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

It is an old game that looks, plays and feel better than almost anything I've played IN YEARS. Characters are cool, the story is awesome, the gameplay is fun and it looks way better than you might expect. Also, it is so cheap... I love it. If you like games like Starcraft 2, try it. The gameplay is pretty much like the hero missions.

This game taught me that if someone is rude to you, send 50 angry and violent marines to their home. and watch as they fuck it up

Amazing game, great story, I dont wanna say more because everyone should play this game raw going in

NOT l LIKE THE ORIGINAL GAMES! If you can get past that and just have fun, its a good game.

Kinda disappointed. After three missions in singleplayer you get to feel how repetitive it is. Always some OP boss you need to kill. Upgrading feature was the only thing that kept me going, but at some point I just got tired. If you grew up with DoW 1 then I wont recommend this one. Theres no base building anymore and maps are tiny, meant for 4 squad gameplay.

Warhammer 40k universe is immersive and interesting plenty of ideas plenty of good material what's the first thing we get ? terrible strategy games.

Very easy to get working and looking good first time if you have at least 3 brain cells.

RTS but smaller scale with hero units is much more fun. You get right into the action without having to build up and gather resources. Good game for playing a mission here and there when you need a WH40K fix, or when you see Henry Cavil and feel the urge.... to play 40K.

Dawn of war 2 takes a dramatic change in the style it presents, a change i disliked at first, but now its grown to be one of my favorite, offering a much smaller scale of unit selection and army size the game handles more like company of heroes or xcom, with a very small hint of rouge like with the random drops and ability to change each squads playstyle per run,
the final mission being a little anticlimactic but wonderfull
and the story being a definate upgrade to 1 and winter assult
the dlc Chaos rising makes this game even more of a wonder to play
continueing after the final mission of the base game, it adds 10 more levels to each squad, expanding the "skill tree" and offering just more love for this game

Superb.
We need games like this with classic storytelling, fun campaign.
I will support Warhammer franchise as long as they create such content!!

You are not a Avitus enjoyer, brother.

They didn't bring over the MP cosmetic skins at all or the DLC last stand commanders (they lied), plus gotta level last stand again from scratch, what the actual f**k?

Just find the DoW II Master set on CDKeys for like $10.

Hard avoid this cash grab.

"Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition" delivers a fast-paced and tactical real-time strategy experience set in the grim darkness of the far future.

With a rich and immersive storyline, the game's offers a compelling single-player campaign.

The game's level design is varied and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for tactical maneuvering.

So let me just say this is coming from the perspective of someone who really likes the dawn of war retribution last stand game mode.

combining all the dawn of war 2 games in the way they did is a good idea on paper but this absolutely sucks. So I love the last stand mode so I was just like "oh ok, I'll play that in 2 instead that will be easy enough"
BUT NO
they didn't port over any of the DLC! so if you play last stand, which is literally one of the 3 game options in the menu (and so in theory should be given the same weight as multiplayer and campaign), you have none of the additional content. Not only does this limit the builds you can do and the variety of the game mode, a lot of the meta or at least optimal builds rely on that DLC wargear (Yes it's bad that you had to pay for some of the best gear in the first place but that's besides the point). But even worse than that the character DLC isn't here either! So no tau commander, no necron lord, no imperial guard general (ok not that upset about him).

and since DoW Retribution is unlisted from the store it means even if for now we can just play that, over time it will get no new players and only shrivel further, especially with the potential players split between two games. I just really cannot see the logic behind this, not even offering them for sale if you don't want to include them as default.

but yeah dawn of war 2 its fine idk i personally dont care for it as much as the first one, but this is mostly a gripe about them neutering my favourite game mode and then locking the good version away forever with a slowly shrinking playerbase.
unsure if anything else is missing have not played multiplayer since the anniversary ect.

It's good. It's alright.

I can say I would greatly prefer DoW 1 and the more traditional RTS style. And the campaign was a little on the short side. Yet also bloody repetitive. Same damn maps and objectives over and over. So much filler to the campaign.

And fuck whatever wanker dev decided we cannot save the fucking game mid-mission or mid-campaign anymore. Fine, I am invested enough I'll put up with your hardcore, 'do it right the first time or fuck you' bullshit. But I am not playing the expansion end to end multiple times to see every ending when I COULD have just saved near the end and added chaos points by wearing the corrupted armour. I have an actual life and its probably on youtube anyway.

Yeah, it was a little cool to control four badass Space Marine heroes as they level up and gain different abilities.

Godlike game!!! Love it, best RTS out in the world :)

Intriguing tactical game. Comes with all expansions. Got it on a deal. Very engaging.

