven't had so much fun PC gaming since... Company of Heroes. You rock Relic!
  55. JustinA
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    They took it all away! If you played Company of heroes from the original then you dam well know they took away the massive tank battles in COH (2 tigers 2 pershings and where the heck is the 2 jags anyway?) ... when they moved on to OF. Same with this game. there are no longer those massive build and smash battles its a more integrated take care of these uber squad game. Yes i feel they They took it all away! If you played Company of heroes from the original then you dam well know they took away the massive tank battles in COH (2 tigers 2 pershings and where the heck is the 2 jags anyway?) ... when they moved on to OF. Same with this game. there are no longer those massive build and smash battles its a more integrated take care of these uber squad game. Yes i feel they should have put MORE into the campaign.. even though watching the ship jump thru the warp is pretty it still seems a bit lacking compared to the last 4 frakkin games, letting you command and attack the enemy with the little bot armys smashing your rears. However i feel there on to something and this game does not dissapoint... this was not meant to be a starcraft 2 clone.. and i feel they have done an excellent job of proving that. ALSO if you know ANYTHING about Relic is that they are ADDING more and MORE into this game 4 expansions of the last game lemme spell it out for you M-O-R-E is on the way. And that my friends could change anything my little fanboys.… Expand
  56. AronRoy
    Oct 4, 2009
    9
    More diversity is in need for the music and the maps. The game music range from DoW 1 was quite excellent and more diverse in its subjects. Otherwise an excellent game. AND there is a bug with the Heavy Autocannon from the dreadnought, sometimes it doesn*t fire, but the ability is realoading without any enemies having recieved fire, quitre annyoing..
  57. RayE
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    THQ have done well at improving the game, IF you are a tactic person that like to use the posibilities of every squad/unit andwhat the environment offer you... The lowered amount of unit makes it even better to use tactics, if you play online without any tactics you will be defeated, I think many people was dissapointed on the game because it was so much easier to play dow than dow 2 THQ have done well at improving the game, IF you are a tactic person that like to use the posibilities of every squad/unit andwhat the environment offer you... The lowered amount of unit makes it even better to use tactics, if you play online without any tactics you will be defeated, I think many people was dissapointed on the game because it was so much easier to play dow than dow 2 because of the easy to use squads and high amount of units that have been changed at dow 2 but in my opinion it was a great improvment. And I will keep playing the game until the next generation warhammer game releases. This is and will be one of the most important title of the Dawn of War(DOW) series.… Expand
  58. EliJ.
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    Probably the best tactical gaming experience ever. I loved company of hero's and I really cant say this game is better than it...but i would much rather see my venerable dreadnought's assault cannon literally blow my enemy into little pieces than order around little army men. The cover system is solid and I love the fact that they actually made the space marines as powerful as Probably the best tactical gaming experience ever. I loved company of hero's and I really cant say this game is better than it...but i would much rather see my venerable dreadnought's assault cannon literally blow my enemy into little pieces than order around little army men. The cover system is solid and I love the fact that they actually made the space marines as powerful as the praise they give them. When I'm ordering my marines around i know that I'm in command of the dominate force in the Warhammer 40k's universe. Anybody who doesn't like this game probably never gave it a chance. They most likely played a few missions and thought to themselves, why it isn't this the old game with better graphics? Play it for a few weeks and you'll see how amazing it really is. Too be honest, I didn't like it at first either...but then I found out that strategy and tactics can be a lot more fun than mindlessly smashing two armies into each other. Eagerly awaiting the expansion.… Expand
  59. AlexM
    Sep 11, 2009
    9
    RTS/Tactical Masterpiece. 4 squad. 4 time more epic than the original DOW. Seriously. The battles are far beyond epicness and the action is nothing short of amazing! The music, the sound, the graphic, the gestion of items, etc... Warhammer 40K deserved that!!! 9 out of 10, and not 10 because i'm aware that not including the Chaos in the plot is a shame for the W40K's fans. (I RTS/Tactical Masterpiece. 4 squad. 4 time more epic than the original DOW. Seriously. The battles are far beyond epicness and the action is nothing short of amazing! The music, the sound, the graphic, the gestion of items, etc... Warhammer 40K deserved that!!! 9 out of 10, and not 10 because i'm aware that not including the Chaos in the plot is a shame for the W40K's fans. (I don't give a shit about chaos, but still, it's an important part of the W40K) Anyway, i'm almost happy that Relic didn't put them in the story (They look so... has been...) Orks are there! More funny than ever! SO who cares!!??… Expand
  60. CE
    Sep 3, 2009
    8
    While this game is undoubtedly an RTS it plays different than your regular RTS. It is squad based as opposed to base based; that is the construction of bases and such. In DoW2 you are basically given a main base, a hero unit, and a basic infantry squad. What you do after that is up to you. The combat is pretty energizing and never boring. The only problem is how difficult to obtain While this game is undoubtedly an RTS it plays different than your regular RTS. It is squad based as opposed to base based; that is the construction of bases and such. In DoW2 you are basically given a main base, a hero unit, and a basic infantry squad. What you do after that is up to you. The combat is pretty energizing and never boring. The only problem is how difficult to obtain resources it can be. Sometimes there can be large breaks in the action due to either waiting for resources or for units to build. The other problem is that with so many units you tend to lose track of all your squads and thus you may lose them easily. Other than that though, the game is quite solid.… Expand
