Dawn of War III is bigger, faster and flashier than its prequels

The 41st century is a grim and dark place, unless you're talking about Dawn of War III, where there are so many particle and lighting effects that battles look like they're taking place around Christmas. At least that was the impression I got from the new reveal of Dawn of War III's latest gameplay footage at this year's E3 festival.

Although more effects and explosions are to be expected in any game looking to return to the larger battles of the first Dawn of War game, there is a bit of a cartoony feel to this latest showing. The terminators seem to move incredibly fast and Gabriel Angelos, their captain, is capable of leaping through the air while wearing such armour, which seems a little silly.

Of course much of Warhammer 40,000 is, but it's the way the universe deals with that in a serious manner which makes it all the more intriguing. The new footage doesn't feel serious enough.

Admittedly this is pre-alpha gameplay footage we're seeing so we can't judge it too harshly, but the big cartoonish blood spills and the shuddering frame rate just don't paint the game is as strong a light as I think Relic wanted. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdxiACB6AWQ']

Other commenters have also said that the game looks like a step back from its predecessors. Although we do see buildings – which will likely please Dawn of War I fans – the way units don't seem to be intelligently fighting (they just stand their blasting at each other) makes it look more like a mobile game, in some people's eyes.

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KitGuru Says: What's your take on the new Dawn of War III gameplay showcase? I really must say I'm not particularly impressed. I don't like the colourful look it has nor the static looking forces. Then again, everything Warhammer feels a bit lifeless after playing hours upon hours of Total War: Warhammer.

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