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Although there are 4 playable factions (Space Marines, Elders, Orks & Tyranids) only the Space Marines are playable in Campaign mode (Single Player). Playing as the highly rated space marines, you take on the role of commander who has a kind of "what I say goes attitude" not too dis-similar to Master chief from Halo series, who provides different abilities and can be upgraded in different ways depending on how YOU play the game. Just before battle commencement you need to make hard decisions on which team members to take to battle as there are six squads but only four slots available....so straight away before a bullet is fired you must decide what guys you need to get the job done depending on the mission at hand.
One aspect of DOW2 I found refreshing as opposed to other RTS games, is that the monotonous base building-micro management element has been scaled way back. With no more prolonged research for more powerful units and constant building platforms. Instead you have one command building with just two upgrades available for more powerful re-enforcements. No longer are you commanding huge numbers of different units instead you have at your disposal small focused units. As a result, this hands on approach is well suited and the game-plays better as it involves you more in the storyline (which is never a bad thing in my opinion). Also the game becomes more free flowing leaving you more time to power up your squad, which in turn makes it resemble more of a an RPG (upgrading weapons & abilities with ranks etc) rather than a bog standard RTS in most cases. Especially now as you can use tactics to find and use cover to ambush those sneaky orks. I personally would rather focus on the squad side rather than the constant clicking backwards and forwards across a zoomed map missing all the glorious details that DOW2 has to offer....and believe me, this is one aspect that makes the game stand out. The game is superbly animated, and while based on the "Essence Engine" that powered Company of Heroes it's been tweaked and looks and runs flawlessly, with unit detail for all factions particularly well drawn especially when zoomed up close and personal. And while levels not very different they are designed very well for the most part and add to the overall atmosphere of the game.Another very pleasing addition to the game is the voice dialogue which I found brilliant and hilarious at times. The voice acting is exceptional and it really drives the story along. It's funny how I find myself actually wanting to hear the cut scenes now rather than hammering the ESC key to move along!!! Multiplayer brings out the best in DOW2 it has to be said, with all 4 factions coming to life with unique and different units per faction it really gives the game a cutting edge and adds to the longevity of the game. And with the emphasis on war rather than constant base building (both sides commence with pre-build H.Q's) its sets the foundations for some great and often very funny battles especially where Orks are concerned. New players will also be at ease along with the seasoned veterans, as the game caters for all....it's a trait that's very hard the find.
Relic really have to be commended here for changing an already successful original with new and improved ideas, it's a brave move that other developers should follow. Hardcore fans of the series will surely be at ease with the new changes. Although there is nothing totally new here, what it does it does very well, there really is not a lot wrong with this title and I find myself drawn to it more and more and I am not a massive fan of the RTS genre. It really does make all the difference you know, when all the little things are fine tuned. It's what turns an average game into a top class game and this is where Dawn Of War 2 sits without a doubt. Highly recommended....Super Stuff!! |