Dawn of War series

From FSDB

Dawn of War series is a set of computer games based on the popular tabletop game Warhammer 40,000. The games require very little knowledge of the lore of Warhammer 40,000, however many players have researched their favorite factions for entertainment. The Fallout Studios forums has a subforum dedicated to discussions related to the genre the Dawn of War series belongs to, and there have been discussions about member's tabletop armies.

The Dawn of War series contains three standalone games and one expansion pack, and the release of Dawn of War II. The most popular game within the series is Dawn of War: Dark Crusade which if installed on previous games allows the use of seven races. The design of the Dawn of War series allows players with more than one of the games to use more races in multiplayer, for example an owner of both Dark Crusade and the original Dawn of War game could use the four Dawn of War factions in a multiplayer game with someone who owned just Dark Crusade. This requirement does mean that investment in the entire series is required to access all of the races in multiplayer and has resulted in the creation of illegal race unlockers for multiplayer play. It should be noted single player games can use any race from the previous releases.

Dawn of War

Main article: Dawn of War (game)

The original game introduces four races to the player, these can be split roughly into forces of order and forces of disorder. The player is also introduced to the highly xenophobic Imperium of Man lead by the immortal God Emperor of Mankind. The Imperium are represented by the Space Marines and their fight for order is aided by the Eldar and ancient race reaching the end of their power. These bodies are opposed by the Chaos Space Marines who are the sworn enemy of the Space Marines having defected to Chaos during the Horus Heresy. The Orks are also present, they are genetically designed warriors who are difficult to kill and thirst only for battle.

Dawn of War: Winter Assault

Main article: Dawn of War: Winter Assault

The only expansion within the Dawn of War series, Winter Assault requires the original game to be played. Within the Imperium the Space Marines are the elite forces but the bulk of the army is made up of the Imperial Guard. Space Marines are genetically enhanced fighters whereas the Imperial Guard are humans. The Imperial Guard are generally poorly equipped and trained but make up for this with massive numbers and heavily armoured tanks.

Dawn of War: Dark Crusade

Main article: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade

Dawn of War: Dark Crusade is the most commonly played game by the Fallout Studios members, Dark Crusade introduces a new style of single player campaigns where a world must be conquered as opposed to following set missions. Dark Crusade introduces the Necrons, undead warriors with no emotions who seek only death of all other races and the Tau a younger race within the series. The Tau are an advanced race who often work with other races to bolster their forces.

Dawn of War: Soulstorm

Main article: Dawn of War: Soulstorm

Dawn of War: Soulstorm is the newest released game in the series, it introduces the Sisters of Battle who work for the Imperium of man. The Sisters are considered a holy order and use power armour, but are not genetically modified as the Space Marines are. The Dark Eldar also appear, they are an evil race who live within the Webway and were historically part of the Eldar race at large.

Dawn of War II

Main article: Dawn of War II

Dawn of War II is the name of the newest game in the series. Dawn of War II will not use base building as is done in the original game but instead will follow the use of tactical squads. Four races have been confirmed for Dawn of War II, the Space Marines, Eldar, Orks and Tyranids. With the release of a public beta it has been seen that each race will have three commanders to choose from, each with strengths and weaknesses.