Warhammer: Dawn of War

[ShadeFlanders]

TRAILER (http://www.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_warhammer40k_dow_e3_2k4.html)

omg, that inquisitor smacking down that bloodthirster looks amazing. If those are in-game shots (which I think they are) then I'd better start saving up for a new PC.
And I hope that Gothic music is in-game too.

[solypsist]

looks pretty snazzy

(whatever it is)

[Sir Moody]

just so u know tha twasnt an Inquisitor it was a Marine Captain who has an Inquisitor Hammer (story is supposed to explain how and why)

[Dramicus]

Quote[/b] (ShadeFlanders @ June 28 2004,16:27)]And I hope that Gothic music is in-game too.
Actually, the trend for WH:40k games is really heavy metal music and electric guitar solos...

They may have switched it up this time but thats what they usually use...

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Great lookinh game, nothing like a nice bout of violence on the game screen http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Leet Eriksson]

I really like the animations http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/ceasaryes.gif but i did'nt know the eldar are in http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif i thought the 4 races would be imperial guard,space marines,chaos marines and orks...anyways the eldar seem to be like a good race to have in,i really hope to see the tau however(or the tyranids,both are cool).

[Efrem Da King]

I hope they make expansion pack with tau and imperial gaurd. THey are my two fav races.

[the Count of Flanders]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 29 2004,17:12)]
Quote[/b] (ShadeFlanders @ June 28 2004,16:27)]And I hope that Gothic music is in-game too.
Actually, the trend for WH:40k games is really heavy metal music and electric guitar solos...

They may have switched it up this time but thats what they usually use...
Never really noticed that (never really bought a 40k pc game). Would be cool tough to have a Children of Bodom song on the soundtrack.

[King Edward]

Who are the Tau? i used to play 40k years ago but never heard of them

[Leet Eriksson]

They are a pretty popular army to have these days... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

Tau (http://uk.games-workshop.com/40kuniverse/warhammer40k/tau/index/Tau_index.htm)

[King Edward]

Cool my have to dust off my very well rested Ultra marines FOR THE EMPEROR

[Spino]

Looks great, love the animations. While I do realize it's a game I still have a hard time accepting high powered automatic weapons, lasers and other high tech nastiness being used at point blank ranges. It just seems so damn silly. I would much prefer to see them do a Fantasy Warhammer game with this engine (which will probably happen if this title is successful). I could really see myself getting into a Warhammer Total War game.

[King Edward]

I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty

[Dramicus]

Quote[/b] (Spino @ June 30 2004,11:25)]Looks great, love the animations. While I do realize it's a game I still have a hard time accepting high powered automatic weapons, lasers and other high tech nastiness being used at point blank ranges. It just seems so damn silly. I would much prefer to see them do a Fantasy Warhammer game with this engine (which will probably happen if this title is successful). I could really see myself getting into a Warhammer Total War game.
Have you ever played Dark Omen?

That was a game like MTW set in Fantasy Warhammer...

My god, I played that game TOO much when I got it...

And when I found that I was easy to mod....

I had quite a few sleepless nights...

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif

[YAKOBU]

Hi Dramicus

I played Shadow of the Horned Rat on the playstation which was the predecessor to Dark Omen I believe. I really enjoyed it but didn't get Dark Omen as it initially came out on the PC and took a long time to get to the playstation. At that point I'd moved on to bigger and better things. I remember it mostly because it was the 1st time I could move full units in formation and in real-time

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[Spino]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,12:49)]
Quote[/b] (Spino @ June 30 2004,11:25)]Looks great, love the animations. While I do realize it's a game I still have a hard time accepting high powered automatic weapons, lasers and other high tech nastiness being used at point blank ranges. It just seems so damn silly. I would much prefer to see them do a Fantasy Warhammer game with this engine (which will probably happen if this title is successful). I could really see myself getting into a Warhammer Total War game.
Have you ever played Dark Omen?

That was a game like MTW set in Fantasy Warhammer...

My god, I played that game TOO much when I got it...

And when I found that I was easy to mod....

I had quite a few sleepless nights...

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif
Yes, I remember that one Wasn't WH: Dark Omen one of the first DirectX games for Windows?

[ROCKHAMMER]

AWESOME I simply must have this game. When is the release date?

[Leet Eriksson]

Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,10:36)]I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty
Are there even any good guys in Warhammer 40k? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

After playing Firewarrior though,i think the Tau are not as evil as the rest of the races in 40k.

[Dramicus]

Quote[/b] (faisal @ June 30 2004,14:22)]
Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,10:36)]I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty
Are there even any good guys in Warhammer 40k? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

After playing Firewarrior though,i think the Tau are not as evil as the rest of the races in 40k.
Fire warrior is just a giant piece of alien propaganda Dont belive a second of that game... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

The Tau are very evil, the will do everything in their power to expand thier little 'empire' at the cost of the all-powerful Imperium

DEATH TO ALL ALIENS

FOR THE EMPEROR

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-surprised.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-dizzy2.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif

[Leet Eriksson]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,13:54)]
Quote[/b] (faisal @ June 30 2004,14:22)]
Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,10:36)]I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty
Are there even any good guys in Warhammer 40k? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

After playing Firewarrior though,i think the Tau are not as evil as the rest of the races in 40k.
Fire warrior is just a giant piece of alien propaganda Dont belive a second of that game... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

The Tau are very evil, the will do everything in their power to expand thier little 'empire' at the cost of the all-powerful Imperium

DEATH TO ALL ALIENS

FOR THE EMPEROR

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-surprised.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-dizzy2.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif
Your so blinded by imperium propagandaNot only the tau are opressed, but the peice loving tryanids are also bieng ethnicaly cleansed becuase they were born like that

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[King Edward]

Quote[/b] (faisal @ June 30 2004,20:36)]
Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,13:54)]
Quote[/b] (faisal @ June 30 2004,14:22)]
Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,10:36)]I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty
Are there even any good guys in Warhammer 40k? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

After playing Firewarrior though,i think the Tau are not as evil as the rest of the races in 40k.
Fire warrior is just a giant piece of alien propaganda Dont belive a second of that game... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

The Tau are very evil, the will do everything in their power to expand thier little 'empire' at the cost of the all-powerful Imperium

DEATH TO ALL ALIENS

FOR THE EMPEROR

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-surprised.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-dizzy2.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif
Your so blinded by imperium propagandaNot only the tau are opressed, but the peice loving tryanids are also bieng ethnicaly cleansed becuase they were born like that

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif
Dont get me started on the Tyranid alien SCUM as a (Former, i've not played for about 5 yrs) Ultramarine Commander I have Slaghterd countless hords of the devouring slime but at the cost of many of my brave warrior brothers...... man i really am going to have to dust of my Ulta marine 6th company army and send them back into the fray

[Dramicus]

The 'Nids love piece? ( http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )

Heathen

I will cast you back into the depths of Chaos from whence you came, foul heretic

The Dark Angels are the first Chapter and the only true chapter worthy of the Emperor

The Deathwing will once again wade into the vile ocean of aliens who whish to destroy mankind, leave none alive

For the Emperor


http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif

[King Edward]

Being a Purist Ultramarine, Strictly adhearing to the codex i was always a little suspicious of the Dark Angels, always acting like they have something to hide........

[Dramicus]

Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,16:10)]Being a Purist Ultramarine, Strictly adhearing to the codex i was always a little suspicious of the Dark Angels, always acting like they have something to hide........
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I dont know what you are talking about

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-curtain.gif

[King Edward]

to be honest neither do i, did they ever publish what their secret was supposed to be? i'd be interested to read it thats for sure

[Dramicus]

Hmm, maybe the Dark Angel Progentetor (or whatever the hell its called) is still alive and could challenge the Emperor for the Imperium...

Then the Dark Angels would rule all

MWHAHAHAHA

*cough*

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-curtain.gif

[King Edward]

Cool, never heard anything about that, do you have a link to any info on it??

[Dramicus]

Each chapter was founded by one person, and that persons Genetic code was used to create all of the resulting space marines...

All of the current chapters no longer have the first dude

It is roumered that the Dark Angel guy (I cant for the life of me remember any of the terms) is still alive...

Aparantly, these Initial Space marines were just as powerful as the Emperor, considering that he used his own gentic code to create them...

Thus if one of the first marines were to still be alive, they could easily attempt to usurp the Imperium considering the current state of the Emperor...

Ill try to find some links...

edit: from the GW site

Since the founding of their Legion at the birth of the Imperium, the Space Marines of the Dark Angels have been feared by their enemies and held in awe by those they protect. Stubborn and relentless in battle, ever vigilant and zealous in pursuit of their duties, the Dark Angels are among the Emperor's most faithful servants.

Yet it was not always so. For ten millennia, the Dark Angels have harboured a sinister secret, an act so terrible and shameful it threatens everything the Dark Angels hold most dear -- and may yet bring them eternal damnation...

This is what I like about the Dark Angels... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

COMBAT DOCTRINE
With the break up of the Space Marine Legions after the Horus Heresy, the Dark Angels were split into Chapters according to Roboute Guilliman's Codex Astartes. With the exception of the Deathwing and the Ravenwing, the Dark Angels follow standard Space Marine combat doctrine and their dogged resistance against overwhelming odds is legendary. In situations where even other Space Marines would fall back, the Dark Angels will fight to the bitter end rather than give ground to their foes. This is also reflected in their stubborn refusal to move in the face of the enemy, even in situations where it would sometimes be tactically beneficial for them to do so.

The Dark Angels are also notoriously intolerant of non-humans and will refuse to fight alongside armies that include alien races. They are highly suspicious of outsiders and often appear unreasonably aloof and intransigent. Indeed there have been a number of occasions where the Dark Angels have withdrawn suddenly and with no explanation from a warzone when confronted by an Imperial Inquisitor or Missionary.

[King Edward]

Cool, I knew about the founding of the space marines, but didnt know that the Dark Angels primarch was still alive, Lion El'Johnson was his name if i remeber correctly....

[Dramicus]

The Dark Angel battle cry and their motto are suspiciously similiar due to the fact that they both kinda point to the same thing...

Repent For tomorrow you die


Damnation is eternal.
All souls cry out for salvation.
There is no salvation without suffering.

this one particularly:

A moment of laxity spawns a lifetime of heresy.
Never forget, never forgive.

[King Edward]

http://fortressofunforgiven.homestead.com/CH03_Ant_00.html

Go to this web site, compleate history of the Dark angels as weel as a good account of the Horus Heresy

[Efrem Da King]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,13:54)]
Quote[/b] (faisal @ June 30 2004,14:22)]
Quote[/b] (King Edward @ June 30 2004,10:36)]I like the 40k universe, very dark and brooding, even the 'good guy's' are pretty nasty
Are there even any good guys in Warhammer 40k? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

After playing Firewarrior though,i think the Tau are not as evil as the rest of the races in 40k.
Fire warrior is just a giant piece of alien propaganda Dont belive a second of that game... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

The Tau are very evil, the will do everything in their power to expand thier little 'empire' at the cost of the all-powerful Imperium

DEATH TO ALL ALIENS

FOR THE EMPEROR

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-surprised.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-dizzy2.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif
Hah You are but foolish barbarians

We Tau are the hight of sophistication. Need I remind you that 1000 years ago (think thats right) we had just discovered fire. Now our technology has developed way above your understanding.

[Sir Moody]

the secret the dark angels hide is the fact that half their chapter turned to chaos during the Civil war - while most 40k players know this fact ingame only the Dark Angels and a few Inquisitors actually KNOW so they do their very best to hide it from other chapters etc

[Leet Eriksson]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,15:06)]The 'Nids love piece? ( http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )

Heathen

I will cast you back into the depths of Chaos from whence you came, foul heretic

The Dark Angels are the first Chapter and the only true chapter worthy of the Emperor

The Deathwing will once again wade into the vile ocean of aliens who whish to destroy mankind, leave none alive

For the Emperor


http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif
They do,especialy Imperium pieces... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif

[RisingSun]

Wooo Wooo Nerd alert http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Never really got into Warhammer. Looked kind of stupid, considering I kept seeing tanks and lasers, but also guys with saws and swords. I was like Huh? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-inquisitive.gif

[Leet Eriksson]

Its really fun,i play Warhammer mostly,not 40k,but anyways,the tabeltop wargame takes things realistictly,units armour,projectile range,morale,walking,running,artillery trajectories...etc you'll also need a bit of luck(ie arrows hitting,missing or injuring depending on your luck using dice).You'll get what i mean if you try the game out yourself.

