There is no doubt that there are tons of real-time strategy titles out there. So, it's easy to become a little bit jaded with them. However, since seeing Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War in action at this year's E3, I've been absolutely excited with anticipation for its final release! Even if it didn't feature the name of the popular table top game, this game looks like it could be a winner. Carrying the Warhammer title with highly detailed units and deep backstory makes the gaming experience much better.

After months of beta testing, developer Relic (creators of the Homeworld series and Impossible Creatures) looks to deliver yet another fantastic RTS. The demo includes a tutorial, a short campaign mission, and a two map skirmish mode against the computer. Even though this is just a demo, everything seems pretty top-notch. I didn't run into any significant bugs or problems, although there were times when my units had to dance around each other to get where they needed to be. Though the demo has very limited options, it gives a very big taste of things to come.

The graphics are stunning, with units that were scanned in from original table-top pieces. The demo also includes a paint mode where you can customize your color scheme and choose from a large selection of different logos. This level of customization opens up potential never seen before in an RTS title. The only way to top it off would be a means of importing user-created skins and logos.

From the moment I ordered my first building, followed by a massive thud as it crashing to the ground (buildings are dropped from an orbital platform), I knew I was in for something exciting. The player controls squads of soldiers, which can be upgraded with additional men, enhancements, and heavy weapons. The only way to gain resources to purchase buildings and units is to take over and fortify strategic points on the map. On easy mode, the computer really doesn't put up much of a fight. Increase the difficulty and you'll see a very significant change in tactics, where units are better utilized and surprise attacks are more frequent.

The morale system and use of cover work fantastically, making a few well deployed squads as formidable as a huge army. With a few precision strikes with a sniper, you can lower an enemy squad's morale enough to take them with a less powerful force. However, when battling a giant Squiggoth beast, the Ork superweapon, having a big army backing you up is necessary.

Speaking of superweapons, the orbital bombardment capabilities of the Space Marines are truly a sight to behold, and does the amount of damage you would expect from a superweapon, devastating entire bases. With a release date that just over the horizon, Dawn of War looks poised to take a spot among some of the best RTS's on the market.