Great game but does not run properly, it freezes my screen upon hitting play. I run a decent system too, no issues around the hardware. Apparently, other users say its due to a free "Anniversary Edition" update that breaks the game.

A nice upgrade from the DOW 1 formula very action packed with a nice narrative Campaign. A must have for any RTS/Warhammer Fan

This is the only Dawn of War game worth buying.

In Dawn of War 1, they decided to make it a base-building game. I don't know who made that decision, but it was unforgivable. It's called WARhammer 40,000, not Constructionhammer 40,000. It's supposed to be a war game, not a city building game.
Dawn of War 2 (this one) fixes that problem, which is great to see. Unfortunately, they still have base building in the skirmish mode, but the campaign mode is good.
And then, from what I hear, part 3 took a massive step backwards and returned to all the building crap. Never buying that.

Getting the exe to work needed some work on a newer system, but the squad based Real time Tactical gameplay is great, as are the missions

I am not a great RTS player and I am getting long in the tooth, but this game is simply a blast and very playable for anyone. The characters and voice acting are awesome, the story is engaging and the game-play is varied as well as addictive. It's a comfort game for me at this point, having replayed it multiple times in 15 years.

This is my favorite 40K game by a long shot and I've even paid for it twice- once on Steam, and once when it launched (boxed copy). It would be worth a third purchase, so don't balk at the price, you'll get you money's worth.

Game no longer works on windows 10 and up after you guys bundled all the dlc together and called it the anniversary edition and jacked the price up lmao. Can you make the game at least work you greedy little gremlins.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition is an exceptional addition to the renowned Dawn of War franchise, delivering an immersive and strategic real-time strategy experience set in the iconic Warhammer 40,000 universe. Building on the solid foundations of the original 2009 release, this Anniversary Edition enhances the gameplay with modern graphics and refined mechanics, making it an inviting experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Engaging Tactical Gameplay
At the core of Dawn of War II is its engaging squad-based gameplay that emphasizes tactical decision-making over resource management. Players take command of elite squads from various factions, including the Space Marines, Eldar, and Orks, each bringing unique abilities and strategies to the battlefield. This focus on smaller, specialized units allows for dynamic and intense engagements, where positioning and tactical maneuvers are key to victory.

The game excels in its cover system, encouraging players to utilize the environment strategically. Players can engage in fierce firefights, flanking enemy positions or setting up ambushes, resulting in a gameplay experience that is both fast-paced and rewarding. The ability to upgrade and customize squads adds further depth, as players can tailor their forces to suit their preferred playstyle.

Rich Narrative and Lore
Dawn of War II captivates players with its rich narrative, immersing them in the deep lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The campaign unfolds through a series of engaging missions that not only challenge players tactically but also weave a compelling story filled with memorable characters and dramatic moments. Cutscenes and voice acting enhance the narrative experience, making players feel like they are part of an epic conflict for the survival of humanity.

The game’s environments are beautifully rendered, showcasing a variety of settings that reflect the grimdark atmosphere of the Warhammer universe. From lush alien worlds to war-torn cities, each map is meticulously designed, contributing to the overall immersion and aesthetic appeal.

Enhanced Graphics and Modern Features
The Anniversary Edition brings significant graphical upgrades, enhancing the visuals while retaining the charm of the original game. With improved textures, lighting, and performance optimizations, the game looks stunning and runs smoothly on modern systems. These enhancements not only elevate the visual experience but also ensure that the game remains accessible to a new generation of players.

The inclusion of all previous expansions and additional content provides substantial value, allowing players to experience the full breadth of the game’s offerings. Quality-of-life improvements, such as streamlined matchmaking and user interface enhancements, further enhance the overall experience, making it easier for players to jump into the action.

Vibrant Community and Multiplayer Experience
The multiplayer component of Dawn of War II remains vibrant, with a dedicated community that thrives on competitive play. Players can engage in intense skirmishes, testing their strategies against others in various modes. The matchmaking system helps ensure balanced matches, promoting a fair and engaging competitive environment.

Moreover, the community's support for modding has led to a wealth of user-generated content, allowing players to create and share custom scenarios, factions, and modifications. This ongoing engagement enriches the game, providing fresh content and experiences long after the initial release.

Conclusion
In summary, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition is a masterful blend of tactical gameplay, rich storytelling, and stunning visuals that rejuvenates the classic title for both new and returning players. Its emphasis on squad-based tactics and engaging narrative makes it a standout in the real-time strategy genre. With its modern enhancements, robust multiplayer community, and extensive content offerings, this Anniversary Edition is a must-play for anyone seeking to dive into the intense and immersive world of Warhammer 40,000. Whether you’re leading your troops into battle or experiencing the gripping narrative, Dawn of War II delivers an unforgettable gaming experience.

