Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is one of the most important real-time strategy games of the past decade. Based on the seminal table-top warfare game, the game did away with the typical resource gathering of most RTS titles, keeping the focus on the action instead of micromanaging logistics. The game also grouped infantry units in organized squads, which is a sharp contrast to systems where soldiers are, at best, loosely banded together.
Relic Entertainment did not rest on their laurels with the first Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The company put out two expansions for the game, Winter Assault and Dark Crusade, over the next two years along with the WWII game, Company of Heroes. Now, with the original Dawn of War entering its twilight, one final expansion has been released: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm. We take a closer look at how the game has fared at retail.
Hey, at least you don't have to paint these armies
According to the NPD, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm has been in the top 10 best-selling PC games since its release on March 4, 2008. In fact, the stand-alone expansion was the second best-selling PC game for its first two weeks of availability, behind only The Sims 2: FreeTime. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm also debuted at number six in the U.K., according to Chart Track.
While Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm hasn't exactly done world-beater numbers, its relative success is notable in a couple of ways. Firstly, it launched in early March, which isn't exactly considered prime time for game releases. Secondly, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm is the third expansion in a relatively old PC franchise. To do this well in an environment where newer, flashier competition abounds (such as Supreme Commander and Command & Conquer 3) shows the strong, committed fan base that the franchise has established.
Do not cross the women of Adepta Sororitas
To those familiar with the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War franchise, there are no huge surprises in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm. The tactical game has players building up their armies, securing strategic points and crushing their opposition. There is also a single player "meta campaign" where players take control of a faction and must seize control of 31 different territories or online multiplayer.
The major additions to the expansion, however, are the Sisters of Battle and the Dark Eldar. The former is a group of human female fanatics that serve the will of the Immortal Emperor of Mankind. The latter is the Chaos touched brethren of the ancient Eldar, using their eldritch knowledge in a perverse fashion. The uber-gothic (and flamethrower heavy) layout of the Sisters of Battle and sinful decadence of the Dark Eldar are distinct from the other Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War armies visually and their play mechanics are distinct enough to warrant their inclusion.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm features a few other unique elements, along with the two new factions. The online multiplayer system has a "medal" system to reward certain milestones, not unlike achievements in Xbox Live. Additionally, every army (including the seven previously introduced in other Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War titles) gains a unique flying unit to add to the mix.
Despite these enhancements, not everyone has been pleased with the way Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm has turned out. For one, the campaign has no real storyline, which is a disappointment for those who enjoy the rich and established universe of Warhammer 40k. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm also released with a number of crippling bugs, one of which grants the Sisters of Battle nearly unlimited resources and another which gives the "soul" powers of the Dark Eldar to observers in multiplayer matches. This, along with a generally lukewarm reception to the new flying units, means that the stand-alone expansion has received the lowest rating from GameRankings.com of any Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War title, with an average of 74%.
The war for the future continues
While not a large enough release to receive anything like a TV campaign, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm was still promoted effectively. Since October of 2007, THQ has done a slow reveal, showing the various factions and units that would comprise the game. It wasn't fancy, but it obviously got the job done in getting the word out to the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War faithful.
While the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War franchise has proven out to be successful, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- SoulStorm will mark the end of an era. After this, there will be no more official expansions to the game and no more additional armies (sorry Tyranid fans). This is far from the end for the franchise, however. Just today, it was announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is in development, which will be sure to depict the glorious battles of the Warhammer 40k series with more graphical splendor than ever before, a thought that sure makes PC gamers and Games Workshop followers salivate.
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