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. Dan
    Mar 22, 2009
    5
    Its good graphics, but I can play many other games to get good graphics, and good graphics dont always make it a good game. The single player campaign on DOW2 is very good, I enjoyed playing it with my friend. That is basically the only reason it gets a 5. The mutliplayer aspect, which was DOW's main feature after WA, seen as the campaigns turned shockingly bad, has been completely Its good graphics, but I can play many other games to get good graphics, and good graphics dont always make it a good game. The single player campaign on DOW2 is very good, I enjoyed playing it with my friend. That is basically the only reason it gets a 5. The mutliplayer aspect, which was DOW's main feature after WA, seen as the campaigns turned shockingly bad, has been completely ruined in DOW2. There arent enough units to be playing around with, the battles are either too short or too long. And most games turn into spamming the biggest and strongest unit over and over. As an RTS single player its good, but as its essentailly marketed as a multiplayer its bad. 5 out of 10.… Expand
  2. MattH
    Mar 22, 2009
    4
    A very good game if it were a prelude to Dawn of War [1]. Unfortunately the repetitive nature of singleplayer grinds you down the second play through. Multiplayer is good for 2-3 games but then becomes very predictable and boring. Very few unit choices, very little strategy involved, direful selection of maps (only 7 maps supplied), unit pathing is very poor, cover system and your A very good game if it were a prelude to Dawn of War [1]. Unfortunately the repetitive nature of singleplayer grinds you down the second play through. Multiplayer is good for 2-3 games but then becomes very predictable and boring. Very few unit choices, very little strategy involved, direful selection of maps (only 7 maps supplied), unit pathing is very poor, cover system and your unit's overriding AI spoils micromanagement.… Expand
  3. PaulC
    Mar 22, 2009
    8
    There are a lot of new things in this game. On the whole, I think they work. There are several design changes I would have made, but I think the good far outweighs the bad. This is primarily true in the SP campaign. The MP side, I think, is a bit more broken due to too few maps and poor matching through MS' TrueSkill system.
  4. BenT
    Mar 21, 2009
    7
    Fairly solid Multiplayer Gameplay. However, the games aesthetics (especially physics/camera/sound) are inferior to their COH, which came out nearly three years ago.
  5. JedL
    Mar 21, 2009
    5
    By itself, DOW 2 is a competent and reasonably well-polished RTT with nice visuals and fx, but a bit underwhelming in terms of SP and even MP gameplay. As a successor to DoW, it is a total failure that never does deliver on the promises of picking up where it's predecessor left off and bringing the series closer to Warhammer 40K fluff and TT. Much of the strategy and gameplay options By itself, DOW 2 is a competent and reasonably well-polished RTT with nice visuals and fx, but a bit underwhelming in terms of SP and even MP gameplay. As a successor to DoW, it is a total failure that never does deliver on the promises of picking up where it's predecessor left off and bringing the series closer to Warhammer 40K fluff and TT. Much of the strategy and gameplay options that were present in Dawn of War and Company of Heroes are sorely missing here and much of the game seems rushed and contrived. Not a keeper in my collection...I'll stick with DOW and COH thank you very much.… Expand
  6. GuyWalbe
    Mar 21, 2009
    5
    This game is only marginally an RTS and should not have been marketed as one. It is more akin to Real time tactical/RPG the likes of Mechcommander or the Commandos series of games. It is neither as fun as the original Dawn of War series, nor as polished as the Company of Heroes series, which it takes most of its ideas from. It is an inferior RTS game and would not be worth mentioningThis game is only marginally an RTS and should not have been marketed as one. It is more akin to Real time tactical/RPG the likes of Mechcommander or the Commandos series of games. It is neither as fun as the original Dawn of War series, nor as polished as the Company of Heroes series, which it takes most of its ideas from. It is an inferior RTS game and would not be worth mentioning were it not for the -short- Singleplayer.… Expand
  7. brookehillard
    Mar 19, 2009
    2
    great game upon intial look, but features such as waiting up to 20 min for a ranked match and once you get into a ranked match the teams being no where near equal destroy the game. If you are looking for a good multiplayer RTS wait for star craft this x-mas
  8. SethRule
    Mar 17, 2009
    9
