Claim in the name of the Emperor… Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War is back battle brothers, in an all new bloody war for the planet Kronus…
Some key points that this game offers:
- New Races have been introduced.
- New multiplayer maps.
- Massive single player campaign.
- Single player campaign can be played with seven different races.
Gameplay & Controls:
Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Dark Crusade is the sequel to Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War and its Expansion pack Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War: Winter Assault.
At the end of the Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War: Winter Assault we got a brief glimpse at the Necron enemies and were pitted against them in our final mission, with Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Dark Crusade they are a new race that has been introduced into the game.

The game can be played with seven different races ranging from Orks, Necrons, Space Marines and several others, in a brutal conflict as they all wage war across the surface of Kronus for dominance.
Unlike its predecessors, this one is not mission based, instead you start the game with your chosen race, and in control of one province on Kronus, and your mission is to take control of Kronus, which can be accomplished by eliminating the defenders of each province.

The easiest reference here would be to mention RISK, the board game; we have that style of gameplay; just massively improved, added mechanics, but still tons of fun. Added mechanics such as Honour guard can be gained by taking control of a specific province.
Each Faction has a main province that is heavily guarded, one might say the boss level, and to emerge victorious there will require strategy and tactics that would make the Emperor proud…
The controls for the game are pretty standard; the game is at its heart, a base builder so mostly the mouse is used with numerous keyboard shortcuts existing to make things easier and more hands on.

Graphics:
The graphics and gameplay visuals are the same amazing style that we have come to love from the Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War series. We have improved visuals this time around and the remarkable lighting effects they gave us in the previous instalments are present and even better than ever.

Each race, building, unit and map has been carefully drawn to once again deliver us breathtakingly beautiful, surroundings and armies that make any Commander proud. Attention to detail is once again on par and one can easily say that once more a lot of effort and creativity was invested to deliver this beautiful masterpiece to us.
Under the settings panel, a wide variety of options are available to us, to fully customize how our game runs.
Sounds:
Our game play is massively enhanced by in game sounds that bring our very battles to life, soldiers acknowledging commands, weapons fire, vehicle movement, all so realistic and thoroughly enjoyable. Accompanying these amazing sounds are an even greater soundtrack that sets the theme of war for your troops, whether you are holding the line or leading the charge you can be sure that the battle tunes are there to amp you up as you lead your forces to victory.

The voice actors have done a superb job of giving each Commander a life of their own through beautiful commentary along with voices that really ensure everyone pays attention. Each Commanders attitude can clearly be distinguished through his actions and Commands further adding to the liveliness of the game.
Replayability:
Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Dark Crusade can be replayed numerous times to experience the game though every race’s agendas and goals, and to put your abilities to the test, several difficulties are also available to truly test your capabilities.

Multiplayer has been updated as well and new maps have also been added for your enjoyment, so plenty of replay value here for you.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Dark Crusade is an outstanding sequel in the Warhammer: 40,000: Dawn of War series; once again you are in command of the Blood Raven’s.

Captain Davin Thule, Force Commander of the Blood Raven’s 4th company have been tasked with bringing the planet Kronus back under the Imperium’s control, and this is where your work comes in, lead the Blood Ravens in a bloody war across the surface of Kronus against, Xeno, Mutant and Heretic, all in need of Purging.
Each faction gets a turn where they can complete an action, and once that has been done it is the next factions turn. Taking on a Faction stronghold and conquering it removes that Faction from the game, to help matters Wargear is awarded for numerous goals such as kills, or defensive victories, this Wargear improves your Commanders prowess immensely.

All in all, this is an amazing sequel that furthers the story of the Blood Ravens whilst giving us an incredible game to play.

By: MGRza
Date: 15 October 2006
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: Mac
Genre: Tactical: Strategy: RTS: Base Building: Warhammer 40k
Censor Rating: Mature
Age Rating: 16
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: 9 October 2006
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/