Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Review

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2011 cult classic, Warhammer 40K Space Marine. After a decade-long wait, fans of the Warhammer 40k universe like myself finally have the chance to dive back into the boots of a Space Marine and carve a path of destruction through waves of enemies. Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 brings with it modern visuals, intense action, and a host of new gameplay elements. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Let’s find out, shall we?

Story and Setting

A Grimdark Galaxy at War

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K, where humanity is constantly besieged by horrific alien races and the malevolent forces of Chaos. The story picks up where the first game left off, with Captain Titus, now a Primaris Space Marine, leading his Ultramarines into battle against a relentless Tyranid invasion.

The narrative does a good job of capturing the scale and desperation of the Warhammer 40k universe. The Tyranids are portrayed as an unstoppable force of nature, devouring everything in their path, while the Imperium of Man is depicted as a crumbling empire, held together by the sheer will and fanaticism of its defenders.

The plot is straightforward—Titus and his squad are deployed to a beleaguered planet to stem the tide of the Tyranid invasion. However, the story is elevated by strong voice acting, particularly from Titus, who is voiced once again by Mark Strong. His deep, commanding voice lends gravitas to the character, making Titus feel like the legendary warrior he is supposed to be.

The New Primaris Twist

One of the significant narrative shifts is Titus’s transition into a Primaris Space Marine. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it plays a crucial role in the story. Titus’s enhanced abilities are a central theme, and the game explores the tension between his new powers and the suspicion they generate among his fellow Space Marines. The lore-rich setting of Warhammer 40k is well-utilized, and fans will appreciate the nods to the broader universe, but newcomers might find some of the references a bit esoteric.

Gameplay

Brutal, Satisfying Combat – You’re a Bad Arse

Combat is the heart and soul of Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2, and it does not disappoint. The gameplay is an evolution of the original’s third-person action formula, combining shooting and melee combat seamlessly. You’ll find yourself constantly switching between the two as you battle hordes of Tyranids. The shooting mechanics are tight and responsive, with a variety of weapons that all feel distinct and powerful. The bolter still packs a satisfying punch, while new weapons like the Primaris Bolt Rifle add more tactical depth to ranged combat.

Melee combat is where the game truly shines. The chain sword returns, and it’s as brutal as ever, ripping through enemies with blood-curdling satisfaction. The addition of new melee weapons like the Thunder Hammer offers more variety and spectacle. The game encourages an aggressive playstyle, rewarding you for getting up close and personal with your enemies. The execution moves, which allow you to regain health by performing brutal finishers, are back and are more cinematic than before, showcasing the raw power of a Space Marine.

Tactical Layer

While the combat is the main attraction, there’s a layer of tactical depth that adds more nuance to the gameplay. As Titus, you can command your squad, issuing orders to focus fire on specific targets or hold positions. This isn’t a full-fledged tactical shooter, but these elements add some welcome strategy to the otherwise relentless action. The AI of your squad is competent, and they genuinely feel like an extension of your power, rather than just cannon fodder.

Enemy Variety and AI

The Tyranids are the primary enemies, and they are appropriately terrifying. From the swarming Hormagaunts to the towering Carnifexes, the enemy design is faithful to the source material and offers a decent variety of threats. The AI is aggressive and relentless, particularly when faced with higher difficulties, which forces you to stay on the move and use your entire arsenal to survive. However, there are moments where the enemy AI feels a bit too predictable, especially in larger set-piece battles.

Boss Fights

Boss fights are another highlight, with epic encounters against massive Tyranid creatures that require you to use all your skills to overcome. These battles are visually spectacular and mechanically challenging, often requiring you to manage multiple objectives while dodging powerful attacks. The sense of scale in these fights is impressive, making you feel both powerful and vulnerable at the same time.

Graphics and Performance

Visual Fidelity

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is a visually stunning game. The Warhammer 40k universe has never looked better, with richly detailed environments that bring the grimdark future to life. The gothic architecture of the Imperium, the organic horror of the Tyranid hives, and the battle-scarred landscapes are all rendered in stunning detail. The character models, particularly the Space Marines, are incredibly detailed, with every inch of their Armour covered in insignias, battle damage, and purity seals.

Lighting plays a crucial role in establishing the game’s atmosphere, with moody, high-contrast scenes that emphasize the bleakness of the Warhammer 40k universe. The game’s colour palette is dominated by muted tones, punctuated by the vibrant blue of the Ultramarines and the sickly green of the Tyranids.

Performance on PS5

On the PlayStation 5, Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 runs exceptionally well. The game offers a performance mode that targets 60fps, and it generally does well, but you will also see a performance drop during the most intense battles. The load times are there due to resources needing to be loaded, but thanks to the PS5’s SSD it does go a little faster.I did encounter a few minor glitches, such as clipping issues and occasional texture pop-in, but these were rare and didn’t detract from the overall experience.

The DualSense controller’s features are used to great effect, with haptic feedback that mirrors the impact of your weapons and adaptive triggers that provide resistance when firing heavier weapons. These additions make the combat feel even more visceral and immersive.

Sound and Music

A Sonic Assault

The sound design in Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is as bombastic as you’d expect from a Warhammer 40k game. Every gunshot, chainsword rev, and explosion is loud and impactful, making the combat feel all the more intense. The voice acting, as mentioned earlier, is top-notch, with Mark Strong delivering a particularly memorable performance as Titus.

The soundtrack, composed by veteran Warhammer 40k composer Cris Velasco, is suitably epic. It combines orchestral bombast with choral elements, creating a score that feels both heroic and tragic. The music swells at just the right moments, heightening the tension during combat and adding weight to the story’s more emotional beats.

Replayability and Additional Content

Campaign Length and Replay Value

The main campaign of Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2  is about 12-15 hours long, depending on the difficulty level and how much time you spend exploring and completing side objectives. This is a reasonable length for a game of this type, but it does leave you wanting more. Fortunately, the game’s replayability is bolstered by multiple difficulty levels and the sheer enjoyment of the combat. It’s a game you’ll want to revisit just to experience the thrill of battle again.

Multiplayer and Co-op

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 also features multiplayer modes, though at launch, these are somewhat limited. The co-op mode, where you and two other players can take on hordes of enemies, is a highlight and offers a fun way to extend the game’s longevity. However, the competitive multiplayer is a bit underwhelming at launch, lacking the depth and variety found in other shooters. That said, Saber Interactive has promised post-launch support, so we can expect more modes, maps, and content in the future.

Verdict

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is a worthy successor to the original and a must-play for fans of the Warhammer 40k universe. It successfully captures the brutal, over-the-top action that made the first game a cult classic while introducing enough new elements to keep things fresh. The story is engaging, the combat is exhilarating, and the presentation is top-notch. However, some minor issues, like the occasionally predictable AI and a somewhat underwhelming multiplayer offering, prevent it from being a masterpiece.

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Trailer

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Written by me, edited by my partner Natalie Thomas