    This game is an excellent and bold first step in a new direction for both the Dawn of War series and the RTS genre as a whole. The game looks and plays great, and the campaign is breath of fresh air into genre; a welcome change of pace from most RTS games which only include a campaign mode for posterity. In some places, however, the game feels unfinished. The multiplayer, in particular, This game is an excellent and bold first step in a new direction for both the Dawn of War series and the RTS genre as a whole. The game looks and plays great, and the campaign is breath of fresh air into genre; a welcome change of pace from most RTS games which only include a campaign mode for posterity. In some places, however, the game feels unfinished. The multiplayer, in particular, is in need of balancing on more variety, but remains pulse-pounding and entertaining when you find a good match. One has to think of this game as more of a starter pack to be expanded upon in the months and years to come through DLC and the inevitable expansions. Much like the original Dawn of War so many years back, Dawn of War II is a work of art, but also a work in progress, and it may take time for it to reach it's true potential.… Expand
  9. DougH
    Mar 17, 2009
    7
    Good, but not great. As others have noted, Steam and GFW are a pain (GFW never worked for me), but the real problem is that the whole experience is very predictable. In DOW 40K you have individual upgrades for your Space Marine squads, while here the squaddies are just semi-pointless addons to your heroes that die faster. No player vehicles, no laser cannons, 'terminators' Good, but not great. As others have noted, Steam and GFW are a pain (GFW never worked for me), but the real problem is that the whole experience is very predictable. In DOW 40K you have individual upgrades for your Space Marine squads, while here the squaddies are just semi-pointless addons to your heroes that die faster. No player vehicles, no laser cannons, 'terminators' without the feel of them actually being *Terminators*. I like the hero skill and weapon upgrade system, even though it can make for a gear grind: Dreadnought autocannon, anyone? Good, just shallow: limited tactical & strategic planning and you'll never get that "ZOMG it's a Squigoth!" feeling. I suppose that's a consequence of the constantly falling 'mass market' player IQ.… Expand
  10. SteveM
    Mar 15, 2009
    5
    Relic totally missed the ball in all ways in my opinion. The strategic depth in this game is extremely shallow. This is like a dumbed down version of Company of Heroes with Warhammer 40k skins. Add terrible unit pathing and even worse faction balance and that's Dow2 for you. Big fan of Relic for a long time but there's no excuse for this bastardized strategy/RPG disaster. Relic totally missed the ball in all ways in my opinion. The strategic depth in this game is extremely shallow. This is like a dumbed down version of Company of Heroes with Warhammer 40k skins. Add terrible unit pathing and even worse faction balance and that's Dow2 for you. Big fan of Relic for a long time but there's no excuse for this bastardized strategy/RPG disaster. Don't get me started on the single player campaign. It was a short, cheesy and half-baked affair put together as more of an afterthought than anything,… Expand
  11. DamoW
    Mar 15, 2009
    9
    Great game, a little bit of a rough start to the launch, however not looked back. Game runs flawless, and looks gorgeous on my system. been playing it non-stop and enjoy the single player campaign. Once i have finished that, i will move on to multi-player.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Mar 15, 2009
    0
    Storyline is on par with others but way to short,(completed in less then 10hours. no option to play other races stuck with marines.Big - As basicly cut out on playing the campain again. Multiplayer as gottenrid of the fun aspects of the game for me no base or building stuff no planning. Fun with another race added but why get rid of those allready presented! another big- Woulndt call it Storyline is on par with others but way to short,(completed in less then 10hours. no option to play other races stuck with marines.Big - As basicly cut out on playing the campain again. Multiplayer as gottenrid of the fun aspects of the game for me no base or building stuff no planning. Fun with another race added but why get rid of those allready presented! another big- Woulndt call it realtime strategy anymore as its basicly a race to nodes and to lvl 3 base..then Zerg. where is the fun that has been in the other games. sure there are some fun scrims on the wayto it but nothing even close to enough. from what i can understand they wanted a fast game that doesnt take long.… Expand
  13. JoshuaC
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Dawn of War II come even closer to capturing the gameplay and feel of the Tabletop game. It proves an excellent challenge for those that are used to the build a huge army style game play and requires the player to actually use strategy to will the day.
