Definately one of the better functioning RTS's on a console
594540
Old school keyboard and mouse player here.  Can honestly say this is the best functioning RTS on a console.
4105435
Patched up, this game runs fine on Windows 7. It's a lot of fun but hard as heck, not your average RTS. Try playing this like you play Company of Heroes and you'll get your butt handed to you in a bloody sling. But then there was never anything average about the Combat Mission series.
3798940
This game is a worthy addition to the command and conquer family.  The main highlight is the fact that you can actually play as real life nations.  Instead of the GDI and the NOD terrorists, you play as the US, China, and the Global Liberation Army (the terrorists).  There are lots of new units and structures, and the graphics are better then any C+C game to date.  The only problem with this game is that in my opinion you need an awesome PC to run it to its full potential.  I have an AMD 2700+, 512MB PC-3500 RAM, and an ATI 9700 Pro graphics card, and the scrolling still tends to get choppy once your base gets significantly large.  Overall, this game's concepts are great, and is worth getting if you have a P4 2.2Ghz or AMD 2600+ or better.
96061
This is hands-down the best space-setting RTS available right now. StarCraft 2 is good too in its own way, but Sins of a Solar Empire really manages to get a 4x game experience into a real time format brilliantly. This experience hasn't been available since Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain.
3301994
Great game. I have always heard of these strategy games and was so interested but never had the chance to experience them. One of the main reasons is because I never really hear of them on the consoles and I am not a PC gamer. I've specifically heard of the Civilization series and how great it is and boy was I glad to purchase this for my PS3. It's just great. It's turn based, as in your empire and other empires take turns making actions to better your empire. You can create armies of all sorts: just foot-soldiers, or horsemen, or riflemen, or cannons, tanks, jet fighters. You name any kind of battle unit and this game probably has it. It takes a little bit getting used to if you've never played these types of games like me, but it is very easy to get into and you can choose to get a sort of coach while you're playing through it the first few times. It is very addicting, and very rewarding. It makes you feel like a great leader or general, a brilliant tactician. It is also very fun to use multiplayer and test your wits on friends or random people online. It may take hours but you will will find that it was well wort your time. Great game. A definitely buy for consoles being that this might be the only one or the best strategy game available for them.
2600748
This is THE best real-time strategy game in history and nothing comes close.

(Company of Heroes is good due to its realism but it's not a polished game like starcraft.)

To give some background to the newcomers to the game, Starcraft 1 (which is this game's predecessor) basically revolutionized the video game industry when it first came out and it eventually led to Warcraft 3, LoL, Dota, etc.  The game like most of them centers around beating opponents by creating an army.  To create this army, you need to collect resources (minerals and gas) via workers and then build production facilities once you collect enough resources.  Through these production facilities, you can now build fighting units which make up your army.

What makes this game so fun is that this is all in real time.  For example, instead of building workers, you can quickly make some fighting units so you can do a quick attack on your opponent on the other side of the map.  And, you rip your opponent apart if all he's doing is making workers.  However, if your opponent anticipates your attack, he/she can easily make a few defensive units to thwart your attack.  Because you have some workers already and a few defense units while your opponent only made fighting units, you will be a huge advantage.  You can see the mind games that start to go on in this game.  It's really fun.

This expansion is the 3rd in this game and adds 6 new fighting units.  The new campaigns are similar to the other expansions.  But, for me, what really makes it fun is the cinematics at the start and end of each mission.  And, the cinematics are pretty awesome.  You can watch them on youtube already to see what you'll be getting.

The 3rd and last expansion also adds some chat functions to the game that was there previously.  It makes a huge difference since you can now start talking to people which you couldn't do before.  I think this should have been done before.  There is also a new arcade and archon mode which is pretty darn fun too which they should have done long ago as well.  In all, I think the game is pretty fun.

Should you buy the game?

