I've finally managed to get my mits on the Dark Angel codex and I have got to say I am shocked at some of the crazy stuff going on. Ok, I know I am one to talk as I use some codices which have a few eyebrow raising rules, but the D.A stuff looks pretty over powered. I guess I am perhaps even more disappointed because I had hoped that the D.A codex would be on the same power level as the CSM codex, unfortunately I am so wrong.
Don't get me wrong, it's nice an aging codex is given an update (though a lot more need it before D.A i.e Eldar and Tau), but shouldn't all codices be at the same power level or at least be as powerful as the previous codex?
Here's some of the things I am talking about:
Dark Angel units get the grim resolve (stubborn special rule and cannot auto fail morale checks) special rule and inner circle (fearless and preferred enemy: CSM) special rules. This is in addition to ATSKF and combat squads. I will point out and say not all models get both these new rules.
Land Raiders can have the deathwing vehicle rule which gives preferred enemy: CSM and gives them venerable, so yeah, re-roll the damage results on an av14 vehicle can you..
Deathwing can split fire and also when they deep strike their guns are twin-linked. In addition Deathwing can auto deep strike on turn 1 or turn 2.
Deathwing Knights are pretty cheap considering their weapons get better AP when against CSM. Also they get the fortress of shields rule, which if they are touching at least two models with the same rule they get