Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2: Game of the Year?
It's going to be hard to top this magnificent 'labor of love' in 2024.
As someone unfamiliar with the Warhammer franchise, I went into this review empty-handed and open-minded.
I’m glad I did.
The franchise is set in two main universes: the dystopian sci-fi Warhammer 40,000 and the fantasy-themed Warhammer: Age of Sigmar, both lauded for their epic battles, rich lore, and dark themes. As adaptations go, these games have stayed pretty faithful to the original tabletop games, immersing players in its richly detailed worlds and giving them control of vast armies.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, an action-packed shooter set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players take on the role of a Space Marine, one of humanity’s superhuman defenders, specifically Captain Titus of the Ultramarines, who battles alien enemies like the Tyranids with brutal, fast-paced combat using a mix of ranged and melee weapons.
Let's get started with the basics of the game:
Third Person Shooter
PVE Campaign
Single & Multiplayer Capability
PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Cross Play Enabled
Right from the jump, you are immediately at the heart of the immersive story that draws you right into the dark and futuristic Warhammer universe. Even in the short amount of time I’ve spent with the game so far, it’s evident the developers truly poured their heart and soul into crafting an experience they’d want to play. It feels fresh yet familiar, capturing what makes these games so beloved. You’ll find yourself invested in the characters, their struggles, and the grand battles that define this dark, gritty world.
One of the standout features is the seamless integration of multiplayer and single-player modes. Seeing a game that allows you to switch between these modes without any impact on story progression really shows the care the developers took when creating this game. They allow you to play the game in the way that you want to play it, instead of forcing you one way or the other.
When playing in single-player, it didn’t feel like I was missing out on any additional experiences like it feels with some games. I didn’t feel penalized for playing alone. The same can be said for the other side of the coin. Playing multiplayer didn’t feel like it detracted anything from the story, which I’ve experienced in other games. So if you want to dive into cooperative play with friends or immerse yourself in the campaign solo, the experience remains cohesive and engaging. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor your gaming sessions to your social battery, keeping the gameplay experience dynamic and enjoyable.
Let’s talk performance. Space Marine 2 ran beautifully right out of the box on my PC. It was not only playable, but it was enjoyable at the recommended presets. I was immediately impressed with how smooth the gameplay felt, and was blown away by the graphics that bring the brutal (and I really do mean brutal) action to life. It’s apparent that the developers put considerable effort into ensuring that players can jump in and enjoy the game without worrying about first changing all the graphics settings and dealing with performance issues.
If your system meets the recommended specs, you will at the very least be able to enjoy the game and get the most out of it. If you are playing on console, congrats! You don’t have to worry about your hardware running the game and you will have a fantastic experience. This kind of first-launch polish is a testament to the development team's dedication and commitment to delivering a top-notch experience for their fans.
When playing Space Marine 2, it’s clear that this game was a labor of love. Every detail—from the intense combat mechanics to the atmospheric sound design—speaks to the passion of the team behind it. You can feel the care that went into creating not just a game, but an entire experience that resonates with fans of the franchise. In short, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a great example of how a company can still deliver in 2024 when it comes to storytelling, gameplay, and mechanics. In the land of bland releases and yearly cash grabs, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a sight for sore eyes.
If you’re looking for a game that respects both the player and its roots while delivering a thrilling new adventure, this is it. I can’t recommend it enough!