It is the 41st Millenium. In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. The Emperor of Mankind wages a constant battle to protect humanity from the horrors of space. On the fringes of the Imperium, alien races lurk and plot, and chaos demons leak into our reality from the torment of the warp. All that stands in their way are the mighty Space Marines. They are more than mortal. They are steel, and they are doom. They are the champions of mankind. And the greatest of them all… are the Ultramarines.
This iconic Warhammer 40,000 intro perfectly encapsulates the brutal and unforgiving universe that Space Marine 2 inhabits. As a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2011 title, this game promises to deliver a more intense, visceral, and visually stunning experience for fans of both the Warhammer franchise and action-oriented shooters.
This review may contain some mild spoilers, and focuses on the single player campaign. Let’s dive into the depths of this cosmic battlefield and see if Space Marine 2 manages to live up to the hype.
Ultramar’s Hero
This game follows the story of Titus, a seasoned Space Marine who returns to the Imperium to confront a growing threat from the Tyranids and Chaos. Guided by Chapter Master Calgar, a revered figure within the Ultramarines, Titus must rally his fellow Marines and lead them into battle against these formidable foes
Titus, once a trusted member of the Ultramarines, finds himself on the brink of ruin. His former comrade, Leandros, turned against him, accusing Titus of corruption and heresy. The Inquisition, ever vigilant against the insidious influence of Chaos, has swiftly moved to apprehend him. Space Marine 2 reveals that Titus was serving within the Deathwatch as part of his penance. The Death Watch are elite xenos-hunters that serve the Ordo Xenos of the Imperial Inquisition as its Chamber Militant. The role of the Deathwatch is to safeguard humanity against Xenos. His time in the Deathwatch ultimately led to his redemption and return to the Ultramarines, where he is now, once again, a respected member of the chapter. Well, by most people.
A Gothic Orgy of Pixels
Space Marine 2 delivers a visual spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The game’s environments are meticulously crafted to be lore-accurate, immersing players in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. From the towering, gothic spires of Imperial cities to the alien landscapes of infested planets, each world is rendered with stunning detail. The swarms of Tyranids, with their grotesque forms, create a truly horrifying and beautiful sight as they descend on you.
Even the mundane details, like the Cadian soldiers purple eyes or the flickering candles that adorn many locations, contribute to the game’s atmospheric ambiance. It’s a testament to the developers’ attention to detail that even the seemingly insignificant elements of the world feel alive and purposeful. Though, where all the candles come from, and who meticulously lights them all is a mystery only the Golden Throne knows the answer to.
A (not so) Grim Crusade
Your time as Titus offers a fast-paced and brutal gameplay experience that will satisfy fans of action-oriented shooters. The campaign, which can be completed in approximately 10 hours, takes players on a thrilling journey through the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. One of the highlights of the game is the intense battles against the swarms of Tyranids. Slicing and pulverising these grotesque creatures with the Space Marine’s powerful melee weapons is incredibly satisfying and visually gruesome.
While encounters with the Thousand Sons, a powerful Chaos warband, add a new layer of challenge, they don’t quite match the visceral thrill of fighting the Tyranids. Fighting the Astartes, chaos soldiers and other Chaos fiends feels slower and just less fun. As one of the developers has noted, the Tyranids simply “feel better” to fight.
Armory of the Imperium
There is a satisfying arsenal of weapons for players to wield, each with its own distinct feel and playstyle. Ranged weapons, such as the large variety of bolters and plasma cannon, provide medium to long-range firepower and are ideal for dealing with swarms of enemies. The pyreblaster is really handy for wiping out hordes of Gaunts. And is possibly the best use of a flame throwing weapon in any game I’ve played. Ammo can be sparse in the midst of large swarms but in between skirmishes it is relatively easy to find refills. There are also a range of “heavy” weapons that deal a substantial amount of damage. However these are only single use weapons.
Melee weapons, like the power sword and chainsword, offer brutal close-quarters combat and are perfect for tearing through the ranks of the enemy. The Thunder Hammer is a lot of fun. It deals great damage against larger enemies. But there is something fun about squishing a solitary Tyranid with a huge hammer. The game’s weapon handling is responsive and satisfying, with each weapon feeling weighty and powerful in the player’s hands. Whether you prefer to blast your enemies from afar or hack them to pieces up close, Space Marine 2 has the tools to suit your playstyle.
Cloud-borne Crusade
I played solely on GeForce Now and it did not disappoint. It was a smooth and visually stunning experience even on the highest settings. Not once did it stutter, even when 1000’s of Tyranids swarmed down towards me. Even on a 5g network. It was smoother than Titus using a power sword to effortlessly cleave through oncoming horde of terror. The game’s demanding graphics and fast-paced action are handled without any problem. Ensuring that players can enjoy the full brutality of the 41st millennium without sacrificing performance.
For The Emporer!
Space Marine 2 is a stellar addition to the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. Its meticulously crafted story and lore-accurate settings immerse players in the grimdark universe. While the intense and satisfying gameplay keeps them coming back for more. From the brutal melee combat to the strategic use of ranged weapons, the game offers a thrilling and rewarding experience. One thing I wish I could change is the length of the campaign. I would have liked to have a few more hours of story. But I’m particularly excited to dive into the multiplayer modes and see how they enhance the already impressive, albeit short. single-player campaign. Whether you are a fan of the vast Warhammer lore, a fan of action games or both, this is the game for you.
Space Marine 2
Summary
Space Marine 2 is a brutal, satisfying, and visually stunning shooter that delivers on the promise of its predecessor. With its intense gameplay, rich lore, and stunning visuals, it’s a must-play for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and action-oriented games alike. For the Emperor!
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