Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II
Developed by award winning Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War II ushers in a new chapter in the acclaimed RTS series - taking players to the brutal frontlines of war to lead an elite strike force on a mission to save the galaxy.
It’s the 41st Millennium in the Sub-Sector Aurelia - a cluster of worlds on the edge of the Galaxy - where a battle of epic proportions is about to commence. Ancient races will clash across the planets that dot this section of space, battling for the greatest of stakes - not only the claim to the land and its bounty - but the fate of each race.
With a focus on fast-action RTS gameplay, Dawn of War II brings to life the science fiction universe of Warhammer 40,000 like never before. Experience the intimate brutality of battle as you play through the epic campaign. Clash with enemies on battlefields ablaze with visceral melee and ranged combat. Lead and develop your squads from raw recruits into the most battle hardened veterans in the Galaxy.
E3 2008 - WARHAMMER 40,000 DAWN OF WAR II - RELIC INTERVIEW
Senior Designer Philippe Boulle gives up the details on the Eldar...
THQ: Can you give us some background info on the Eldar?
Philippe Boulle: The Eldar are one of the oldest races in the Dawn of War universe. Long before Humanity rose up, they ruled a huge galactic Empire. That Empire became decadent, however, and collapsed.
Those who escaped the Fall, rejected that decadence. They became deadly warriors and peerless psychics. Individual Eldar are incredibly long lived, but their race is slowly dwindling due to a lack of children.
THQ: What went into your decision to include them in Dawn Of War II?
PB: The Eldar make a great counter-point to the heavily armored Space Marines on one hand, and the savage Orks on the other. They are sleek and deadly where the others are brutal and loud.
Their psychic powers also made them a great addition to Dawn Of War II. Eldar can hit and shoot with the best of them, but when their Warlocks and Farseers unleash a devastating Psychic Storm on you... well, that's when they are just plain awesome.
THQ: How have the Eldar changed from the Eldar in the original Dawn Of War?
PB: Like everything in Dawn Of War II, we took a hard look at the Eldar and asked ourselves how to take them to the next level. The basic combination of speed and special abilities made the Eldar lots of fun in original, and we've definitely retained that.
What we've focused on adding is a stronger sense of deadly menace to the race. These aren't fragile "space elves" – these are ninja-like warriors who can kill you in an instant.
THQ: What really excites you about having the Eldar in Dawn Of War II?
PB: The variety of enemies and playable units the Eldar give us to work with. Giant Warbosses stomping guys into the ground is awesome, but with the Eldar we also get sleek Howling Banshees cutting enemies in half before they can move, Warp Spiders teleporting in the blink of an eye and much, much more.
We want players to keep coming back to Dawn Of War II. Having such a variety of toys for them to use and fight is what will make that happen.
Oh, and did we mention Psychic Storm...
THQ: How much of the Warhammer 40,000 lore inspired your version of the Eldar? Will we be seeing any recurring characters either from the lore or from the original game?
PB: Our goal has always been to bring the 40k universe to life in ways people never thought possible.
One of our guiding principles has been to reward those who know the universe but never to punish those who don't. So fans of 40k and of original Dawn Of War will see faces they recognize and pick up on new bits of setting, but fresh players will find a game that puts them right in the heart of epic action.
THQ: We know you've just announced the Eldar as a playable faction, but are there any details you can share with us about their presence in the game?
PB: The Avatar of Khaine will blow your mind.
Watch the Eldar reveal trailer.
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