  14. JooseA
    Mar 14, 2009
    9
    I love the multiplayer and the single player modes of the game. The ranking system is decent and the games don't take too long to start. So far all my negative feelings are directed at the Steam engine and its implementation when I start the game.
  15. ToBeN
    Mar 14, 2009
    5
    After loving the first dawn of war I, with many other DOW fanatics, anticipated the release of the second version. With high hopes that it would be the same game that we all knew and loved except better graphics and better single-player campaign. I also waited for the release of the tyranids, that blood-sucking planet eating race that we all love. I bought the game first day it came out. After loving the first dawn of war I, with many other DOW fanatics, anticipated the release of the second version. With high hopes that it would be the same game that we all knew and loved except better graphics and better single-player campaign. I also waited for the release of the tyranids, that blood-sucking planet eating race that we all love. I bought the game first day it came out. I first started by going through the long process of creating an offline account on windows live, and then tried to enter single player. Up pops up a warning that i need an online account for achievements. This is my first major downside. It reminds you every time you enter single player, as if you were too ignorant to remember the first time. I finally entered single player, and loved it. It appeared to be all i had hoped for. Key word...appeared. Went through the intro campaign battling through orks in an epic high def battle experience. Did not mind at all that you only got to be space marines. Got through, only to find out that these would be your ONLY characters except for some later units coming in. Second major downside... No creation of supporting units. What you get is what you stick with. Another downside is that you could not use them all in one deployment. This started to get annoying with the arrival of a fifth unit, when there were only four deployment slots available. I bared with it and went on through the long and almost never-ending battles. Finally got through to the last battle and was surprised to see that i could use all my units. Though it was a miracle i finally got to use them all, the whole story went down with a splat. No bang, not even a worthy opponent. The game is over...no problem. Time to navigate through the extremely small menu to to the multi-player skirmish mode. ...well, i can't build buildings. Isn't that what RTS games are for? Well, hopefully the DOW community will come out with some add-ons to recoup for the many lost fans of the DOW series.… Expand
  16. PaulK
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    I just finished the campaign and it was one of the best campagins I have ever played through. Although quite easy, throught the levels, the end boss, on most levels, really proved to be a great feature and made it just a bit harder causing the game to balance out very nice.
  17. DeyKim
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    This is a great game, what more could a person ask for? Relic did a great job in making a creative RTS that is unique from all the others on the market, just like they did with Homeworld. A fan for life, do yourself a favor and get this game!
  18. GarthM
    Mar 12, 2009
    9
    While I am a great fan of this universe and genre, there's a few persistantly annoying software items that plague this game. I appreciate the focus on squad based combat and the individuality of each squad, but due to some fatal scar errors appearing repeatedly in certain missions, they're nearly unplayable. (Most notorious, which they've fixed, was angel gate, but While I am a great fan of this universe and genre, there's a few persistantly annoying software items that plague this game. I appreciate the focus on squad based combat and the individuality of each squad, but due to some fatal scar errors appearing repeatedly in certain missions, they're nearly unplayable. (Most notorious, which they've fixed, was angel gate, but I've had more trouble with "The Wailing Doom." I was a little disappointed at the initial offering of four races, but am looking forward to expansions. Also, the tyrranid race was done fairly close to form. Excellent polish, limited replay, but enjoyable overall.… Expand
  19. MikeSikora
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    While SP experience is kind of lacking, gets boring after a while (always same enemy layots on same maps...), its saved by excellent MP. Small-scale, very specialized units and every one of them useful in some way. Absolutely addictive, and despite its flaws, well worth having and playing.
