Game publisher THQ has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II has shipped for Windows PCs. Based on the popular tabletop boardgame from Games Workshop, Dawn of War II extends THQ’s Warhammer real-time strategy (RTS) and combat franchise by combining both a non-linear single-player game with cooperative multiplayer campaigns via MIcrosoft’s free Games for Windows Live service. Dawn of War II aims to appeal to both RTS veterans and new players by getting people into the action quickly, while also adding destructible environments, new weapons, and shifting stories—and, unlike many RTS games that involve manipulating massive armies and resources, Dawn of War II focuses on small squads an individually customized units.
“Dawn of War II offers a unique single-player experience with branching story lines, unit customization, and deep tactical gameplay,” said Relic Entertainment general manager Tarrnie Williams, in a statement. “It also offers all new multiplayer and co-op modes that take the tactical gameplay to an all new level. Once gamers play Dawn of War II, it might be hard to go back to the old model.”
Dawn of War II takes place in the 41st millennium where four playable races are engages in seemingly endless warfare. Players will be one the front-lines for hand-to-hand fighting as well as ranged combat, and the game features a simplified entry point designed to get folks up and running quickly in either single-player or multiplayer modes.
Dawn of War II is rated M for “Mature” by the ESRB, and carries a suggested price of $49.99.