  61. ChrisT.
    Aug 14, 2009
    9
    I downloaded this game off a torrent site and I completely loved every minute of it. The mix of RPG and RTS is so addicting--all I could think about for 2 weeks was leveling my characters and getting them the best items (especially the coveted terminator armor which, unfortunately, they only got to use for about 2 days). I can only speak for the campaign since I don't have a CD key I downloaded this game off a torrent site and I completely loved every minute of it. The mix of RPG and RTS is so addicting--all I could think about for 2 weeks was leveling my characters and getting them the best items (especially the coveted terminator armor which, unfortunately, they only got to use for about 2 days). I can only speak for the campaign since I don't have a CD key to play online, but I'm almost tempted to purchase one to play online. I only played the normal difficulty thus far and it was challenging enough but I'm considering replaying on the hardest difficulty now that I have a better understanding of the strategy needed for this type of RTS (small # of units, no base, exploiting cover, etc.). If you played Warcraft and Starcraft, this is a breath of fresh air. Not all people will like this, mostly hardcore base building fanatics, but it's definitely worth playing for free. On top of the great gameplay, there is stunning graphic and battle effects and honestly, some of the best mini-movies I've seen in games in awhile. 9/10 from this satisfied gamer. Give it a try--you might find yourself up until 'dawn' playing this game more than once.… Expand
  62. ElliottFairclough
    Aug 12, 2009
    9
    Absolutely brilliant! Superb game that mixes both an exhilirating RPG style campaign storyline, which allows you to play against numerous enemies, but is somewhat repetitive, with the action-packed multiplayer that seems as if you can't get enough of it. It's like a drug (well sort of)! However, some aspects do need variation and improvements that would make the game better.Absolutely brilliant! Superb game that mixes both an exhilirating RPG style campaign storyline, which allows you to play against numerous enemies, but is somewhat repetitive, with the action-packed multiplayer that seems as if you can't get enough of it. It's like a drug (well sort of)! However, some aspects do need variation and improvements that would make the game better. Despite this i still give a well earned 9 out of 10. Good job Relic!… Expand
  63. DaveTolley
    Aug 5, 2009
    10
    i've got the first DoW games and the expansions, so the change in direction was abit of a shock but once i got used to it, its fucking awesome i love the rpg elements i find it mixs it up abit so its not as boring as i find some other RTS's
  64. mikemiller
    Aug 3, 2009
    9
    Great Campainge, even better in Co-op.