They updated it to the "Anniversary Edition" and now the game wont even launch. Thanks for breaking my game.

Yes Inquisitor, this developer right here....

Big fuck you to Relic for being competent enough to package these games into an anniversary edition but being incompetent enough to AT LEAST fix the launch issues on Win 11.

Don't get me wrong, love the games but I don't want to have to work to find a fix for the shitty launch issues (courtesy of Games for Dickless Live) because the file remnants still reference the old system so you have to have the Xbox app. That all of course with the lovely crapola deluxe engine issues for which I have to download a fixed .dll because my CPU scares the game so it won't even run. And a big fuck you to Daniel Porter from Relic Entertainment, I'd fire you too you cross-dressing neanderthal.

This series is one of the best Warhammer 40K games I have played and this is the game that started it all. With an immersive co-op campaign and skirmish modes. There is also the Last Stand mode, which acts as a multiplayer solo character survival mode. This is a must have for any Games Workshop 40K fan. And this edition comes with everything. Very nice upgrade and fair p[lay to those who already owned it. To those who don't this is your chance, you really should.

It's Shit, but at least Creative Assembly didn't make it. So it works and is a game that serves its purpose.

just boring. the 1st one was good but this one is just some point'n'click game with cap of 4 (!) units on the same couple of maps.

Really should have reviewed this a long time ago, but I love this game. It's got a lovely load out system, skill points and powers you can unlock, plus a the ever fun Last Stand. Though the normal multiplayer battles leave much to be desired.

Fun I don't think enough people knew about this game at launch. I sure didn't but this was also during the height of wow. birth of you-tube. and star-craft 2 hitting it's stride. A lot of detail went into this game. from the voice acting...to the gear load out & weapon animations.

I thoroughly enjoyed the DoW 1 game and, although, DoW 2 is technically a different style of game (more like an RPG than an RTS), it is a brilliant game.

I must note that I have played DoW2 only a little bit solo whilst most of my time has been played co-op.

The tactical nature, with slow enough combat, allows you to thoughtfully place units around and find ways to deal with your enemies. Units gets a reasonable amount of abilities so you always have something to cast on some unit somewhere. It is rather satisfying to blast, rip and tear your enemies into pieces and it gets a rather high score for its audio and feel. Units feel like they have heft to them and landing a well-placed grenade or artillery can put a wicked grin on your face. The progression trees are limited but I feel they are kind of enough. The expansion does expand on the abilities and passives.

The only real negative I have with the game is bugs. Which aren't many but it can lose you a mission if it happens. Particularly with Tarkus (your primary tank character if you choose to play him like that, as I would recommend) as he sometimes becomes stuck. Unable to cast abilities, move or even attack. You can sometimes get him unstuck by killing him, or blasting him off his buggy perch. But it doesn't always work and if not you have to simply continue without him.

The game will require a couple play throughs. They don't give you a lot of information upfront and you have to figure it out on the fly. Which isn't bad. But since you will have 6 squads to choose from and only 4 can go on any mission at a time, you have to either dedicate 4 squad as your mains and ignore the others, or take an experience hit and be lower level.

I like the fact the game really rewards you for good results. The 3 ways you are judged are: did you kill all the enemies; did all your squads survive and did you do the mission quickly? If you kill 80% of enemies expect 4 stars out of 5. The squads survived part I feel could be improved. 4 of 4 for 5 stars, 3 of 4 and it's 3 stars... 2/4 for 2, 1/4 for 1 and 0/4 for 1 stars. The time seems to either be 1, 3 or 5 stars. I haven't come across 2 or 4 stars for time but surely it's possible. The way the game rewards good play is by giving you additional missions to complete (or days in game). Meaning, if you do very well you get more missions = more ex and loot = more powerful squad. The flip side of that is if you do very badly, it snowballs. You fail a mission (you don't get restarts or redos) then you get little xp and not much loot. So you are ill prepared for the next mission. If you fail that, then same story. You can quickly become inundated with crap rolling your way. Lose and you'll lose more, win and you'll win more. Which I guess I am a fan of but I can see how some people would hate that.

Overall it's a fun, tactical, squad-based game that has a satisfying tactile feel which rewards good performance. 8/10.

FOR THE EMPEROR!

The game is amazing, but a game that released in 2009 has no business being listed for $50, especially when the Anniversary doesn't even have a compatibility patch for newer hardware. I had to get a third party file fix to make the game playable by making it unable to see 15/16 cores. The only silver lining is that I bought it all for like $15 years ago and got the Anniversary upgrade for free.

I loved the first DoW, this game is also fun but not quite the same. The series died with 3, but would give the anniversary edition of this game a solid 10/10.

