This past weekend saw the Open Beta for Dawn of War 3 Multiplayer. How does it measure up? Let’s talk about that.
So, I found my weekend taken up not only by my usual gaming schedule but by the Dawn of War 3 Multiplayer beta. After three days of play, I have to say I did enjoy myself. Let me preface my review by stating that I have been waiting for this for a long time. Having played through the first two games and their respective dlcs, I enjoyed the different game structures for what they offered. From small army command to squad-based combat, each game was entertaining in its own right. For Dawn of War 3, Relic brings a few new elements to the table but nothing revolutionary. It does breathe life into a genre that has been quickly drying up.
Relic is looking to break up lazy RTS mechanics, add a wider range of heroes, and speed of the pace of play. Having taken part in over 30 matches this past weekend, I can say that they have made significant changes in order to encourage more aggressive play. My first impression of the maps and method of play reminded me of a mix of RTS and a MOBA; a mix that works decently well. I say MOBA since you have to destroy your enemy’s tower(s) so you can have a crack at their power core.
Therefore, the mode of play is geared more towards breaking through your enemy and not their simple annihilation. Attempting to go full defense and hope to wear down your opponent via attrition will only find you being overwhelmed with no way to recover. The maps, which are 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 setups, encourage players to move quickly to secure resource points. These resource points are vital since they will help you generate resources and elite points. One caveat is that if you lose a resource point or you haven’t moved quickly enough to secure them, you will be at a considerable disadvantage until you recapture them. The longer you can control a resource, the further you can upgrade it to increase resources gained.
The factions provided were pretty straightforward in their playstyle. The Space Marines are well balanced and offer a stable platform of melee, ranged, and vehicles to build on. The Eldar specialize in hit and run tactics with speed buffs, stealth and powerful ranged units. The Orks… well.. are Orks. Although, I have noticed some players saying that the Orks may be slightly more technical than believed.
This is due to some of the Doctrines they have and their level of complexity as further levels of upgrades became available late game. This complexity that I am referring to is provided by your faction’s elites, their skills and passives, and you factions’ doctrines. There five elites per faction provided in the beta and there will be nine total on release.
Elites have special skills that with cooldowns that can deal serious damage. Their passives add an extra level of play since they are unlocked by experience. So, the more you use an elite, the more that elite grows. Elites don’t die when they are defeated on the field. They are put on a cooldown. When off cooldown, they can be summoned back in, provided you have the prerequisite amount of elite points. Elite points passively generate but can also be sped up by resource point captures.
Elites are powerful but must be fielded with proper support units in order to maximize their capabilities. Now, faction doctrines are for your armies and will benefit your melee, ranged, vehicles, and structures. You can carry three doctrines and you are not limited to equipping one from each category. These doctrines are also unlocked by a resource called “skulls’ and the corresponding elite is of the requisite level. They offer many ways to play and I am curious to see what builds appear after the game has launched.
Overall, Dawn of War 3 will deliver to those players who are wanting a healthy mix of basebuilding and squad combat. The elites are a healthy addition and will provide a deeper challenge to properly master. The faster pace of play may turn off those who like a slower, methodical RTS.
This is a definite step up to the Dawn of War series and I cannot wait to see what factions and other dlcs will be added in the future. Dawn of War 3 will release on April 27th.
Be sure to head over to the official page for Dawn of War III and get your pre-orders in today, the game releases April 27th, and it looks like it’s going to be a major hit!