[econ21]

Warhammer's not a million miles from Total War - similar rather stylised wargaming with a lot of chrome (fluff). As a rules system, I prefer Total War and certainly you get a lot more bang for your buck with the computer game. But painting and collecting miniatures has a certain charm - especially as the quality of the models lately has become very high. I got into the hobby with my young son, certainly beats duel master cards - his other recent interest

[ShadeFlanders]

Citaat[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Juli 01 2004,07:13)]Warhammer's not a million miles from Total War - similar rather stylised wargaming with a lot of chrome (fluff). As a rules system, I prefer Total War and certainly you get a lot more bang for your buck with the computer game. But painting and collecting miniatures has a certain charm - especially as the quality of the models lately has become very high. I got into the hobby with my young son, certainly beats duel master cards - his other recent interest
I prefer warhammer over Total War because you are face to face with your opponent and you can add a lot of personal flavour to your armies. I also think WH, and especially fantasy battle is more tactical then TW because it, obviously, is turnbased instead of realtime. And trying to build the unbeatable army is fun (and impossible) too.
My dark eldar in 40k only very rarely get beaten tough.

[econ21]

Well, maybe Warhammer is more tactical in the same sense that Chess is even more tactical - it requires more analytical thought to win etc. However, as a historical wargame, I much prefer TW - here not being turn-based is a big one to me (it's very hard for IGO UGO to be realistic). I like the balance of arms (missiles, spear, cav etc) in TW much better. Also, there are more modifiers (fatigue, morale, weather etc) to simulate reality and random factors are less important. Of course, with the predominance of fantasy in Warhammer, you are likely to get shot down if you talk about what is realistic, but from my slant that is what I look for in a wargame - something that is believable, but fun, simulation of war.

[ShadeFlanders]

Citaat[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Juli 01 2004,15:01)]Well, maybe Warhammer is more tactical in the same sense that Chess is even more tactical - it requires more analytical thought to win etc. However, as a historical wargame, I much prefer TW - here not being turn-based is a big one to me (it's very hard for IGO UGO to be realistic). I like the balance of arms (missiles, spear, cav etc) in TW much better. Also, there are more modifiers (fatigue, morale, weather etc) to simulate reality and random factors are less important. Of course, with the predominance of fantasy in Warhammer, you are likely to get shot down if you talk about what is realistic, but from my slant that is what I look for in a wargame - something that is believable, but fun, simulation of war.
Well, randomness in battle is very realistic IMHO. I agree with you tough, of course TW is more realistic. But I have more fun playing a game of warhammer, which is just a matter of taste of course. Realism isn't everything. I have this board game lying around called 'Rise and Fall of the Third Reich' which simulates WW2 very well, but it's also very, very boring.
And having a real life opponent with which you can drink a beer and crack some jokes is another important factor.

[The Tuffen]

Quote[/b] (Spino @ June 30 2004,18:40)]
Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ June 30 2004,12:49)]
Quote[/b] (Spino @ June 30 2004,11:25)]Looks great, love the animations. While I do realize it's a game I still have a hard time accepting high powered automatic weapons, lasers and other high tech nastiness being used at point blank ranges. It just seems so damn silly. I would much prefer to see them do a Fantasy Warhammer game with this engine (which will probably happen if this title is successful). I could really see myself getting into a Warhammer Total War game.
Have you ever played Dark Omen?

That was a game like MTW set in Fantasy Warhammer...

My god, I played that game TOO much when I got it...

And when I found that I was easy to mod....

I had quite a few sleepless nights...

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-stunned.gif
Yes, I remember that one Wasn't WH: Dark Omen one of the first DirectX games for Windows?
Dark omen came with dx 5 (just found my old copy of dark omen and installed it for a bit of fun)

Cant wait for the new game to come out. Should be pretty good fun.

[Dramicus]

does Dark Omen still run on XP? If it does, then Im going to re-install it as well....

