relic does something right with nostalgic games and all the bad reviews are from blizzard cult followers.
most people wanted it to be a real Real Time Strategy instead they got a proper do justice tabletop port (minus all the complex limitations of the codex's and turn based play) making this an Real Time Tabletop. this is a brilliant game that improves on the already phenomenal track record of Warhammer 40000. combat is fluid and involves careful selection of units with what resources u have. unlike a real RTS. which features cannon fodder infantry and overpowered and overpriced super units (case in points being RA3, starcraft, advanced wars, supreme commander, etc.) which are a B!tch to take down, if at all impossible or result in a boiled down cold war (meaning whoever happens to have the most of said super weapon). in Dawn of War 2 this doesn't exist. to suggest differently for a minute is borderline insanity. who says an RTS needs to have a Cluster F#ck in order to settle any test or arms.
this game instead gives u a 100% grade A tactical strategy game involving the use or precious commodities over who has the most of or the most powerful. the storyline is rich and original. the multiplayer though constricting in number of player will satisfy those who give it a dedicated effort and the visuals and audio is without a doubt the most flawless thing i have seen in an RTS since supreme commander had its dual screen function.
so here is my take on this game: if you love single player RTS and online small teams play this is definitely a buy. if you hate the constricts of classical RTS and its combat cluster F#ck this game is a no brainer. and finally if u love blizzard so much u cant go a day without playing warcraft or starcraft then don't buy this game because you wont find anything here that will satiate your need for a cluster F#ck.
pros: great singleplayer, great visuals, awsome audio, lots of unit customization and lots of brutal gore, no base building.
cons: not a large multiplayer, ISNT AN RTS SO STOP CRITIQUING IT LIKE ONE! and no base building (really is a good and bad thing).