Dawn of War 2 Update 1.5.0 - ‘There Is Only War’ Released

Another one of Relic Entertainment’s ambitious post-release balancing acts goes live today. The "There Is Only War" update for Dawn of War 2, known more prosaically as version 1.5.0, introduces a whole mess of balance changes and even a few new abilities to the units in the game. The list is here.

"There Is Only War" also adds eight new maps that are actually five new maps. One was part of a pre-order exclusive deal and another is actually re-used three times in different configurations based on the number of players in the game (Gamereplays.org has a great analysis of the new maps here). I’ve goofed on Relic for a while that all their maps seem to be set on either Dagobah or Tattoine, but I’m happy to see that at least one of the new maps, Leviathan Hive (pictured), seems to have its own aesthetic. Furthermore, a map editor will be included with the patch, so there should be no shortage of places to fight as players create their own maps.

A completely revised replay feature will make it easier to figure out what’s going when you watch recorded games. For instance, it used to be a mystery what units a player was building and what wargear his commander equipped. "There Is Only War" changes that.

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Dawn of War 2 Map Editor Confirmed

Dawn of War 2 will indeed receive multiplayer map editor–as previously teased–in the PC strategy title’s ‘There Is Only War’ update, Relic has confirmed in a blog post.

The editor will allow the creation of maps for 2, 4 or 6 players, with tools to “deform terrain, place cover objects, choose the weather, and define the size of the map.”

‘There Is Only War’ is set to arrive this Summer, with an open beta starting in early July.

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Dawn of War II Gets Major Update This Month

If you’ve spent the past couple months enjoying THQ’s Warhammer-ed RTS, Dawn of War II, you might want to brace yourself for a massive influx of new content coming soon in “Patch 1.3.” Chief among these is a new 2v2 multiplayer mode (as well as two new maps which compliment this mode), UI improvements, push-to-talk voice chat, new squad decorations and a few “significant” AI improvements.

The update is due out in “early May,” which is … right now! Keep an eye out for a firmer launch date — we’re sure to hear it soon.

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Relic Releases Dawn of War 2 Soundtrack For Free

Relic today generously released the full soundtrack to its latest strategy title, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2, as a free download.

The 20 tracks are the result of work by composer Doyle W. Donehoo and audio lead Jason Ross, along with contributions by artist Noah Stacey and everyone’s favorite designer, Noobie Noobinson.

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Steam Launches Dawn of War II Demo

Are you curious how PC strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II turned out, but aren’t quite willing to drop $50 on the title to find out for yourself? Thanks to a new demo and temporary discount, you’re in luck.

The demo, showcasing the game’s single-player mode, is now available for download from the Steam digital distribution service. As per usual, it’s free of charge, requiring only that you have a (free) Steam account, and an Internet connection through which you can pull down the file.

If you complete the demo and find yourself wanting more, Steam is also offering the game with a 25 percent discount until Monday, April 20. Instead of its regular $50 price tag, the game will only set you back $38 — a definite bargain for one of the most innovative action-strategy titles of 2009.

Image courtesy THQ

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Dawn of War II beta now available to all

Just a quick reminder that the Dawn of War II beta is now available to all people for the low, low price of nothing. With just a click, a little free time and 5.5 gigglebytes of hard drive space you could be well on your way to pitting orcs against space marines in the most stunning visual metaphor for the state of the video game industry ever.

Source: Joystiq.com

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 Goes Gold

Relic Entertainment’s sci-fi strategy game sequel Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 has gone gold, publisher THQ announced today.

The game will be showing up in stores February 19, an unusual Thursday release. As recently as January 8 the game’s release date was confirmed as February 23.

Source: ShackNews.com

Dawn of War II Beta Details, Release Date Revealed

Revealing the official release date for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II just wasn’t enough for publisher THQ, so earlier today the firm also offered details on the forthcoming multiplayer beta test for the highly-anticipated strategy title.

Dawn of War II will see worldwide release on February 23, reports Shacknews. THQ has promised that the game will not only appear via traditional retail channels but will also grace numerous digital distribution channels.

Speaking of digital distribution, Valve Software’s Steam service will play host to DoW II’s multiplayer beta test. Series fans who own Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm will be able to join the test as of January 21, while the general public will have to wait until January 28.

In an effort to test as much of the game as possible prior to release (and generate cheap publicity), THQ’s official statement vows that the beta software will include “all four playable races, five multiplayer maps, and Microsoft’s Games for Windows - LIVE True Skill Matchmaking.”

Image courtesy THQ

THQ ANNOUNCES WARHAMMER 40,000: DAWN OF WAR II MULTIPLAYER BETA[DoWII Official Site]

Source: GameLife

Dawn Of War 2 Set For Spring 2009 Release - Warhammer 40K

Dawn of War 2

Release Date: Spring ‘09

Genre: Strategy

Platforms: PC

Dawn of War II ushers in a new chapter in the acclaimed RTS series - taking players to the brutal frontlines of war to lead an elite strike force on a mission to save the galaxy. With a focus on fast-action RTS gameplay, Dawn of War II brings to life the science fiction universe of Warhammer 40,000 like never before. Experience the intimate brutality of battle as you play through your chosen race’s epic campaign. Clash with enemies on battlefields ablaze with visceral melee and ranged combat. Lead and develop your squads from raw recruits into the most battle hardened veterans in the Galaxy.

Source: Relic.com