[Sir Moody]

ive never got it running under XP but i did get it running under 98 easily (i unlike most people have the sense to have 2 operating systems based on different architectures on my comp (ok ok i lie i lie i have 3))

[The Tuffen]

Quote[/b] (Dramicus @ July 06 2004,17:26)]does Dark Omen still run on XP? If it does, then Im going to re-install it as well....
No it doesn't seem to work unfortunatly http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/frown.gif

I got it up and running but when i went into a battle i had the map up as usual except the screen was blinking at me. I then tried it on my 98 machine and that was even worse. When i loaded up dark omen the title screen had lines across it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[econ21]

I got Dark Omen working on my Win98 desktop, but not my XP laptop. I am not sure it is that big a loss - it is hard to accept the game now, as it is so like Total War in conception and so inferior in execution. I suspect the same may be true of Dawn of War and the TW-style Middle Earth game coming out too.

[Dramicus]

HOLY [Excrement]

http://www.bonedaddy.net/Dramicus/spacem.JPG

check out this faction feature

Space Marines (http://pc.ign.com/articles/532/532064p1.html)

Im going to love this game... https://forums.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Leet Eriksson]

I kinda like how they made the Blood Ravens influenced by native canadian culture,definitly a plus for the game,adds a lot of flavour to it.

Btw i know from a friend in the beta test,that the units are entirely customisable,its like making the tabletop miniatures,but does'nt take the long hours of painting and gluing and such.Oh and the game is pretty mod friendly.

[Efrem Da King]

Hmm I am liking how it is comeing along...





BUT the action seems to move at a blindingly fast pace. Like there is not way I could control my units at that fast a speed.

[King Edward]

This game is gonna be great, not sure which im looking forward to more, this or RTW

Im Looking froward to seing the Chaos Deamons and Eldar Avartar slug it out in full animation Bring on the Blood Thirsters

[solypsist]

i suspect i i get this game i'll be using the pause button a lot

[Alrowan]

every writup ive read have all said the same thing, if it wasnt for the TM, the game wouldnt sell for penuts.

in otherwords

its S**t

[Stormer]

yes if you were a fileplanet suscriber you could be a beta testers i was a subscriber and all i can say is you dont know what your missing https://forums.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

dont ask questinos about the game as iv agreed not to talk about it under contact https://forums.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-oops.gif

[Dramicus]

OPEN BETA!!!!!

Open beta at file planet (http://www.fileplanet.com)

I downloaded it a few days ago, which explains the delay in this post... ~;)

The beta allows you to play a tutorial with the four different factions, it also has a working version of the army painter (The Dark Angels are pre-made ~D ) and you can also play online matches with the four factions... It appears that the promised two extra factions havent been included as of yet...

However, I love the game, and its not even done yet.... Multiplayer is great, everyone has their own personal paint scheme for their forces, its no longer the traditional red/blue/green/yellow team colors. I have enjoyed crusading forth with my (slightly modified) Dark Angels.... ~:smoking:

I suggest you download the Game and get a beta key ASAP you will not be disapointed! ~:cheers:

[BDC]

The years I wasted on Warhammer. The hundreds of my parents' Pounds. Ah.

I need this game. So many good ones are coming out soon.

RTW, HL2, Doom3, this, and so on. HOW WILL I COPE?!

~:mecry:

[LeeJackson]

I've been enjoying the beta as well. Its a good game, but teh screen shots are a bit missleading since currently as far as I can tell you can only view teh battle feild from a standard RTS top down perspective.

[Papewaio]

Aggh my marines got painted pink by Wasabi... so I gave them to her and used dark eldar...

Wasabi actually likes playing warhammer 40k minatures...

[Dramicus]

I've been enjoying the beta as well. Its a good game, but teh screen shots are a bit missleading since currently as far as I can tell you can only view teh battle feild from a standard RTS top down perspective.

The screenshots arent misleading what so ever.... Try holding down alt...

[LeeJackson]

Well what do you knwo about that. A manual for thsi game would have been nice.

[Dramicus]

Well, considering that you are playing a BETA, it would be safe to assume that the manual hasnt even been created yet due to the fact that the game is to be released in febuary...