For newcomers, I think you should definitely buy the game if you're into figuring out puzzles and beating other people.  It's a no brainer there.  If you're not a really competitive person and are more into a relaxing, chill time, then I don't know if this is the way to go.  The problem is that this game is all about beating other people.  And, this is a game that's definitely skill based so it doesn't feel good if you keep losing and losing.  On the other hand, the game matches you up with people with similar skill level so it's not that bad.  Additionally, there is an Archon Mode which allows you to team up with other people.

For oldtimers, I do think you should get the game if you were really into the game before.  The new units add another dimension and one of the most fun things for me was to figure out how the units interact with other units and figure out how to exploit it.  But, if you weren't into the game previously, the extra units don't make this into an entirely new game so forget it.  However, I can tell you that if you had found the game to be too competitive before, Archon Mode changes that a bit.  Additionally, there are now custom games that are pretty fun too.
2207027
To start off, I agree that the live validation is annoying at first, but since I also used xbox live, I actually started to like it after using it.  It tells me when my live friends are login, just like I'd see on my xbox, and it tracks achievements, just like on the xbox.  This isn't something that pc players are probably going to be used to, so I can understand why a lot of players won't like it.

The thing about steam, is that it means you don't need the cd.  Once installed, you also never have to worry about losing the box or cd key either.  But it does prevent you from selling the game used.

on to the actual game itself.

Graphics, are very good, totally up to date for current games.  Dead units disappear after a few seconds, but if your rig is good enough you can easily mod them to stay.  Between missions there are sometimes short movie sequences, they're good quality, but very short.

Sound effects are spot on, atmosphere music is great, and the voice work is great.

Stability is good, I haven't had any crashes on my system, or any graphical issues.

Gameplay is a lot of fun, although I've only played single player.  The rpg aspects of your squads really helps bring them home, although since no one ever stays dead, it has limits.  I would like to have seen this expanded, with individual troopers being named and given stats, its also difficult to identify when non-hero troops are being shot.

All in all, I've really enjoyed the game and consider it to be very much worth the purchase price.  I think it has a surprising amount of replay ability, and the fact that Relic seems to be on board with the modding community could give it a lot of long term appeal.
252551
This "Game of the Year" edition of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War (DoW) contains new battle maps, online features and an observer mode to enhance what was already a terrific RTS computer game. Each of the four races in the game look and behave as one would expect from Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 (aka 40K) universe. The Eldar are graceful and cultured in their speech and appearance (think High Elves in space), performing marvelous acrobatic moves in combat. Orks are brutal, awkward and ramshackle in their appearance and gait, Chaos Marines and their demonic minions are dark, cruel and monstrous while regular Space Marines (enhanced humans) are very industrial and all business. The animations in combat are so good you'll want to play some skirmishes on easy difficulty so that you can take your time looking close up at the individual fighting using the fully moveable 3D camera. There are even special "sync-kill" animations when certain creatures destroy each other. For example, when the Space Marine Commander kills a gigantic Bloodthirster (huge winged demon), the animation sequence is one of the most spectacular in the game!

The skirmish option offers both single and multiplayer modes with many different battle maps from which to choose. This offers near limitless permutations, providing tons of re-playability. The campaign is a wee bit linear and not overly challenging, but is loads of fun, has an entertaining story and can be completed by all players regardless of skill level. Difficulty level settings can be used in both campaign and skirmish play to make the game more or less challenging as desired.

The voice acting and music are quite good in DoW and enhance play enormously. The game is highly evocative of the dark, gothic feel of the 40K miniatures game produced by Games Workshop (GW).

Resource gathering is used as is expected in an RTS game, but it is very simple and does not occupy an enormous amount of game time. The emphasis of DoW is all on the action and combat! Resources are gathered by capturing strategic points and critical locations on the battle map. Capture more territory and more resources will be available to you to complete your research and build your army.

Note that the expansion pack for this game, Winter Assault, will provide players with even more maps and options, as well as a new army, The Imperial Guard. There are also numerous mods available on the Internet providing even more armies from the 40K universe.
1290205
If you are a fan of real-time strategy games, then this bundle is definitely worth considering. The platinum pack contains three different real-time strategy games set in the Warhammer 40K sci-fi universe: Dawn of War, Winter Assault, and Dark Crusade. Dawn of War and Winter Assault are both plot-driven RTS games with an interesting storyline and challenging obstacles; Dark Crusade, however, is a map-control game similar to Risk. I found all three to be enjoyable, and they helped to satisfy my cravings for a new RTS game on the PC.

