Recs.
Updated
Prepare yourself for the grim, dark future of the 41st millennium, where alien races battle mankind for galactic domination in a universe of unending war.
Specs
Pros
Pro Easily accessible to any skill level
A smart AI allows for difficult games thanks to the natural reactions that the enemy can have in game, which keeps the player on their toes. Where it allows for any skill level is the fact that the player can change the difficulty level, which will make for an easier or even more difficult game, depending on what the player choose to set it on.
Pro Expansions and mods
Dark Crusade and Soulstorm are just two of the beautiful expansions this game has(the best ones, in my opinion).
Also, a mod like Ultimate Apocalypse (for Soulstorm) brings the game to a totally new style
Recommended to play the original game first, to learn playstyle, and then play Ultimate Apocalypse so you can notice all the changes that this wonderful mod has made.
This mod is worth all the game+2 expansions by itself. Look for it on ModDB.com.
Pro Easily practice the game when not playing over LAN
There is offline play available, meaning you can play single player in order to practice for LAN play. LAN as well is offline, as it uses a local connection. So overall, there is no need for an internet connection in order to play the game how and when you want.