The game is all about tactics; there’s no base building this time, no resource management – it’s about war, about properly deploying troops, bringing the right troops for the specific mission, and killing as many Orks and Eldar as possible in the name of the God-Emperor. There’s a hint in the trailer about another race, which wasn’t revealed, but we’re hoping for some Tyranids this time around.

The E3 demo showcased a battle between a squad of Blood Ravens and Orks from the Bad Moonz Clan. This little skirmish highlighted many of the game’s new features. Space Marines sought cover behind obstacles, rained fire on charging Orks, and worked as a team to take down the huge Ork Warboss who called on reinforcements several times throughout the battle. The terrain is completely destructible so after the fight the landscape looked like it had been through hell.

When the Warboss finally died he coughed up some special loot for the Marines to use in later encounters. You’ll be able to use classic 40K weapons like storm bolters, heavy bolters, flamers, melta guns, you name it. The game has a distinct RPG feel to it which should help draw people into the game like never before since your troops aren’t nameless cannon fodder.

A lot about the campaign structure is under wraps, but it should be free form so you can go where you want to go and without the need for base buildings and resource management you’ll be able to focus on upgrading your team and killing the scourges of the Imperium.

We really like what we see out of Dawn of War II and we’ll have more on its development as its 2009 release draws near.

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you .