It’s been over a decade since Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine first threw players into the battle-scarred boots of Captain Titus, but with the Master Crafted Edition, the brutal action classic returns with a new coat of paint, a trove of DLC, and a promise to deliver its signature blend of guns, chainswords, and grimdark spectacle to modern consoles. Released on Xbox with enhancements courtesy of SneakyBox and published once again by SEGA, this refreshed version offers a welcome opportunity to revisit one of the most memorable third-person shooters of its generation – even if it can’t fully hide the age of its foundations and has been overshadowed by the excellent sequel.
From the outset, Space Marine was always a different beast compared to typical cover shooters. Titus doesn’t crouch or hide behind crates – he charges into the fray, bolter blazing and melee weapon ready to cleave Orks in half. The game’s hybrid combat system remains its strongest asset, allowing players to seamlessly shift from ranged shooting to up-close execution-based melee that not only looks satisfying but is also tied directly to your survival. It’s a rhythm that still works remarkably well today and adds a level of intensity missing from more modern but formulaic shooters.
The campaign, which runs around seven to eight hours, follows Titus and his squad of Ultramarines as they try to reclaim a forge world under siege. While the storytelling is fairly straightforward and leans heavily on Warhammer tropes, it’s delivered with conviction and weight. Titus remains a compelling lead, thanks in part to a stoic performance that contrasts with the chaos around him, and while the plot doesn’t reinvent the genre, it effectively captures the scale and tone of the Warhammer 40K universe. What’s more, the addition of all DLC – including various cosmetic packs and multiplayer content – rounds out the package nicely, though it’s mostly extra flair rather than essential material from a story/lore perspective.
Visually, the Master Crafted Edition gets the job done. The enhancements bring higher resolution, sharper textures, and improved models, and on Xbox Series X, the game benefits from a smooth frame rate and crisp 4K output. Environments – from industrial trenches to massive war zones – still convey that heavy, oppressive atmosphere that defines the franchise. However, it’s clear that this is a remaster rather than a remake; animation stiffness, occasional flat lighting, and some dated environmental geometry remind you of the game’s 2011 origins. Still, it’s easily the best-looking version to date and faithful to the original’s art direction.
Sound design, on the other hand, holds up better. The thunderous punch of bolter fire, the hum of a chainsword, and the relentless war cries of Orks all contribute to the immersive power fantasy. The orchestral score adds a fittingly epic tone, though some voice performances, particularly from supporting characters, feel a little flat by today’s standards. Nevertheless, when the audio clicks – like during a slow-motion execution surrounded by carnage – it reinforces just how satisfying the moment-to-moment gameplay still is.
On the gameplay front, the remaster keeps things largely intact, only tweaking the controls and interface to feel more responsive and modern. Movement is snappy, aiming is tighter, and the overall experience translates well to current-gen controllers. That said, players expecting deep progression or tactical complexity might be disappointed. While the core gameplay loop is fun, it lacks variety in enemy encounters and level objectives, especially by modern standards. Some players may also find the game’s refusal to embrace cover mechanics or more strategic combat to be a double-edged sword – unique, yes, but also potentially repetitive over extended sessions.
Multiplayer, which was underappreciated at launch, returns with support for cross-play and all previously released DLC, including several armor packs and the Chaos Space Marine faction. The 8v8 matches are surprisingly enjoyable, offering class-based combat that feels distinct from the campaign. However, the online scene is expectedly niche even right after launch, and without a significant player base or matchmaking improvements, its longevity may depend heavily on nostalgia-driven community interest.
Ultimately, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition doesn’t reinvent the game, but it doesn’t need to. It succeeds at what a good remaster should do – it preserves the spirit of the original, improves its technical foundations, and packages it with all its content. For returning fans, it’s a glorious power trip made sharper and more stable; for newcomers, it’s a chance to experience one of the more distinct action games of its era. And with Space Marine 2 getting so much love, this is a good way to relive Titus’ first crusade.
Score: 7.3/10
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