    But theVersus multiplayer seems watered down, you have to be an expert player to be able to play, and its takes for ever just to get a few squads on the map. I give it a 9/10 because the campainge can kepp you goin for hours on end, if you can put up with a little repetitiveness.(made up word)
  65. RC
    Jul 25, 2009
    8
    I was a little disappointed with this game. Half the time you're just waiting to spawn a squad because they cost so much resources. Then, once there spawned, they die in a few seconds. Besides this the game is a lot different then the other DOW's. Once I adjusted to the the new feel of the game it was fun. The campaign has a good plot but, gets repetitive after a while. Graphics I was a little disappointed with this game. Half the time you're just waiting to spawn a squad because they cost so much resources. Then, once there spawned, they die in a few seconds. Besides this the game is a lot different then the other DOW's. Once I adjusted to the the new feel of the game it was fun. The campaign has a good plot but, gets repetitive after a while. Graphics are great with lots of details best graphics for an RTS. All in all 8 out of 10.… Expand
  66. AnonymousMC
    Jul 25, 2009
    9
    Excellent tactical game. Good length (took me about a week of good solid playing to get unlock the last level, I'm still finishing up side missions). Small number of units make you use them smartly. Even in multiplayer you cannot simply throw units to their deaths. It would have been nice to have more races and for other races to have a campaign, but great without them. HopefullyExcellent tactical game. Good length (took me about a week of good solid playing to get unlock the last level, I'm still finishing up side missions). Small number of units make you use them smartly. Even in multiplayer you cannot simply throw units to their deaths. It would have been nice to have more races and for other races to have a campaign, but great without them. Hopefully there will be an expansion to keep the game going.… Expand
  67. MisterX
    Jul 2, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game. Giving Starcraft fans something new to play with while we wait *forever* for SC2. Relic has resolved most of the problems with minor bug patches soon after launching the game and a major content and skill balancing update with new maps, which gives a nice fuzzy supported feeling to a customer like me. Requires a quick mind and fast fingers. Some learning curve when playing Fantastic game. Giving Starcraft fans something new to play with while we wait *forever* for SC2. Relic has resolved most of the problems with minor bug patches soon after launching the game and a major content and skill balancing update with new maps, which gives a nice fuzzy supported feeling to a customer like me. Requires a quick mind and fast fingers. Some learning curve when playing multiplayer, of course. Expect to get destroyed by online players at first unless you study a bit and practice your strategy against the CPU. Great game, like playing modern "bullet chess" aka super-fast speed chess.… Expand
  68. KevinS.
    Jun 29, 2009
    9
    While this game may not be the best RTS ever, it is fun amnd engaging. I love the moldability of my squad and the flexibility of each mission. At first I wasn't sure if I enjoyed how they reused the maps, but aftera while I realized that it was a lot of fun and it helped engage me into the story line.
  69. RobertM
    Jun 26, 2009
    9
    Great game. RTS is solid, and i love how the campaign does not require base building. The RPG element is a nice addition. The RPG element does not really seem to give your squad leaders any real personality or depth, but it does allow for a very customizable strike force for every mission. Everyone can be tooled for just about any tactic. Game play is repetitive at times, and multiplayer Great game. RTS is solid, and i love how the campaign does not require base building. The RPG element is a nice addition. The RPG element does not really seem to give your squad leaders any real personality or depth, but it does allow for a very customizable strike force for every mission. Everyone can be tooled for just about any tactic. Game play is repetitive at times, and multiplayer gets a little old but over all solid, story driven game that is a blast to play.… Expand
  70. ChrisK
    Jun 19, 2009
    10
    I have always enjoyed the dawn of war series and this is the best yet.i have also played the modeling game and enjoyed that as well giving me a new respect for the amount of work put into the game because the game is based off the models and as i am a modeler i must say that all those who rate this game low must not have the respect for it and do not read the books play its other games or I have always enjoyed the dawn of war series and this is the best yet.i have also played the modeling game and enjoyed that as well giving me a new respect for the amount of work put into the game because the game is based off the models and as i am a modeler i must say that all those who rate this game low must not have the respect for it and do not read the books play its other games or even attempt to play the modeling game.as a rule of thumb please for all those who rate this game low i must encourage you with the utmost respect to try out the models or read a few of the books as they will give you a completely different perspective.… Expand
  71. BenS
    Jun 17, 2009
    9
    Very good game, needs harder AI players, played it one night and can beat the experts already, very fun though, haven't tried the campaign mode yet, but will soon, and would have liked to see stationary defenses but overall the game is good, I'd say 9.5 outta 10 but that isn't an option and it isn't quite a 10/10.
  72. StephenH
    Jun 14, 2009
    9
    Campaign is excellent. The only reason I gave it a 9 of 10 is for the Multi-player mode. It just doesn't live up to Dawn of War 1 yet.
