DESCRIPTION

Return to the dark, distant, gothic future and take real-time command of powerful armies to wage intense, tactical battles, in the Dark Crusade expansion pack for the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series. Beginning after the events of Winter Assault, Dark Crusade is set in the futuristic fantasy universe of the planet Kronos, where seven races are converging for a planet-sized battle to gain territory and resources. Such additions to the series as the Neocrons and the Tau come with their own back-stories, units, strengths, and weaknesses. The Tau, for example, like to keep their enemies at a distance with long ranged weapons. They lack melee skills and therefore employ a mercenary group of Kroots to handle the close range combat. They are the radical spiritualists of the game, and their goal of existence is to spread the "Greater Good" to other races — by force if necessary.

Neocrons are the oldest race in the galaxy, and are gearing up for their 60 millionth birthday celebration. Slaves to violent gods who offered immortality in exchange for their souls, the Neocrons now go from place to place slaughtering anything and everything in their way for their masters. The best feature of the race is the ability to resurrect fallen brethren, although they do move very slowly and are easy to hit. Neocrons also employ lackeys known as Wraiths and Scarabs to help them in their quest for world domination. Wraiths are experts in melee combat, and can also become indestructible to draw enemy fire from other units. Although small insects, Scarabs can effectively wipe out entire squads when they attack in large numbers, and shouldn't be underestimated.

In addition to the races added to Dark Crusade, the campaign style now features a map that is similar to the "living world" map of The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth. Each race starts in its own territory. The object of the game is to conquer neighboring territories, and ultimately defeat all enemies to take planet Kronos for your own. In a single-player campaign, each race includes a small storyline that unfolds during game progression, and you may play through the game several times choosing a different species each round. Conquering territories yields resources and bonuses that include extra units, and your heroes can also earn upgraded weapons, armor, and experience. Online play features an "Observer" mode, arranged team play, and automatch. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide