Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition

Developer : Relic Entertainment
Released:
Platforms :
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition Poster

" Engaging tactical RTS with RPG elements and strong story, but plagued by bugs and optimization issues "

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition Review

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition offers a distinct take on the RTS genre by focusing on tactical squad-based combat rather than traditional base-building and large armies. Players control a small group of heroes, engaging in missions that blend RPG elements like loot and character progression. The gameplay is praised for its tactical depth, engaging storyline, and detailed mission design, appealing especially to fans of the Warhammer 40K universe. However, the game diverges significantly from the original Dawn of War, which some longtime fans find disappointing due to the lack of base-building and fewer unit types.

Technical issues are a notable concern, including bugs, poor optimization on modern systems, and UI scaling problems at higher resolutions. Despite these drawbacks, many players appreciate the game's unique style and tactical challenge. The Anniversary Edition bundles expansions but does not add new content or significant improvements, which affects its perceived value at full price.

Highlights

Players frequently praise the game’s engaging tactical gameplay and the depth of its squad management mechanics. The storyline is considered solid and immersive, with character progression and loot systems adding RPG elements that enrich the experience.

The mission design is detailed and varied, providing a challenging and rewarding campaign. Fans of the Warhammer 40K universe appreciate the faithful atmosphere and thematic elements. The graphics, while not cutting-edge, are generally well-received for their style and clarity.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the , which alienates fans expecting a classic Dawn of War experience. The game’s pacing is sometimes described as slow, and the repetitive mission structure can diminish long-term engagement.

Technical problems, including bugs, poor optimization for modern hardware, and UI issues at higher resolutions, frustrate many players. The Anniversary Edition’s lack of new content and high price point without major improvements also disappoint users.

Pros

  • Engaging tactical squad-based gameplay with RPG elements enhances replayability.
  • Detailed and challenging mission design keeps players invested throughout the campaign.
  • Strong storyline with character progression and loot systems adds depth.
  • Faithful Warhammer 40K atmosphere and thematic immersion.
  • Good graphics style that suits the game’s tone and setting.
  • Ability to carry saves from main game to expansions adds continuity.
  • Varied unit abilities and hero customization enrich tactical options.

Cons

  • No base-building or large army management disappoints traditional RTS fans.
  • Repetitive mission types and random defense objectives reduce variety.
  • Bugs such as stuck units and hero movement issues impact gameplay.
  • Poor optimization on modern systems causes crashes and sound delays.
  • UI and mouse cursor scale poorly on resolutions above 1920x1080.
  • Lack of new content or improvements in Anniversary Edition limits value.
  • Slow pacing makes the game feel less dynamic compared to predecessors.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition released?

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition was released on February 18, 2009.

Who developed Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition?

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition was developed by Relic Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac/Linux).

Is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition available on Mac?

Yes, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition is available on Mac.

Is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition available on Linux?

Yes, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition is available on Linux.

What is the Metacritic score for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition?

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition has a Metacritic score of 85.

Where can I buy Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition?

You can buy Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition on Steam.

Game Details

All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II in one package. Play the award-winning real-time strategy game in all its glory, including three full campaigns, six multiplayer factions, and a full co-op Last Stand mode with eight unique heroes.

Release Date Feb 18th 2009
Publisher Relic Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac/Linux)
Developer Relic Entertainment, Feral Interactive (Mac/Linux)
Required Age 17+
Platforms
Tactical
Engaging
Immersive
Bugs
Optimization

User Reviews

Very Positive (4,435)
86% Positive 14% Negative

Online Reviews

Metacritic logo
Metacritic
85