  73. SergeyK
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Intriguing improvement from the original ones, it contains a very complex and interesting story line on singleplayer, while it may get a tad bit dull, it doesn't make the singleplayer bad. I was happy when Gabriel Angelos back, I wasn't much of a fan of Davian Thule, but his voice changed, and he stopped making annoying rants. Multiplayer was also a very fun part of the game, Intriguing improvement from the original ones, it contains a very complex and interesting story line on singleplayer, while it may get a tad bit dull, it doesn't make the singleplayer bad. I was happy when Gabriel Angelos back, I wasn't much of a fan of Davian Thule, but his voice changed, and he stopped making annoying rants. Multiplayer was also a very fun part of the game, the Orks were very made, because they are meant to have strong infantry, but mediocre vehicles, and they made it fair by decreasing the cost of the Ork vehicles. Space Marines were made expensive, but they are very deadly, Eldar were designed to be fast, and contain some have firepower. Tyranids were made to be numerous, but they aren't so resilient, but they get stronger while smaller in numbers, with a bigger resource requirement. All have their strengths and weaknesses, but it's all evened out. This is a very good game, with great singleplayer while containing a superb multiplayer. I recommend it to people who are willing to adapt to other types of RTS's, have small arms fire that can't penetrate tanks like in Company of Heroes, and no base building. Overall it's a very good game.… Expand
  74. ShaneP
    Jun 1, 2009
    8
    Visually stunning and the campaign has an interesting RPG style twist to it. The multiplayer is enjoyable but it does suffer from balance issues. The games biggest downfall is the lack of multiplayer maps. There are for example, currently only two 2v2 maps in the ranked rotation.
  75. DylanW
    May 25, 2009
    9
    Awesome game. Loved it. Still do. Only short coming I honestly give it, is that tyranids are unbalanced compared to the other races.
  76. BB
    May 24, 2009
    9
    Fantastic new direction from a genre filled with cookie cutter games. less emphasis on building means more emphasis on fighting. The only thing it seems to be lacking is alien campaigns.
  77. PhilipK
    May 23, 2009
    8
    This is my first time playing Warhammer 40K, and the first impression is pretty good. You start with an introduction of the game, and there is valuable information throughout the campaign. The game needs improvement in campaign length, its simply too short for me The missions also get too much the same, and the game gets boring quite fast.
  78. TeroSalonen
    May 19, 2009
    10
    at the age i currently am having lived before the www and http i find this game so far the utmost peak of rts with all in cluded both faults and the <3 and the game lore also supports this type of a game aswell this game itself so 10/10 from me
  79. AnonymousMC
    May 17, 2009
    8
    This game is fast paced & really engaging when you face a horde of enemies. Back then playing DOW : Dark Crusade (Soulstorm sucks) micromanagement like plasma beam or meta grenade is not necessary, you just need to have the strongest & largest troops to win the game. This game actually requires some strategy & thinking to play so bravo for that.

    The fact that a RPG / RTS hybrid is still    This game is fast paced & really engaging when you face a horde of enemies. Back then playing DOW : Dark Crusade (Soulstorm sucks) micromanagement like plasma beam or meta grenade is not necessary, you just need to have the strongest & largest troops to win the game. This game actually requires some strategy & thinking to play so bravo for that.

    The fact that a RPG / RTS hybrid is still a new experiment for Relic they should be encouraged to further refine & enhance the game later on.    … Expand
  80. MatusJ
    May 16, 2009
    10
    This game is just so much fun and, the grafics and the way teh Story was made. its just amazing how they done it, they did a good job.
  81. RickP
    May 13, 2009
    10
    This game Rocks! I have the entire Dawn of war series, love them all! But DOW II brings a whole new level to the intensity of the future of war... in teh future there is only WAR.
  82. a.long
    May 13, 2009
    8
    Really disappointed with the new take on multiplayer (taking points and not building bases), and why such a small ammount of maps?! Seriously, I think you may have ruined this game franchise by doing this! I do think the rest of the game is alot better than dow1, so hoping that the expansion packs will make it even better (this was the case with dow1). many thanks to thq and relic but Really disappointed with the new take on multiplayer (taking points and not building bases), and why such a small ammount of maps?! Seriously, I think you may have ruined this game franchise by doing this! I do think the rest of the game is alot better than dow1, so hoping that the expansion packs will make it even better (this was the case with dow1). many thanks to thq and relic but sort multiplayer out with expansion packs PLEASE! jOcKaDoOm.… Expand
  83. boxmonkeyboxmonkey
    May 12, 2009
    9
    Could be better, single player needs to be for all races, need more races but i assume there will be expansions at a later date. other than that the game is great fun and worth buying.