    #1 RTW multiplayer game at the moment.
  20. PPM
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Great Game! First i thought that only one playable race is would be a bit boring,but i found out, that the storymode (campaign) is very good and the multiplayer is also very enjoyable, playing with Friends...One thing is that thq separates this game in many announced add-ons (- much money for them).
  21. AaronF
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    I'd give this game a 9 because I don't believe it is PERFECT, but since there are people giving this game a 2, I had to give it a 10 to help offset the idiocy of people giving this game a bad review. Mike M, you are a fool. DoW 2 offers exciting game play, goal-setting and achieving ambitions, and lots of room for further expansion. Not to mention co-op modes, which are always a I'd give this game a 9 because I don't believe it is PERFECT, but since there are people giving this game a 2, I had to give it a 10 to help offset the idiocy of people giving this game a bad review. Mike M, you are a fool. DoW 2 offers exciting game play, goal-setting and achieving ambitions, and lots of room for further expansion. Not to mention co-op modes, which are always a plus. I am switching back and forth from this to Empires Total War, and enjoying both immensely.… Expand
  22. ForrestM
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    I absolutely adore this game. I believe the vast majority of negative reviews are from people who expected it to be just like the first game. When I look at this game I see the good elements of DoW1 combined with the good elements of Company of Heroes. The campaign is pulled of artfully and is truly innovative and successful in its innovation. The lack of base building blends in perfectly I absolutely adore this game. I believe the vast majority of negative reviews are from people who expected it to be just like the first game. When I look at this game I see the good elements of DoW1 combined with the good elements of Company of Heroes. The campaign is pulled of artfully and is truly innovative and successful in its innovation. The lack of base building blends in perfectly with the tactical play style of the game and the interface is beautifully streamlined making micromanagement a breeze. Sure there may only be 4 races and 1 campaign but if history is any sort of teacher, we can count on expansions.… Expand
  23. MatthewT
    Mar 9, 2009
    0
    Cannot get this to run after 3 days. Between Steam, Games for Windows Live, THQ, Relic all trying to go through some arcane system to get this to start up, it simply won't work on my computer which exceeds all the minimum specifications. Technical support for the game if it doesn't run is less that zero consisting of misinformation and pointing to the other parties. Be aware Cannot get this to run after 3 days. Between Steam, Games for Windows Live, THQ, Relic all trying to go through some arcane system to get this to start up, it simply won't work on my computer which exceeds all the minimum specifications. Technical support for the game if it doesn't run is less that zero consisting of misinformation and pointing to the other parties. Be aware this is a way to just lose $50.… Expand
  24. JonW
    Mar 9, 2009
    9
    This is an exceptional game. I have enjoyed it since the beta, even though there have been a couple multiplayer balance issues the presentation, the gameplay and extreme emphasis on tactics is truly refreshing. Be warned that if you think RTS skill is definied by how well you can micromanage haverster units to gain an economic advantage you will be dissappointed. This is a game that This is an exceptional game. I have enjoyed it since the beta, even though there have been a couple multiplayer balance issues the presentation, the gameplay and extreme emphasis on tactics is truly refreshing. Be warned that if you think RTS skill is definied by how well you can micromanage haverster units to gain an economic advantage you will be dissappointed. This is a game that emphasizes tactical manuever not extremely large armies. In other words if you like Total War as opposed to Starcraft you'll be very satisfied with this game.… Expand
  25. KristofferP
    Mar 8, 2009
    10
    This game has given me something I really whished for, the possiblility to play ranked games with my friends (Starcraft, Dawn of War 1and Comany of Heroes all had a very flawed 3v3) It also takes about 15-20min to complete a game opposed to the 1h matches of Starcraft. But the best part is that it is fast, fun and full of blood
  26. AndreasA
    Mar 6, 2009
    1
