Fans of Warhammer 40K will now be able to try Dawn of War 3 soon in an upcoming beta. This will allow them to see the game’s new visuals and mechanics. Developers from Relic Entertainment and publisher Sega will be launching an open beta weekend that begins on April 21 and ends April 24. This is a few days shy of the game’s official April 27 release for the PC. Players can sign up for the beta here.
The new title will be the third installment in the popular Dawn of War series of real-time strategy (RTS) games. Dawn of War 3 takes place on the lost planet of Acheron. Races all around the galaxy have discovered the existence of the Spear of Khaine in the planet. Neither of the competing races know the true power of the artifact, only that it is a “catastrophic” weapon. In classic Dawn of War fashion, races in the Warhammer 40K universe will make sure their faction gets access to the weapon.
Dawn of War 3: Features, Gameplay
Players can use three available factions. Gamers can choose between the Blood Ravens Space Marines, the Eldar, and the Ork Horde. Relic Entertainment and Sega have not revealed if other factions will be available in the game. Moreover, it is yet to be announced if there will be new factions in downloadable content packs as well. Regardless, fans and players will have access to rather advanced weaponry and structures in order to secure their dominance over Acheron.
Interestingly, the nature of the Spear of Khaine may explain its rather attractive quality in Dawn of War 3. The Warp is a famous element in the Warhammer 40K universe. This is where ships travel past the speed of light. However, the realm also contains vile creatures of Chaos that can corrupt humans. One of their “Gods” is Khaine, lord of destruction. If it is true that the Acheron artifact is actually his “spear,” then anyone who wields it will amass incredible power.
The game returns with the iconic Relic Entertainment brand of strategy games. Unlike other RTS games that place emphasis in base building, the Dawn of War series rely on battles. Resource points scattered around the map supply a vast amount of resources. Unfortunately, the factions around the map will have to fight to claim these points. Units can have special upgrades, and are built as squads. Various points in the map can act as cover to give defensive bonuses. Players after visuals will appreciate a more realistic take on various elements of the map. The environment shakes during huge attacks, and the terrain is visibly torn apart during combat.
The Factions
The Blood Ravens Space Marines are led by commander Gabriel Angelos. As Chapter Master of the Blood Ravens, he is in charge of all their operations. Moreover, members of the Space Marines are proud, valiant, and faithful to the Emperor of Mankind. They are massive humans, all genetically created out of the “sons” of the Emperor. Regardless, it appears they have a peculiar interest with the Spear because of its connections with the Warp. The Space Marines’ hatred for Chaos may have them destroy the artifact at the end of the game.
The Eldar will be led by Farseer Macha. Macha returns from the first Dawn of War game, where she also served as the Eldar’s leader. Their race relies heavily on speed and stealth. They possess something called the Webway, which allows them to travel conveniently around the Warp. They are one of the oldest species to ever exist in the galaxy. However, their motive with the Spear is yet to be determined.
Warlord Gorgutz will lead the Ork Horde. Interestingly, this is his fourth appearance in a Dawn of War game. He has led the Orks in Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, and Soulstorm, which are all from the first title in the series. Orks remain as the comic relief faction of the franchise. However, they are still a force to be reckoned with in Dawn of War 3. They create deadly structures and have a penchant for war. Again, their motive with the Spear is unknown.
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