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. Empyrea
    Sep 29, 2019
    6
    If you are a fan of Warhammer 40k you may rate this game with an 8 or more but even if you are not a fan, this is a decent game with nice graphics. Voices in Spanish were good although they were not syncronized with the lips (I bet in English it's far better). I played for almost 5 hours (this is till 12th mission out of 17th) until I got stuck. I probably could keep advancing in the gameIf you are a fan of Warhammer 40k you may rate this game with an 8 or more but even if you are not a fan, this is a decent game with nice graphics. Voices in Spanish were good although they were not syncronized with the lips (I bet in English it's far better). I played for almost 5 hours (this is till 12th mission out of 17th) until I got stuck. I probably could keep advancing in the game but because it's a shooting game I don't care if I don't finish it. I recommend to play one hour a day or at least rest for 10-15 minutes for every hour because this is an stressful game so you can get your eyes red if you are not careful. Remember to blink from time to time. Overall, I wouldn't give to this game more than a 7 unless you are very fan of Warhammer games.… Expand
  2. 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
  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. golemgac
    Mar 13, 2017
    7
    On the first thought, that game was a huge disappointment, but after many hours I must admit it was fun though. Although too many elements of RTS's genre were taken away, there're a few changes (crossover with RPG structure) that made game more enjoyable, It's also good to see Tyranids in not that bad story with interesting characters and side threads, even if the silent protagonist wasn'tOn the first thought, that game was a huge disappointment, but after many hours I must admit it was fun though. Although too many elements of RTS's genre were taken away, there're a few changes (crossover with RPG structure) that made game more enjoyable, It's also good to see Tyranids in not that bad story with interesting characters and side threads, even if the silent protagonist wasn't exactly the bullseye. Main campaign has some good moments but it becomes predictable and monotonous after a while, specially side missions. I think every fan of DoW should give it a try.… Expand
  5. Yulduz
    Jan 3, 2020
    7
    -I would almost say that Dawn of War II is an ActionRPG (although handling 4 characters at a time) disguised as RTS (without resource management).
    Very worked in the graphic aspect.
    Maybe something repetitive to go forward during missions if we except the final boss. -Casi diría que Dawn of War II es un ActionRPG (aunque manejando a 4 personajes a la vez) disfrazado de RTS (sin    -I would almost say that Dawn of War II is an ActionRPG (although handling 4 characters at a time) disguised as RTS (without resource management).
    Very worked in the graphic aspect.
    Maybe something repetitive to go forward during missions if we except the final boss.

    -Casi diría que Dawn of War II es un ActionRPG (aunque manejando a 4 personajes a la vez) disfrazado de RTS (sin gestión de recursos).
    Muy trabajado en el aspecto grafico.
    Quizá algo repetitivo el ir avanzando durante misiones si exceptuamos el jefe final.    … Expand
  6. Kotofon
    Jun 6, 2020
    4
    Разработанная одной из лучших студий Relic Entertainment, Dawn Of War II открывает новую главу в известной серии стратегий RTS – переносит игроков на жестокий передний край войны, позволяя им возглавить группу элитарных войск в их миссии по спасению галактики.

    Место действия: 41. тысячелетие в подсекторе Аурелия – кластере миров на краю галактики, где вот-вот начнется эпическая битва.    Разработанная одной из лучших студий Relic Entertainment, Dawn Of War II открывает новую главу в известной серии стратегий RTS – переносит игроков на жестокий передний край войны, позволяя им возглавить группу элитарных войск в их миссии по спасению галактики.

    Место действия: 41. тысячелетие в подсекторе Аурелия – кластере миров на краю галактики, где вот-вот начнется эпическая битва. Древние расы будут сталкиваться на планетах разбросанных по этому сектору, ведь они сражаются не только за контроль над подсектором Аурелия, но и за судьбу своей расы.    … Expand
  7. davidpole23
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  8. Babutto
    Jan 5, 2022
    7
    It's a solid game.

    Pros.:
    - Unlike Dawn of War, there is a strong story.
    - Emphasis on different squads.
    - RPG element (very simple).
    - Need to plan strats with the squads.
    - Chaos rising raises the quality.

    Cons.:
    - Same maps. Same ****
    - The twists could be done better, more developed and complicated.
    - Map design is one of the weakest points.
  9. nw2010
    Jan 12, 2021
    7
    Once you get used to the main change from DoW (no base building) and read up a bit about what's going on (no tutorial) this is an enjoyable game.

    Graphics are very good considering the age (although cut scene graphical quality is poor).

    Very much enjoyed playing through this and look forward to playing Chaos Rising.
  10. 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.
  11. Ricardd
    Feb 10, 2020
    0
    Dawn of war 1 fue un juego rts build and battle con ciertas innovaciones como la inclusión de moral, coberturas, reclutamiento de unidades en el campo de batalla y recoleccion de recursos a base de capturar puntos de control
    Pero al fin y al cabo era un rts donde construias edificios y reclutabas ejército
    Dawn of war 2 fue una gigantesca traición a todo esto, microgestión táctica    Dawn of war 1 fue un juego rts build and battle con ciertas innovaciones como la inclusión de moral, coberturas, reclutamiento de unidades en el campo de batalla y recoleccion de recursos a base de capturar puntos de control
    Pero al fin y al cabo era un rts donde construias edificios y reclutabas ejército
    Dawn of war 2 fue una gigantesca traición a todo esto, microgestión táctica excesiva, ejércitos pequeños y lo mas gordo de todo es que suprimieron la construcción de edificios, no se siente rts,
    es una gigantesca estafa    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. Tabbou
    Sep 2, 2022
    5
    Evaluation faite en 2022, je n'ai jamais joué à un jeu warhammer 40000 donc review neutre du jeu :
    Jeu de stratégie en temps réel assez sympa, on gère une escouade de 4 héros avec des capacités et 1 style de jeu bien différent avec un côté light RPG : quelques niveau à prendre, compétences à débloquer et équipements à loot et à choisir judicieusement.
    Je ne recommande pas car le jeu    Evaluation faite en 2022, je n'ai jamais joué à un jeu warhammer 40000 donc review neutre du jeu :
    Jeu de stratégie en temps réel assez sympa, on gère une escouade de 4 héros avec des capacités et 1 style de jeu bien différent avec un côté light RPG : quelques niveau à prendre, compétences à débloquer et équipements à loot et à choisir judicieusement.
    Je ne recommande pas car le jeu revient assez cher et ne propose qu'une dizaine de missions au final, une seule race jouable, rejouabilité nulle, et un mode en ligne quasiment vide.
    Loin derrière Starcraft II à titre de comparaison    … Expand
  14. denisc205
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Всё потому что это Warhammer Warhammer WarhammerДа здравствует Великий пират
  15. W1llhelm
    Jun 23, 2023
    6
    Decent game, awful boss fights at higher difficulty settings, very repetitive maps and enemy layouts, close to no "strategy" involved as you'll find yourself using the same combination of abilities the entire playthrough regardless of enemies and locations.
  16. 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
  17. Naked_Snakee
    Apr 7, 2023
    5
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
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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.
    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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