    Another game I would have bought. But as I dont agree with all this DRM-crap, I won't. And what is the sense of all the DRM an copy protection? There are allready pirated copies. And: installing the legal bought version needs a steam-account, a windows-live-account and you have to be online. cracked version does not need that. -> disadvantages for customers... THQ -> FAILED! I Another game I would have bought. But as I dont agree with all this DRM-crap, I won't. And what is the sense of all the DRM an copy protection? There are allready pirated copies. And: installing the legal bought version needs a steam-account, a windows-live-account and you have to be online. cracked version does not need that. -> disadvantages for customers... THQ -> FAILED! I won't use thm either, but it shows, that all this drm-crap is only to prevent the people from selling the game again.… Expand
  27. DestryBn
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    In my opinion this game deserves a 7.5 however since i cant get that on here i guess 8 will do. I am a big DOW fan...I loved the last few games and when i learned that DOW2 was coming out i damn near $#!+ my pants, however when i finnaly downloaded the game and played i was a tad dissapointed. First the instillation took forever second the video wasnt skippable (was fine the first time In my opinion this game deserves a 7.5 however since i cant get that on here i guess 8 will do. I am a big DOW fan...I loved the last few games and when i learned that DOW2 was coming out i damn near $#!+ my pants, however when i finnaly downloaded the game and played i was a tad dissapointed. First the instillation took forever second the video wasnt skippable (was fine the first time but it didnt save so i had to watch it again). third i dont like having to sign up for anything just so i can play a game...i already had steam, the idea just buggs me. the next problem was no building system, which was a big wake up call for me, cuz i dont know about everyone else but i like to master all the diff races and learn all of there units upgrades and buildings before i fight them so i went to skirmish and theres no way to build stuff so i was like WTF! anyways i finnaly figured out that thats not how things work anymore and that just made me loose alot of interest right there, and i know there are alot of people out there going its a great game anyways and in alot of ways i agree. ive only had an opertunity to play singleplayer as i downloaded it but to me it seems good. the story line is interesting the leveling system is new and the wargear variations makes for some interesting strategies. The way the game playes itself only made me want to give it a 6-7 at most...however then i thought about it and realized that this is exactly what the first dawn of war needed, to me this game is great because its a step in the right direction, what i want in DOW3 is the combination of the ideas. im hoping Relic brings back the tech trees building ideas and the large amount of race selection (especially the Necrons, they hauled ass...they where also my fav army) and adds in a sort of vetren system so that you can equip diffrent war gear to your squads as well as the foundry, temple, and comm tower ideas. So all in all it was an ok game with a bit o replayablility to it but what makes it great is the hop for the future and the combining of the series.… Expand
  28. AleksK
    Mar 6, 2009
    0
    This game is full piece of shit.No building , campaign on can be done as Space Marines , also campaign is bull**** , because you will need to play a lot of maps again , again , again , again , again , again...And this game costs 50 buck , huhh , this should be free like Battlefield Heroes
  29. fdfsdadsad
    Mar 5, 2009
    1
    I was completly disapointed by DoW 2. If you loved DoW 1 you will be really disapointed by this second part. First thing, you don't even have a builder, you can't make any buildings, you just train squads to join the battle. Second thing, you can't micro at all, the only thing you can do is make your squad ''fall back'' an auto fast running that brings I was completly disapointed by DoW 2. If you loved DoW 1 you will be really disapointed by this second part. First thing, you don't even have a builder, you can't make any buildings, you just train squads to join the battle. Second thing, you can't micro at all, the only thing you can do is make your squad ''fall back'' an auto fast running that brings your squad back to your only building. Compare this to DoW 1 and its pure crap. The only good thing are the graphics. This game is not worth paying 50$ for, not at all.… Expand
  30. ChrisW.
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    A strange thing happened to me a little while ago. Due to the stress and frustration I was dealing with at work and life in general, I developed this odd craving to play a game where I could control a race of giant, vicious mutant insects devouring everything in my path. Since Starcraft II isn
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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

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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.
    Read full review
  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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