  84. JosephL
    May 12, 2009
    9
    Why it gets a 9 because, though it could use improvement in alot of areas, they do not shine how simply awesome the game itself is. Honestly, color me optimistic, but Relic is the best video game developer since Dynamix.
  85. RyanG
    May 11, 2009
    10
    I LOVE the way the game flows now, yes, building management is very nice in games of the past. Personally I think Dawn of War needs the pace and focus on combat situations.
  86. Mr.FireArmor
    May 11, 2009
    9
    This is going to be a classic. Hate that ill have to wait for expansions again though. Would have like to have seen different campaigns. Overall visualy stunning and rock solid gameplay. Another great add to the 40K series.
  87. KeithS
    May 11, 2009
    9
    This is a very different approach to the WH:40K universe than the the first DOW. It has a much better storyline and is truer to the table top game. I personally don't like the multi-player aspect of the game as much. It isn't as fast paced as the first game. Also the team leader/hero thing in the missions isn't my favorite style of RTS. All in all the game is very This is a very different approach to the WH:40K universe than the the first DOW. It has a much better storyline and is truer to the table top game. I personally don't like the multi-player aspect of the game as much. It isn't as fast paced as the first game. Also the team leader/hero thing in the missions isn't my favorite style of RTS. All in all the game is very enjoyable, visually appealing and has great elements of play. I give this game 9 slices of pie out of 10.… Expand
  88. PatR
    May 4, 2009
    9
    Great fun, the missions bring you straight into the thick of the action and rarely take too long, effectively forcing you to abandon old base-building strategies of grinding on until you've won. The RPG advancement is fun but a little tacked on, and the superhuman space marines are rarely in trouble unless you really push the advance, or until you meet a tough boss, but still, it Great fun, the missions bring you straight into the thick of the action and rarely take too long, effectively forcing you to abandon old base-building strategies of grinding on until you've won. The RPG advancement is fun but a little tacked on, and the superhuman space marines are rarely in trouble unless you really push the advance, or until you meet a tough boss, but still, it makes the action RTS genre a reality in spectacular style.… Expand
  89. JakeL
    Apr 27, 2009
    9
    Great game play, lots of options about how to play through. You can grind, quest, or throw in a mix of both. The only reason i wouldn't give War Hammer a full 10 is because the lack of people playing. WoW runs the market so i hope in the future this game will grow and bulk up its user base a little.
  90. AnonymousMC
    Apr 24, 2009
    9
    I can understand why a lot of people are disappointed with this game; if you are looking for an expanded version of Dawn of War 1, look elsewhere. Once you separate yourself from the idea that this is a "sequel", there's a lot to love in this game.
    I personally don't mind the steam + windows live, since I already use steam and windows live is likely to expand in the future. If    I can understand why a lot of people are disappointed with this game; if you are looking for an expanded version of Dawn of War 1, look elsewhere. Once you separate yourself from the idea that this is a "sequel", there's a lot to love in this game.
    I personally don't mind the steam + windows live, since I already use steam and windows live is likely to expand in the future. If this is a problem for you, you may want to give the game a second thought. Also, you CAN use an offline windows live account to play the single-player campaign, but your achievements won't be saved (probably not a big deal if you aren't playing online).
    Second, I would recommend trying the single-player demo before committing to a purchase, especially due to the mixed feelings about this game. I enjoyed the demo so I made the purchase and I'm quite pleased with the decision.
    If you've never played an RTS before, this could be a good first step. The gameplay is streamlined and provides a good stepping stone to learning how to micro-manage units. Or, if you find traditional RTS games to be shallow, you may enjoy the integrated RPG elements, especially the persistence with being able to continue using heroes rather than being forced to a clean slate each mission.
    Overall I gave the game a 9 for it's balanced gameplay, quality graphics, and good representation of the tabletop game. It's an enjoyable experience that I'd recommend to others.    … Expand
  91. LuD
    Apr 24, 2009
    9
    A bit pricey at 50$, but this game is fast-paced and offers a kind of quirky realism that I found DoW 1 was missing...the different unit types really stand out a lot more in DoW 2 in terms of their abilities, which makes the game more of an rpg/rts sort of game. I personally like the new direction, i've only played for a few hours but it's tons of fun.