[eadeater]

Oh man, did I love warhammer a good 5-6 years ago. I've still got my Ultramarine company stored away in some cupboard somewhere - might have to crack them out if I play the game and it's any good.
The prospect of fully customisable sounds very appealing, especially if you could create your own space marine chapters for online play, and they could be like clans - every member and his armies actually belong to the same chapter. That would be so cool.

[econ21]

Anyone playing the beta care to say how this game fits in the spectrum between, say, MTW and a traditional RTS like Age of Empires? What I like about MTW is that it rewards tactics - positioning, morale, flanking, formation etc etc. Standard RTSs don't seem to do this and instead focus on swamping the enemy with units. How is Dawn of War?

[Sir Moody]

Think Warcraft with guns... sadly

[King Edward]

PC Gamer has given DOW 91% (Althought they also gave sims 2 92%!!) haven't had time to read the review yet but im gonna be getting this!

[monkian]

I've been playing the beta for a month or two.

Calling it Warcraft 3 with guns is a little unfair

The resource managment is based on capturing strategic points rather than harvesting lumber or gold. But this also varies slightly from race to race.

The morale system is kinda cool- your troops will fall back if outnumbered and outgunned and using sniper rifles or flamethrowers will diminish an enemy's morale whilst adding Sargents and Commanders etc to your squads will boost your morale.

Its a very pretty game and you can use a 'paint' programme to decide your army's colour and even design your own banners/badges.

There are also hundreds of types of animations and the battles are very dynamic and fluid.

I've pre-ordered it anyway for £17.99 on www.play.com ~;)

[Navaros]

i've been playing the beta for about a month now

it's nothing like Total War at all

it's similar to WarCraft 3 in many ways. same exact interface as WarCraft 3. there aren't really any "flanking" tactics or that sort of thing in Dawn of War.

it's a pretty good multiplayer game but it's not worth buying for the singleplayer game because in singleplayer there is only one race you get to play as, the Space Marines, and there is only 11 Missions. that's it.

only buy it if you want an RTS game to play in multiplayer that is similar to WarCraft 3. if you buy it for that reason then chances are you will like it

[monkian]

i've been playing the beta for about a month now

it's nothing like Total War at all

it's similar to WarCraft 3 in many ways. same exact interface as WarCraft 3. there aren't really any "flanking" tactics or that sort of thing in Dawn of War.

it's a pretty good multiplayer game but it's not worth buying for the singleplayer game because in singleplayer there is only one race you get to play as, the Space Marines, and there is only 11 Missions. that's it.

only buy it if you want an RTS game to play in multiplayer that is similar to WarCraft 3. if you buy it for that reason then chances are you will like it

There is also the skirmish mode in single player plus theres also a thriving mod community making new races for the game. Plus theres bound to be expansion packs.

[econ21]

Well, following Monkian's recommendation, I've preordered the game and then played the demo (wrong order to do things, I admit).

First impression was that the graphics were jaw-dropping. As a Warhammer minature player, I have a tilt towards the subject matter but that could also make one critical. I have to say that the depiction of the units is absolutely amazing. In addition, the graphics run very smoothly - no stuttering and little flickering of units. By comparison, for some reason RTWs graphics in the demo were underwhelming - maybe it's a little older vintage or maybe I need to adjust my settings. (RTW also looked very "washed out" in terms of colour compared to DOW). However, I have to say that once you get into the game, the gorgeous graphics seem to count for very little - I zoom out and it does not look that different from a 2D game like Warcraft 2 (never played 3). Unlike RTW, I never felt that inclined to zoom in at the height of the action, because I did not care so much about the units (it being an RTS and there being little joy in watching some fine tactics being pulled off).

Second impression was that the game seemed fairly deep - or at least had a lot of the units and upgrade options that are so much part of the fun of Warhammer. I was curious that I could buy 4 heavy weapons for my marines, then I realised that made them the equivalent of a heavy weapons squad in the game. The options for upgrades to twin-plasma cannons and powerfists - the marine weapons of choice in 40K - although greyed out in the demo scenario I played, were also appreciated.

