The iconic Space Marine battle cry has made its triumphant return—right where it belongs, according to Warhammer 40,000 fans who voiced their disappointment when it was cut from Dawn of War's legendary intro cinematic. This change accompanied the release of an updated version promoting the upcoming Definitive Edition.
Take a deep breath… Last month, developer Relic Entertainment unveiled an "enhanced" version of Dawn of War’s intro cinematic alongside the August 14 Definitive Edition release date announcement. The revised video incorporated dialogue from the 2004 real-time strategy game, altering parts of the original audio. The most controversial change was the removal of a visceral scream—beloved by Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts—from the Blood Ravens Space Marine leading the charge against the Orks.
Instead, the cinematic featured the battle cry of Gabriel Angelos, the Blood Ravens' Chapter Master, as heard in Dawn of War's gameplay. However, fans quickly pointed out a discrepancy: the scream in the trailer didn't belong to Angelos but to a Blood Ravens sergeant. Many argued the new dialogue paled in comparison to the original’s heroic intensity.
Additional alterations further frustrated the community. The Dreadnought’s dramatic entrance, once underscored by the thunderous rev of its Assault Cannon, was diluted by added voice lines. New Ork dialogue also felt intrusive.
When I reached out to Relic for comment, the studio acknowledged the unexpected backlash and hinted at possible adjustments.
That adjustment is now here. A freshly updated version of the enhanced cinematic has reinstated the original audio—including the Space Marine’s spine-chilling roar, ready to echo across the battlefield once more.
Watch the restored cinematic below:
As a Dawn of War devotee, seeing the intro return to its roots—both in audio and visual grit—is deeply rewarding. Last month, I reflected on the raw magnetism of the original trailer: its rough edges, punchy sound design, and nostalgic aura. It transports players back to the golden age of RTS dominance, when the Imperial Guard still bore their original name and Warhammer 40,000 superfan Henry Cavill was fresh off filming Hellraiser: Hellworld. The original cinematic evokes memories of marathon gaming sessions, heated strategies, and the unmistakable thrill of war. The "improved" version, by contrast, felt overly sanitized.
Back in May, I spoke with design director Philippe Boulle following the Definitive Edition’s announcement, and we marveled at the intro’s enduring brilliance. Here’s Boulle’s take on why it still resonates:
“For its time, the cinematic achieved something extraordinary in terms of fidelity. Warhammer 40,000 had never looked—or sounded—like this before. It grabbed you by the collar and demanded attention. And now, it’s returning in stunning 4K.
“What truly stands the test of time is the directing. That’s the unsung genius of it. The rendering was groundbreaking, yes, but the pacing, the tension, that final moment with the soldier sprinting uphill, planting the banner as drop pods descend—it’s flawless. No tweaks needed. It just… works.”
