Dawn of War?

**Zalmoxis** · 02-27-2005, 08:52

I've been checking out reviews for this game awhile now. Is it any good?

**econ21** · 02-27-2005, 19:47

It depends on what kind of game you like. If you like its kind, then, yes, it is very well made with lots of polish and love of the source material. If you like Warhammer 40k, I suspect you will get something out of the game.

Basically, it is a Command and Conquer type traditional RTS. You build up a base, gradually getting access to better troops or upgrades for your troops. Then you squish the enemy base. The troops types are rather good - there's a kind of "rock-scissors-paste" aspect, so some weapons are good against armoured inf, some against unarmoured, some lower morale etc. The combat is not that frenetic and has some tactical aspects - use of cover, special moves, etc.

The "resource gathering" is well done - there isn't any! Or rather you get resources for holding strategic locations. This makes the game feel more military and less economic.

The graphics and sound are wonderful - better than RTW, IMO. You can zoom in and see great death animations; your units acknowledge orders with very evocative sayings that increase immersion etc.

The singleplayer campaign is characterful with a fun story and great cut scenes, but in terms of gameplay it is rather short and lacking in challenge. Multiplayer is supposed to be strong, but I have not tried it.

I played and enjoyed the demo a lot. Unfortunately, I bought the full game a week before RTW and stopped halfway through the single player campaign. I haven't been inclined to go back to it, as I don't really like traditional RTSs. But if you do, Dawn of War is a very good one.

**Khorak** · 02-28-2005, 02:35

Of note is the DoW mod scene. They're going mod crazy out there, and are...surprisingly motivated. Entire new sides to play (which won't overwrite old ones) are being added, just a couple months now....

**Zalmoxis** · 02-28-2005, 08:25

So, it's basically a point an click game, with some new elemnts and new graphics. Is it like other games, where the way to win is to build the largest army, or somewhat like Total War games, with actual tactics?

**econ21** · 02-28-2005, 08:42

Originally Posted by Zalmoxis

So, it's basically a point an click game, with some new elemnts and new graphics. Is it like other games, where the way to win is to build the largest army

There's a unit cap - so it's more about getting upgraded units faster and getting the right unit match-ups in combat.

or somewhat like Total War games, with actual tactics?

No, it's not really like Total War. At least on the battlefield maps, Total War IMO is a "wargame", rather like Warhammer 40k the table top game. Dawn of War is an RTS, very like Command and Conquer or Age of Empires.

**Ja'chyra** · 02-28-2005, 09:25

I agree with Simon, it's basically just C&C with better graphics, and they are pretty good. I got bored with it after about a week and uninstalled it, it's been lying on my desk ever since. When will I learn to try demo's before I buy?

**lanky316** · 03-02-2005, 19:58

I was having a quick flurry online earlier funnily enough and yes it is an improvement but I've found that with most game, you get more of a challenge out of a human opponent then the AI and as a result you get a more strategic game trying to take the right points.

Another nice touch is the fact you can taylor your army to your own scheme. A good thing that is especially popular with the average GW player.

Truth is though it is entirely up to your opinion on RTS games, I like them but they have a tendency to get repetetive and those extra little touches may not save this game in the long run, although I have played more of it then I ever did with C&C online.

**King Edward** · 03-05-2005, 01:58

If you Enjoy The W40K table top game you will love this if not, its just another warcraft3/c&c generals clone. i myself enjoy both so it was worth me parting my magic beans for!!!