THQ Strikes Success with Dawn of War II

Recent reports have THQ’s Dawn of War II, released on February 19th (20th for European gamers), claiming the number one spot in sales this week. Which is no surprise seeing as how its prequel was a smash hit for fans of the Warhammer 40K universe when released. Though, coming in above World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King this month is no small feat.

For those unfamiliar with the series (shame on you), Dawn of War is a real-time strategy game based on Games Workshop’s grim, sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40K. Players engage in large scale combat that revolves around accumulating requisition points, as opposed to gathering minerals or other hackneyed RTS conventions. Numerous expansions to the original game allowed for several unique races to choose from, such as the awe-inspiring Space Marines or the bad-ass Necrons. All in all, it was kind of a big deal for Warhammer geeks such as myself.

Shoot it! Shoot it!

With Dawn of War II, changes have been made from the original game’s design; though, for the better it seems. Its lead designer (THQ) attests that “Dawn of War II. . . takes everything that was great about the original and combines it with the best that Company of Heroes had to offer. . .”

Pwning this month’s sales charts definitely indicates that most of this title’s fans are more than pleased. Truth be told, it’s difficult to not like a game that has come so far in such a short amount of time (even if slaughtering Tyranids with +1 assault marines isn’t necessarily your cup of tea).