  92. noname
    Apr 24, 2009
    9
    Counter-Strike: Source offers flexible styles of play. Using mod's and various game settings, there is always something fun to do involving great action and Edge-of-your-seat thrills. The mechanics allow you to quickly get used to working out, and the smooth rendering with higher model machines give such a life like feel, as though you were in really Razing and Blazing "The Point". Counter-Strike: Source offers flexible styles of play. Using mod's and various game settings, there is always something fun to do involving great action and Edge-of-your-seat thrills. The mechanics allow you to quickly get used to working out, and the smooth rendering with higher model machines give such a life like feel, as though you were in really Razing and Blazing "The Point". Hands down, 11 score in my book. Get it today. Get in and play!… Expand
  93. JamesH
    Apr 21, 2009
    8
    The minor feeling of repetition with the missions didn't take away of the challenge and fun of them as the story continues on. Multiplayer is well done although not many maps to choose from at the moment. After hearing it was more like the tabletop game, I expected a lot more multiplayer game modes too. Still overall a great game (Probably more of a game for fans of the 40K series in The minor feeling of repetition with the missions didn't take away of the challenge and fun of them as the story continues on. Multiplayer is well done although not many maps to choose from at the moment. After hearing it was more like the tabletop game, I expected a lot more multiplayer game modes too. Still overall a great game (Probably more of a game for fans of the 40K series in my opinion though as I hear a lot of whineing from hardcore Blizzard fans), can't wait to have my Tau back though. … Expand
  94. BrandonLovesWH40KDOW
    Apr 18, 2009
    10
    I'll give it a 10/10 because Warhammer 40K is really cool i mean c'mon its a fairly the best thing in the world HeHeHeHe (= i mean i love warhammer and i collect THE SPACE MARINES(Blood Ravens) and i bet no one could kmow warhammer more than me i mean i even know what all of the guy's names are! and all the squads and the vehichles the graphic's of this game are I'll give it a 10/10 because Warhammer 40K is really cool i mean c'mon its a fairly the best thing in the world HeHeHeHe (= i mean i love warhammer and i collect THE SPACE MARINES(Blood Ravens) and i bet no one could kmow warhammer more than me i mean i even know what all of the guy's names are! and all the squads and the vehichles the graphic's of this game are EXTRODANAIRY i mean i am not the best actually sorry guy's no offense ! (= but really i mean i like War hammer 40,000 as the best thing in the whole wide world so the sound,graphics,the colour is really good even the voices whic i also mean by the sound and especially the blood when for example you kill a guy from the imperial guards or eldar or orcs or Tau or What ever the blood stay's there i mean like well you know what i mean i mean it's really cool it's just like the real thing in the games workshop and one of the strongest machines are to drive or use or control is probably the hellfire Dreadnaught and the predator Ahnillator and but one of the cool thing's is with the Space Marines is that when you get the scouts squad you can upgrade then to when (say that your on a cliff right and if there is some badguy's down on the ground,they wont be able to see you so you get your scout squad and when the picture of the kneeling guy which is called sniper infiltration research is highlighted then click on it) and then when your on on the cliff that means you can snipe them all without them attacking you back because they will die in one shot but im not sure about vehicles so if you don't know how to that just read my comment ok so it'll probably help you so oh and don't forget Warhammer is the best and so are the Space Marines!!!… Expand
  95. StuartP
    Apr 17, 2009
    10
    nice evolution from DOW, and i for one am glad to see that they have gone more towards the table top and traditional warhammer games (been playing the table top game since i was 12...... ooooo, far to long to be healthy!). DOW was a good RTS, but that's all it was. much happier with this version.