Individually, the games in this bundle have a number of drawbacks. DoW and WA are both very short and have limited replayability (once you know the plot twists, the scenarios just aren't as enjoyable). The battles in Dark Crusade don't follow much of a plotline, but the map-control aspect of it has more replayability. Together in one bundle, the games make up for each-other's individual flaws and provide something for all RTS interests: plotline scenarios (DoW & WA), replayability (DC), and race choices (DoW and WA [to a limited extent]).

Multiplayer: There is both internet and LAN play with this bundle. Most of this is in Dark Crusade, but the keys from the other two games unlock races for multiplayer in DC. The internet play in DC is based on Gamespy, and was very buggy when I attempted it (to the point where I stopped trying). Others have apparently had better luck, however.

Note: The final expansion/game for Dawn of War I is Soulstorm. It was released in March of 2008, and is not included in this bundle.
1563909
So I never have owned a console until I bought a PS3.  I was a die-hard PC gamer (still am).  I went out on a limb to buy the PS3; I wasn't sure I'd like it.  It is actually pretty awesome.  Now, I have played Battlefield 1942, Desert Combat (mod of BF1942), and Battlefield 2 on the PC.  Basically these games are awesome on the PC.  Multiplayer is the only way to play any of them and I have never been interested in a single-player version of the Battlefield series.  However, I was very pleasantly surprised when I played the Bad Company single player version.  I did so, only to get used to the PS3 controller.  I can say that the a mouse and keyboard are by far the more preferrable way to play this game.  However, you can do alright with the PS3 controller (plus it vibrates!).  The multiplayer is fun.  I like how the multiplayer is structured a little bit differently for the PS3.  It had to be dumbed down a bit for a console and EA actually did a good job dumbing it down so it works on a console.  The multiplayer is very good for a console... not as good as on a PC... but pretty awesome for sitting on the couch.  Also the graphics are as nearly good as my PC.  This is something I can hardly believe since I run NVIDIA SLI on my PC.
I really love the completely destructible environment in Bad Company.  This is something that's missing from the PC games.  Also, I love that EA kept the maps wide open like in the PC version.  If you are a COD fan, you probably won't like the open maps as there is less "action."  However I think the Bad Company open maps allow for better combat.  It allows the snipers to be very effective.  Also, you get to use vehicles.  Tanks, jeeps, etc... this is awesome.  I can't praise this game highly enough.
4023194
In about the first fifteen minutes, you may be asking yourself, "Why did I buy this?" But eventually, it all starts to grow on you, eventually forming into the standard obsessive routine of explore, build, and expand that pervades in all Civilization games.

Going into Civ Rev, you need to keep in mind that this is a console game, designed towards console gamers. Instead of the week consuming PC Civ game, you can accomplish this in one sit-down (three hours on easiest, but the difficulties will increase this quite nicely).

Multitasking has essentially been removed from Civ Rev. Instead, you can focus on your goals and how you're going to win, and you no longer need to worry about funding that vast horde you built. One thing I found lacking was the diplomacy. Apparently, in order to keep it simple, it has been butchered down to "Give me this, and if you don't, we're at war." It's every Civ for them self in this game, and if you're near to achieving a victory, they will make a desperate attempt to stop you.

Combat still has that good `ole Civ feel of creating a powerful unit form countless victories. Units gain experience, and in Civ Rev also gain ranks, and then eventually purchase upgrades that can change how it fits into your strategy. A problem does arise that you can't upgrade a unit to its next advancement (i.e., you can't improve an archer into a musket man; it is, and will always will be, an archer). You can, however, sell of your units, so you're not forced to go on suicide missions with them.

