Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 thrusts players back into the now-familiar darkness of the 41st millennium and its wars, where humanity’s survival rests on the shoulders of its marines. In this sequel, which we were already very impressed with during a hands-on session a year ago, players once again take on the role of the Space Marine Titus, who is now a seasoned captain facing off against the overwhelming forces of the Tyranids. The game delivers on its promise of brutal, fast-paced third-person action while expanding on the original’s core strengths in exciting ways. Here’s our take on the full game.
The narrative of Space Marine 2, while featuring a relatively straightforward premise, serves as a perfect backdrop for the chaos that unfolds on screen. As part of the Ultramarines chapter, players are thrown into large scale battles on war-torn planets, with some great set pieces in each mission. The inclusion of a co-op campaign option allows up to three players to join forces, adding a new layer of strategy to the proceedings. While the story might not break new ground, it provides ample motivation to keep pushing through waves of Tyranid swarms, with occasional moments of dark intrigue that tap into the rich Warhammer 40K universe.
A highlight in Space Marine 2 are its combat mechanics. Saber Interactive has taken the visceral brutality of the first game and amplified it. The combination of melee and ranged combat feels as satisfying as ever, with seamless transitions between hacking apart enemies with a chainsword and blasting them with a bolter from further away. The sheer scale of the Tyranid hordes is impressive, with hundreds of enemies often on screen at once, creating an exhilarating sense of chaos that inspires awe. The game’s fast pace and gory combat deliver a constant adrenaline rush, though this intensity can sometimes lead to visual clutter, making it hard to track what’s happening in the heat of battle and how far you’ve progressed in clearing a horde.
In terms of controls, Space Marine 2 offers a tight, responsive experience that makes each weapon feel distinct. Whether swinging a massive hammer or unleashing a volley of gunfire, the weight of each action feels impactful, thanks in part to the excellent feedback provided by the controller. However, some players might find the learning curve a bit steep, especially during larger skirmishes, where split-second reactions are required to survive and you have to quickly switch tactics and combat styles.
Visually, the game is stunning, making full use of the this console generation’s power to deliver detailed environments and character models. The war-torn landscapes are beautifully rendered, with each battlefield feeling like a living, breathing part of the Warhammer 40K universe. The design of the Tyranids, in particular, is grotesque and imposing, providing a constant visual reminder of the scale of the threat. However, the game does suffer from occasional frame rate drops, especially during the more chaotic battles, which can detract from the overall experience. Hopefully this’ll be fixed post-release, because it’s nothing too major right now.
The audio design complements the action perfectly, with a bombastic score that heightens the tension during combat. The sound of weapons firing, the roar of Tyranid creatures, and the crunch of armor in melee combat all contribute to an immersive battlefield experience. Voice acting is solid, though some of the supporting cast’s performances can feel a bit flat in comparison to Titus.
While the game offers an engaging single-player campaign, the addition of both PvE and PvP multiplayer modes provides a significant amount of replayability. The PvE missions, in particular, are a highlight, allowing players to choose from six different classes and customize their Space Marine with new skills and cosmetics. However, the 6v6 PvP mode, while fun, lacks the depth of other multiplayer shooters, even though it’s still a nice diversion from the main campaign.
In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 builds on the foundation of its predecessor, delivering intense, visceral combat and a compelling narrative set in the Warhammer 40K universe. While some technical hiccups and occasional pacing issues hold it back a little, fans of the series and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy in this brutal, action-packed shooter. Its blend of solo and cooperative play, combined with the sheer scale of the battles, makes it a standout entry in the Warhammer 40K franchise and one of the best uses of the IP thus far.
Score: 8.4/10
Press Play Media 