Dawn of War II multiplayer beta this month

THQ has revealed that it will be launching a public multiplayer beta for Relic's Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II later this month - one that'll be open to everyone but which will still get a staggered release.

The game, which is set to be released next month and was featured in our Games to Watch in 2009 list, will be using a new and improved version of Company of Heroes' Essence engine in both single and multiplayer.

The beta will officially launch on the 21st of January, but only those of you who picked up the standalone Soulstorm expansion to the original game will get into the first week of play. Everyone else who wants a look will be invited in on the 28th of January.

Regarding what will be in the beta, THQ has confirmed that players can choose to play as any of the four playable racces and that there'll be five different maps made available for the purpose. The entire online experience will be powered by the Windows Live TrueSkill matchmaking system, for better or worse.

The game itself will launch as a PC exclusive on the February 20th for European gamers, with a US release following three days later. the official requirements for the game have already been released, so check them out if you're thinking of upgrading beforehand.

Are you looking forward to Dawn of War II as much as we are, or are there other titles you've got your eye on this year? Let us know what you think in the forums.