Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising PC

Chaos Rising for PC is the first expansion pack for the great real-time strategy that takes place in the world created by Games Workshop. The expansion focuses on the armies of Chaos and it doesn’t require the basic version of the game, although without it one can only use Chaos Space Marines faction in multiplayer modes. It is worth mentioning that even then players can fight against the owners of the basic version of the game. The expansion was developed by Relic Entertainment, studio known for creating such games like Homeworld, Company of Heroes and the Dawn of War series.

Plot

It all begins on planet Aurelia, which is filled with ice. Thousand years ago it was consumed by the Warp storm and disappeared without a trail. Now Aurelia has returned along with legions of Chaos. The story of the expansion concentrates on Blood Ravens fighting their former brothers who now serve the dark gods. Space Marines must face not only the Chaos and its followers, but track a traitor among their own ranks, as well. From time to time one will also face Eldars, Tyranids and Orcs. The new campaign consists of more than a dozen of missions that offer new challenges and possibilities. Most of all, one can develop characters to thirty experience level and select various abilities.

Mechanics

The biggest change in gameplay mechanics involved adding an individual morality meter for each character. During the game, the player will face various choices which can generate corruption or redemption points. The points are usually given based on decisions made during missions, like for example: destroy an enemy base or walk around it so that later the citizens of the planet will be able to use the defense structures. If it is destroyed, corruption level increases. The death of every guardsmen that were supposed to be protected will have a similar effect. Corruption also increases when player uses some items or not takes a specific character to the mission. The system determines powers and equipment available for the warriors. As corruption increases, new abilities are unlocked but some older ones become unavailable, similarly as various equipment parts.

Game modes

In addition to the singleplayer mode, Chaos Rising adds few features to online mode. Most importantly, the expansion allows taking control of the Chaos Marines. The developers also created one new unit for each faction, a few previously unavailable maps and game modes. The Last Stand mode was greatly improved as well and now each faction can participate in it. In addition to that, the whole campaign can be played in cooperation mode.

Last updated on 04 March 2010