As far as graphics go, they're not top quality, neither are they bad. Fights are fun to watch, and the only annoying thing is your advisors, whose ubiquitous presence and pop-ins will begin to annoy some. But after awhile, they become more like an annoying friend more than anything. The sound isn't much, but this is probably a game where you will find yourself listening to your own music.

One thing I'm sure will annoy PC veterans is no control over your map. It's usually one continent with a few islands (don't quote me on that, though), and I believe the size is the same. Still, the maps are different every game, providing an essentially limitless replay ability.

Definitely different, but still a great game. $60, though? Play the demo off Xbox Live, or rent it for awhile, and if you find yourself getting hooked, than this will be worth it.
360630
Frontline: Fields of Thunder is a solid, fun RTS that focuses on  the epic tank battles at Kursk of WW2. The graphics are good though not spectacular, but in comparison to many other RTS Games set in the 2nd World War historical accuracy is one of the big plus points of the game. One gets historical background for all the equipment and weapons in the game. Gameplay is great, battlefield dynamics are sound and the missions fun.

While not the most innovative WWII RTS there is, for 29,99$ it is a good addition for any RTS gamer.
2575466
One of the most fun and relaxing RTS/Citybuilding games out there. The combat system isn't that great, but the game makes up for it in many different ways. There's a good trade system, beautiful graphics and many different challenges for the player.
2526071
Lady's and gentlemen, you have found the single most realistic FPS/RTS/SIM/whatever possible.  I bought this game from another seller for the purpose of playing Day Z, But then I said what the hell, and started to play the game.
To put it in perspective, I have an Anthlon II processor with 4GB of ram and 512 MB of video ram on my onboard card.  even with the handy cap of a slow computer, this game works like a charm.  the graphics, even on low settings are better than most games I have found, and I have very little lag wile playing online.  As long as your computer was built recently, you'll be ok.  the only negative I can come up with is the controls are hard to learn, but once you do, you'll get the singe most realistic military sim outside of the U.S military trainers
4086779
Good strategy game with enough detail to get lost in. Lost in a good way that is. I started playing and noticed I was hungry three hours later. At first I was disappointed because of the limited game play scenarios. Then I discovered that by using the 12 race option the scenarios were almost endless. Simply select the number of races desired for play. 12 is the most but three works just as well. Choose the size of the galaxy or just about any other variable that you want. There is action too in the battle scenes. It isn't first person shooter battle but the player has a lot more control than in any other turn based space game I've played other than Master of Orion, which doesn't work on Win7 or Win8.
3336610
If you are an RTS fan and you don't have this game yet, GET IT NOW. The three unique races keep you coming back for more action. The storyline is good for an RTS, and the instructions booklet provides you with a great  history. Both strategy guides give you great tips and coverage for all 54  (for SC and the exp. set combined), I repeat 54, missions for the Zerg,  Protoss, and Terran races. A wonderful online layout allows you to easily  access to a game to play in with up to 7 other people. The campaign editor  can be used to create some of the most unusual games you could never  imagine, another reason there is never ending fun. A great tutorial teaches  you the easy controls and before long, you'll be a master. The Battle Chest  provides you with loads of action and is well worth the price. This game  almost never stays in its case for too long for me.
1742566
This game is purely glorious. Well. Compilation, since it's all of Command and Conquer up to Generals Zero Hour.

Befitting of its name, The First Decade contains all of the wonders of the series that was once declared the King of RTSes. Well, with the exception of Tiberium Twilight, it still is, but... Let's forget about that abomination.

Unlike the other compilations obtained through Origin, First Decade is quite literally all the games installed into one big folder, and all the games on the disk. Since it's rather easy to access the folders in First Decades, it's got GREAT mod support. Oh! And you don't need to switch any disks out!

As for running it, you need to do some potential tomfoolery if you're on Vista and 7. Not sure about 8, though. On Vista, it's really simple, set Generals and Zero Hour to XP compatibility if it doesn't automatically work, and the others to 95 if those don't work. On 7, because Microsoft made these PCs a bit paranoid, you might want to run them as Admistrator. Other than that, it should work perfectly.