A masterpiece of an RTS that I believe every fan of this genre should play, whether they like Warhammer or not. Actually, this is the game that made me start loving the Warhammer universe.
It's different from your average RTS as it's focused on squad combat rather than base building and large scale armies.
So, you will build your team of elite units, gear them up, level them up and adapt them to face different missions with different strategies. The cover, suppression and retreat mechanics add more depth to the gameplay.

The campaign is quite engaging, with a lot of character progression as you go on, rewarding you also with stronger and stronger unlocks thanks to the loot system of the game.

Cooperative gameplay is well made and well balanced. Coordinating assaults with a friend as you replay the missions is incredibly satisfying.

Please fix the "sign in change occured", we can not have a fun game when it happens all the time.

It is generally a good game.
Quite a massive change from the first DoW 40k game. Where you send in up to 4 squads with customisation hero leaders. And throughout the game you 'll find different items to augment there abilities.
Its a fun game though not really a strategy game as it was in DoW 40k with base and army construction.

Its alot better than I expected for an "old" game. Super fun campaign and I am only a few missions in at this point. Would recommend, especially if you like company of hero's style RTS games. Doubly so if you like those types of games and 40K.

Both campaigns were fun and engaging. The first is slow to build up, but became interesting once it got going. Interesting gear choices and skills, but both are too slow to acquire for my tastes. I used the mod, "4 skill points per level & 100% increased loot", from moddb.

Excellent voice acting and story. Steve Blum and other famous voice actors, no less. Very surprised at how well the game has held up. The second campaign shows more polish than the fist.

This game is nothing like the first and I personally hate it. Feels awkward to play and the lack of base building just kills it for me. I have tried to play it multiple times and every single time I do I just wish I was playing DoW 1 instead.

You get to send Eldars and Orks flying into the air by rushing into them with boltgun and chainsword in hand.

In all seriousness, DOWII is a different breed from its predecessor, but its smart inclusion of RPG bits and solid dedication to fast-paced tactics mean that the sequel stands on its own as a quality WH40K experience.

This is bad, do not buy it. Original game cost significantly less, as did the expansions. Retribution did not even require Dawn of War 2 to play it, nor did it require Chaos Rising, the expansion to Dawn of War 2. 50 USD for a game that's BARELY been updated, except for more cash grabs (looking at you Necron Overlord for 8 USD which was the only addition to the game in the past several years for the Last Stand). For 50 USD, the price of a BASICALLY MODERN GAME, this is a massive rip off for something that used to be 20-30 USD. It is nowhere near worth 50 USD in price, especially with no graphical updates or anything else of note. It's a 2009 product and this is a blatant cash grab. Guess Sega didn't learn from the Total War Warhammer 3 debacle with their prices.

Was a great game when it came out. Still a good one, has some age showing.

Now if you have (as far as I know) too many cpu cores, the game will not run. If I recall launching it locks up the screen and even task manager cant be used to kill it.

The only fix is https://steamcommunity.com/app/56400/discussions/0/6554498588634527453/

As much as I prefer to not download strange files it does work. Doesnt make sense why this isnt an official patch.

This was my introduction to the warhammer 40k world. I am pretty bad at RTS, but since the game has hero units instead of playing with a giant army it's a bit more manageable, it's still pretty hard for me, but the story and lore alone, plus the campaign was great. Plus it was on sale so it was definitely a win.

Can't get into the campaign any longer, tried all fixes and still unable to play
it's a shame i used to love this game

Ive only played the Campaign but its a ton of fun. I love the tactics, squad gearing, and cheesing the game mechanics that takes place on harder difficulties. It was a joy kiting the Avatar of War back and forth for like 20 minutes whilst Avitus did his duties

Awsome game. There's so much replay value with different comps and builds. Gets even better when co-op.
too bad that the mutliplayer is pretty much dead (2024)

Absolutely awesome game. I enjoyed the multiplayer on this for months on end as well as the solo campaign. I'm now revisiting it years later and still enjoying it. It was one of the best of the franchise without a doubt.

The whole game relies on permanently online connection. It also seems to drop out from said connection in the middle of single player campaigns...or even the army painter (which also requires permanent online connection).

Bought the game as it is advertised with its co-op campaign and i wanted to play the game with a friend.
We had a great 6 hour session of gameplay that had 0 issues.
When we came back the next day we were both unable to invite eachother or even worse, play the game at all.
Cant launch campaign without turning steam offline, cant run last stand period and i definitely can't play multiplayer

if you want a micro based rts without base building this game is fine
except that its not really an rts in the classical way and barely works since they decided to downgrade it

cant recommend this unless you are prepared for only being able to play the campaign solo which is not what i bought the game for