As to the gameplay itself, it seemed a very standard RTS. Much like original Command and Conquer, the only standard RTS I played seriously. I got a bloody nose in a scripted sequence with an Orc elephant thing, presumably borrowed from the Carthiginians after Trebia, but then just built a lot of marine squads with 4 missile launchers and some whirlwinds, then squished the enemy. It was fun having to fall back after the elephant thing wiped out my initial attack, but otherwise was by the numbers.

The cinematic elements of the campaign seemed excellent - what also kept me persevering with the original Command and Conquer - plus the difficulty level looks pitched to make me look forward to the full 11 scenario campaign. Yes, it may be over quickly and yes, it may not be very replayable but it will at least tide me over until RTW and is a pre-order I am happy I made.

[Chimpyang]

I'm downloading the demo right now and from what has been posted i expect to have a pleasent gaming experience.

I used to paly as the Eldar (not dark), The eldar were specialists and you had to bring the right set of them or the right situations, where SM were jack all all trades master of a few, the Eldar were Master of all trades - but could only use a few. Options had to be created forcefully (in my expreience) to win. I had to rip apart the left flank of a Space marine position using my banshess (lsot quite a few) to be able to flood my reserves through there.

[King Edward]

Space Marines Became uber Powerful when they were able to Rapid fire. they could shred a squad of banshies leaving 2 few to do any real damage. Eldar are 2 frail, their armour is crap and there toughness was low as well. Tyranids, now they kick some behind!!!!!

[Dramicus]

The nids get wasted by the IG's ordinance and mass fire, they also get torn apart by the SM's overall uberness... ~;p

[King Edward]

I always struggled aginst the Tyranids with my Marines, Geanstealers are more than capable of taking down a Terminator squad 'up close and personal' but massed IG fire power is effective, if somewhat dull to play with.

I found it next to impossible to beat anyone with orks, they just suck!

[Navaros]

I found it next to impossible to beat anyone with orks, they just suck!


Orks suck in the Dawn of War game too. which is probably why almost no one ever uses them ~:shock:

[Dramicus]

In order to win with the orks you need to attack with a ridiculous amount of troops...

Im talking 50 - 1 ratios... Only then can you shrug off the masses of casualties that you will sustain...

The problem is actually producing that many troops before the other races rape you.... ~:rolleyes:

[Somebody Else]

Downloaded and played the demo... was rather entertaining, though tactically limited. Seems the thing to do is just plough in a large amount of troops and hope for the best.

I do like the way dreadnoughts kill people up close though. Just lift them up and crunch them in it's fist. Being able to bring one's own colour scheme to the field is entertaining as well (though, I would like to be able to customise where the colours go... would like to have a quartered, harlequin style uniform...)

All in all, a pretty looking game, with some nice special effects.

[econ21]

I think the main tactics are "rock-scissor-paste": this is clearest with marine squads, where you can customise them to be good against certain targets: equipping them with missiles will kill vehicles and buildings; heavy bolters will kill infantry; and plasma guns will kill heavy infantry.

There are also some tactics in seeking out cover and trying to be stationary when the enemy strikes (heavy weapons have a reload time). I also like micromanaging scouts in stealth, using either flamers or sniper rifles.

By using these tactics you can hold off superior numbers. I like playing the 2v2 skirmish on hard vs the AI for a fair challenge. However, it is tactically limited and basically a C&C RTS in how it plays. I imagine MP would be another matter. SP gets old fast but is fun while it lasts and should tide me over for the few days before RTW!

[Somebody Else]

Of course, one of the things that separates games like this from games like the Total War series is the breadth of available units. The majority of RTS games lack a large variety of units, and hence can get dull very quickly - focusing more on who can bring more of whichever counter unit is necessary to counter the counter unit to the whatever... in large quantities.

[The_Emperor]

Well I just got the game after being shown it the other night by a friend.

I used to have a quite a nice Chaos army at one point, lots of big bad Khorne berserker guys led by Kharn the betrayer, Abaddon the despoiler, and a whole host of Chaos Marines and chaos terminators... Sadly I later couldn't find the time for it later on and sold the whole lot on.

I always prefferred the Chaos and Tyranids in 40K... I guess I just love the real bad guys!!