Space Marine 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 original, puts players back into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 as Captain Titus of the Ultramarines. Saber Interactive’s latest effort seeks to build upon the legacy of its predecessor, and in many ways, it succeeds, though it’s not without its share of issues.
Continuing the saga of Captain Titus, now a veteran of the Deathwatch and donning the new Primaris armor, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 finds our hero battling against the Tyranid threat on the planet Kadaku. The game picks up nearly two centuries after the events of the first title, with a narrative rich in Warhammer 40,000’s signature themes of honor, sacrifice, and the ceaseless war against chaos. The game remains committed to the series’ established lore, focusing on militarism and dark fantasy. While the storyline covers some intriguing plot points, such as the ever-present threat of Chaos and the relentless Tyranid invasions, the narrative often falls into conventional tropes due to its focus on the glory of the Imperium and its unyielding fight against the darkness. In doing so, it doesn’t quite delve into the more complex moral ambiguities of the Warhammer universe.
Gameplay is where Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 truly shines, offering a blend of visceral third-person shooting, hack-and-slash, and tactical depth. As the player, you’re put in intense, high-stakes battles that showcase the raw power and versatility of the Space Marines. The combat system is a highlight, as it seamlessly blends the use of melee attacks, ranged weaponry, and special abilities, with the mechanics feeling both deep and responsive. The game excels in delivering fast-paced, exhilarating action that makes you feel like you’re in the midst of an epic battle.
The heavy and rapid combat styles are well-balanced, though the frantic pace can sometimes lead to issues with visibility and situational awareness, especially during large-scale battles. The game’s challenge is also a point of contention; while it offers a satisfying level of difficulty for experienced players, newcomers might find the combat to be a little overwhelming. The somewhat varied combat scenarios keep the game from feeling too repetitive, though it could certainly benefit from a wider array of enemy types, particularly in the later stages of the campaign.
The multiplayer and co-op modes in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offer a significant amount of depth and replay value. The Operations mode, which features six PvE missions, puts a greater focus on teamwork and strategic planning. Each of the six classes available here plays a distinct role, encouraging you to collaborate with your teammates to overcome challenging scenarios. This mode also offers an extensive array of customization options. While the Operations mode is fundamentally sound, enemy AI is inconsistent, leading to combat encounters sometimes feeling rather trivial. Additionally, the PvP competitive multiplayer mode suffers from some balancing and map design-related issues. Despite these concerns, however, the multiplayer and co-op modes are undoubtedly worthwhile components of the game that deliver a unique experience in comparison to the single-player campaign.
On the visual front, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 takes advantage of the Swarm engine to deliver impressive graphical fidelity, with detailed environments and fluid animations. The attention to detail in the environments, from the imposing industrial structures to the alien-infested landscapes, is exceptional and contributes to the game’s overall atmosphere. Performance, on the other hand, is a mixed bag, as the frame rate on PS5 can be highly inconsistent during sections that have a large number of enemies on-screen. In terms of audio, the game delivers convincing sound effects that play their part in immersing you in its war-torn setting. The soundtrack, on the other hand, isn’t as compelling or memorable.
Space Marine 2 is a must-play for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and action game enthusiasts alike. The game excels in capturing the essence of its dark, militaristic themes while offering fluid and engaging third-person shooting and melee combat. The addition of multiplayer and co-op modes brings a decent amount of replay value to the overall package, making it a satisfying experience for both solo players and those seeking cooperative gameplay. That said, issues with AI and balancing do hamper the experience to an extent. Furthermore, while the narrative may not fully explore the complexities of the Warhammer universe, Space Marine 2 stands out as the best new entry in the series by building upon the strengths of its predecessor and delivering a thrilling action-packed experience.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Game Information
- Price: $69.99
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Developer: Saber Interactive
- Platform: PS5 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
