Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade review

Expansion packs get redefined with this brilliant add-on

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

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    Thrilling multiplayer

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    Non-linear single player

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    Challenging new races

Cons

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    Limited battlefield view

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    Getting slaughtered in multi

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    Steep learning curve

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Brace for impact: grandmaster developer Relic has fired another shot in the battle for strategy gaming supremacy - and this time they intend to redefine what "expansion pack" really means.

The war-scarred planet of Kronus is the home to this expansion, called Dark Crusade, the second add-on for Relic's Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The most vile and powerful races in the universe have converged for a final showdown for domination of its technology and artifacts. There is no peace to be made here on Kronus - your Hero must lead your faction to complete victory - or face total annihilation.

The single player campaign progresses in turns between real-time skirmishes. The order in which your army sweeps across the 25 finely detailed battlegrounds is wide open and non-linear. Conquering some territories requires completion of a unique mission type, keeping the long campaign fresh. For example, you may have to lead your forces to victory with no reinforcements, or with a given amount of a certain resource.

Additionally, defeating one of the six faction's central strongholds requires a special effort, as each army is dug into their territory in such a way that suits their own tactics. You'll also need to defend your home base against frequent counterattacks. Losing your own stronghold means getting permanently pushed from the planet.

More info

GenreStrategy
DescriptionThou Shalt Kill: the incredibly faithful and detailed Warhammer real-time strategy sensation gets an expansion treatment fit for a sequel.
Franchise nameWarhammer
UK franchise nameWarhammer
Platform"PC"
US censor rating"Mature"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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