  96. RudyB
    Apr 17, 2009
    9
    This is better than DOW, Relic have improved the gameplay, I don't know what all the fuss about it been repetitive, that's the game in a nutshell... it's all about battles and lots of it.. Graphics is great and you really need a powefull rig to fully appreciate it all in it's glory. The pace of the game is so much faster and very close to the gametop version. The This is better than DOW, Relic have improved the gameplay, I don't know what all the fuss about it been repetitive, that's the game in a nutshell... it's all about battles and lots of it.. Graphics is great and you really need a powefull rig to fully appreciate it all in it's glory. The pace of the game is so much faster and very close to the gametop version. The option to sneak about is still there, but it is so much better to just start shooting, but set your units up so they support each other ;).. This is a must buy game if you love RTS games.… Expand
  97. RichardS
    Apr 15, 2009
    9
    Dawn Of War II, from at least 24 hours of gameplay if put into it, it is at least an ambitious an inovative game, the particular feautres which make this game so unique is 1. The leveling up system 2.Turn-based real time stragedy 3 Eliminating the use of building countless units like in DOW 1. with all these different feautres this game can be sometimes mistaken for other genre like Dawn Of War II, from at least 24 hours of gameplay if put into it, it is at least an ambitious an inovative game, the particular feautres which make this game so unique is 1. The leveling up system 2.Turn-based real time stragedy 3 Eliminating the use of building countless units like in DOW 1. with all these different feautres this game can be sometimes mistaken for other genre like 'RPG*, but the original overhead view still dominates this game making the overall play of it still RTS in nature. If you come into this game with an open-mind and ready to give it a chance, this game may even surprise you due to the new gameplay and the 'ultra' graphics setting which make this game extreamly realistic in its own way.… Expand
  98. ErikM
    Apr 14, 2009
    8
    I must say that I've been looking forward to this title for some time. I fell in love with the 40k universe 8 years ago whhen I picked up playing the tabletop game, and with relic 10 years ago after playing Homeworld. Since then, I've made it a point of honor to own every single title they have released since. With the release of Company Of Heroes, the Essence engine has become I must say that I've been looking forward to this title for some time. I fell in love with the 40k universe 8 years ago whhen I picked up playing the tabletop game, and with relic 10 years ago after playing Homeworld. Since then, I've made it a point of honor to own every single title they have released since. With the release of Company Of Heroes, the Essence engine has become my all-time-favorite. This game does Run on the essence engine, however, the lack of base building and strategic maps as those are found in CoH turned me off. While I am happy that the campaign is available as a story, I do miss the more Total-waresque campaign as those found in Soulstorm and Dark Crusade. Also, the non-inclusion of some of the races (i.e. Chaos, Dark Eldar, Necrons, Imperial Guard, etc) peeved me a little. All in all, its a solid game with pretty good multiplayer, however, I would wait until it comes down to 40 bucks before shelling out to it.… Expand
  99. TravisP
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    All time favorite game! all around game play is great. this type of Hybrid RTS/RPG really brings new strategy paving a new path for RTS games to come! I love how you no longer build, so you're more in the field of battle and using tactics rather than pawning your opponent. graphics are amazing however, the one thing that bugged me was RAM requirements, and drive space. make sure you All time favorite game! all around game play is great. this type of Hybrid RTS/RPG really brings new strategy paving a new path for RTS games to come! I love how you no longer build, so you're more in the field of battle and using tactics rather than pawning your opponent. graphics are amazing however, the one thing that bugged me was RAM requirements, and drive space. make sure you buy a computer with high RAM and a good graphics card otherwise you may find this tittle pretty sluggish. but its well worth the price.… Expand
  100. DavidD
    Apr 13, 2009
    9
    The campaign was ok, but it could have been much better if there had also been the campaigns for the different factions. also, where'd all the other races go? the multiplayer is really great, but i was put off by having to make a windows live account AND a steam account. one should be enough. looking forward to expansion packs
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PC Game of 2009
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 67 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 67
  3. Negative: 0 out of 67
  1. PALGN
    85
    The single-player mash-up of RTS and RPG elements works really well, and the multiplayer is fast and exciting. Relic's reinvention of the Dawn of War brand is a breath of fresh (or possibly fetid, Tyranid infested) air.
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  2. YouGamers
    89
    Dawn of War II is a highly innovative twist on the usual RTS formula that dares to think outside the box while staying true to the WH40k source material. Campaign co-op play is a great addition to the already superb single player game but the head-to-head multiplayer skirmish is a bit of a disappointment.
    Read full review
  3. GameShark
    83
    Dawn of War was a finely tuned game with huge battles and many disposable troops. Dawn of War II is faster, lighter, smaller, in some ways more interesting and in other ways somewhat lacking in its execution. But taken as a whole it’s impossible to not recommend the game to 40K fans and to those who are willing to accept that this is not a linear sequel to an aging franchise.
    Read full review
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