In 2017, Dawn of War III stepped out from the shadows of its predecessors, striving to merge the core elements of the original Dawn of War with the novel mechanics introduced in its sequel. The developers at Relic Entertainment faced the formidable challenge of integrating the classic RTS framework of the first game with the contemporary, MOBA-inspired gameplay of Dawn of War II. Set in the grim darkness of the far future, where there is only war, the game plunged players into the fierce conflict among the Space Marines, Orks, and Eldar, each faction boasting unique playstyles and rich narrative arcs.
Dawn of War I
The original Dawn of War threw players into the Warhammer 40K universe with a heavy base-building aspect and huge fights. It built-in aspects of the tabletop game, enabling players to build up bases, collect resources, and then spit out an array of units. Deep and rich lore combined with deep strategic elements made it the top choice for RTS and Warhammer 40K adherents.
Dawn of War II
Dawn of War II took an outrageous turn of events from the first game in that it dropped base-building and moved into squad-based tactics. In this radical shift of mechanics for gameplay, the emphasis moved to greater micromanagement of small elite units away from macro strategies on base and resource management. The story-driven campaign, with its RPG character progression, had this very close effect on most people as it provided a very intimate portrayal of the brutal conflict in the Warhammer 40K universe.
Dawn of War III
Dawn of War III set itself the ambitious task of combining elements from both of its predecessors, balancing the base-building and strategic squad management to strike the perfect medium. The result was, hence, a hybrid system that did contain elements of both: base construction and deployment of powerful elite units. However, this approach brought about some mixed responses.
While trying to appeal to fans of both styles, it effectively worked against them and alienated some from each camp.
The Factions and Their Campaigns
Space Marines
The Space Marines, embodying the Emperor’s wrath, are the quintessential force of order and discipline in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. In Dawn of War III, their campaign centers around Gabriel Angelos, the stalwart Chapter Master of the Blood Ravens. The Space Marines’ gameplay emphasizes precision, resilience, and tactical supremacy. Their units are versatile, capable of adapting to various combat scenarios through upgrades and strategic deployment. The campaign narrative delves into the eternal struggle of duty versus doubt, as Angelos grapples with internal conflicts and external threats to his Chapter.
Orks
The Orks bring a chaotic and brutal flavor to the battlefield, embodying raw, unrelenting aggression. Led by the charismatic and ruthless warlord Gorgutz, the Orks’ campaign is a wild ride of unrestrained violence and cunning. Gameplay-wise, the Orks excel in overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers and relentless assaults. Their ability to scavenge and repurpose battlefield debris into makeshift weapons and vehicles adds a layer of resourcefulness to their strategy. The narrative here is a visceral depiction of Orkish brutality, with Gorgutz’s ambitions driving the WAAAGH! forward in a frenzy of destruction and conquest.
Eldar
The Eldar, ancient and enigmatic, offer a stark contrast to both the disciplined Space Marines and the savage Orks. Their campaign follows Farseer Macha, a powerful psyker grappling with the dire prophecies of her dying race. The Eldar’s gameplay revolves around agility, psychic prowess, and strategic hit-and-run tactics. Their units, though fragile, can deliver devastating blows and swiftly retreat, reflecting their philosophy of avoiding protracted engagements. The Eldar campaign is steeped in mysticism and tragedy, highlighting the melancholic struggle of a once-great civilization on the brink of extinction.
Play Style Differences
Dawn of War III’s attempt to differentiate the factions through unique playstyles is a notable effort to capture the spirit of Warhammer 40,000’s diverse lore.
- Space Marines: Tactical flexibility and robustness define their approach. Players must make strategic decisions about unit upgrades and positioning to maintain battlefield superiority.
- Orks: Emphasis on aggressive expansion and resource exploitation. Orks benefit from a playstyle that encourages relentless offensive maneuvers and adaptive use of battlefield resources.
- Eldar: Precision and mobility are key. Eldar players need to master quick strikes and retreats, leveraging their psychic abilities and superior speed to outmaneuver opponents.
Reception and Criticism
Dawn of War III’s development was driven by a desire to reconcile the RTS heritage of the first game with the squad-based tactics and hero-focused gameplay of the second. This hybrid approach aimed to please fans of both styles while attracting new players to the franchise. However, this ambition resulted in a polarized reception.
Conflicted Design: The attempt to merge different gameplay styles created a lack of clear identity. For the first set, those who loved base-building and resource management felt as if these were not developed enough; for the second, those who loved the new tactical, squad-based approach found that including base-building was unnecessary and cumbersome.
MOBA Influences: This has been the most controversial part of the game because of the introduction of MOBA-like mechanics, which included hero units and lane-pushing strategies. This was seen to move away from the core experience of an RTS game, which RTS fans expected.
Story and Ambience: While the Warhammer 40K universe has made a name for being gritty, super dark, and—with big MECHS and hordes of forces colliding—it delivers on the detail with intensity. I doubt there is much excitement or deep sophistication in the best Warhammer games of yesteryear. Still, very few players feel as if Dawn of War III connects deeply to what the two prior games developed so skillfully by an angle. With the above-average visual impact, the Dawn of War III campaign lacks some necessary narrative hooks and good character development that made its predecessor, Dawn of War II, stand out.
Era Comes to an End: The critical and fan reception of Dawn of War III was mixed. While the game’s visual fidelity and adherence to Warhammer 40,000 lore were praised, the core gameplay mechanics received criticism for lacking cohesion. The attempt to blend RTS and MOBA elements did not fully resonate with either fan base. Traditional RTS players found the hero-focused gameplay and limited base-building options restrictive, whereas fans of Dawn of War II’s tactical squad management missed the depth of the previous installment.
The multiplayer aspect also struggled, with many players finding the progression system and balance issues detracting from the overall experience. Despite these challenges, Dawn of War III had its merits, particularly in its narrative delivery and faction diversity, which captured the grimdark essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Looking Forward: Dawn of War IV
Speculation about Dawn of War IV has been rife among the community, fueled by a blend of hope and skepticism. If Relic Entertainment were to undertake another installment, several key areas would need addressing:
- Unified Vision: A clear, cohesive gameplay direction that balances the strategic depth of RTS with engaging hero mechanics.
- Community Feedback: Incorporating player feedback from previous games to refine mechanics and improve balance.
- Lore Integration: Continued commitment to the rich narrative and atmospheric depth of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
- Innovative Mechanics: Potentially introducing new factions, gameplay modes, and enhanced customization options to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Dawn of War IV, if it comes to fruition, would need to learn from the missteps of its predecessor while boldly pushing the boundaries of what an RTS in the Warhammer 40,000 universe can achieve. Fans would expect a game that honours the legacy of the series while innovating in ways that respect the core tenets of the franchise.
Dawn of War III was a bold experiment that sought to bridge the gap between classic RTS and modern tactical gameplay. While it did not fully succeed in pleasing all segments of its audience, it provided a unique and visually stunning take on the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The future of the series remains uncertain, but the lessons learned from Dawn of War III will undoubtedly shape any potential sequels. In the grim darkness of the far future, the war for innovation in RTS gameplay continues unabated.
