Enter the 4th Tyrannic War
By Paul Hunter
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 marks an exciting return to the third-person shooter franchise, and is a direct follow-up to the 2011 hit on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, this sequel builds on the success of the original and brings us back into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000.
Set in a universe filled with chaos and conflict, Space Marine 2 continues the story of Captain Titus, a Space Marine fighting against overwhelming odds. You once again don the iconic power armour, facing hordes of Tyranid enemies in epic battles that impress with the sheer amount of enemies on screen and its viseral gameplay. Let's head into the 41st Millennium to see what this game is all about.
Warhammer 40,000 games are known for their excellent narratives so expectations were high, which makes it great to report that Space Marine 2 delivers a gripping story that immerses you in the dark and chaotic universe of the Age of the Dark Imperium.
The story picks up where the original left off, following Captain Titus as he battles against a re-emerging Tyranids army and the forces of Chaos. This sequel does an excellent job of expanding on the lore established in the first game, so long-time fans are in for a treat.
One of the standout elements of the story is learning more about Captain Titus’s character and seeing his evolution as a new member of the Deathwatch. You witness his struggles with loyalty, duty, and the weight of his past decisions. Seeing this new side of Titus really allowed me to connect with his character as he faces overwhelming odds with new threats in the galaxy.
The campaign is structured around a series of epic battles that feel both personal and monumental—it felt just as thrilling as the Gears of War games on the 360, which is a huge compliment. Each mission is designed to showcase the relentless nature of conflict in the Warhammer universe and features intense firefights against hordes of enemies, including Chaos Space Marines and terrifying Tyranids. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire campaign, with each of the main story's six missions escalating in intensity.
Another awesome aspect of the story is its ability to balance action with meaningful moments. While the gameplay is fast-paced and brutal, the narrative does not shy away from quieter, reflective scenes. These moments allow you to absorb the weight of the ongoing war and the sacrifices made by the characters. There are also plenty of factions introduced, each with their own motivations and histories, which enhances the world-building and makes the universe feel alive and dynamic.
Space Marine 2's gameplay combines fast-paced action with strategic elements that are simple for newcomers to quickly learn and deep enough for veterans to really sink their teeth into.
One of the standout features of the gameplay is the fluid combat system. You can switch between ranged and melee attacks seamlessly, which encourages you to mix up your attacks, using powerful melee weapons like chainswords alongside devastating firearms. Battles have a satisfying rhythm of explosive long-range combat combined with gory melee kills that let dispatch enemies in stylish ways.
The environments are richly designed, immersing you in the brutal atmosphere of Warhammer 40,000. Over the campaign you'll battle your way through gothic cathedrals, war-torn cities, and lush alien landscapes. Each location is filled with eyepopping details that beg for you to take photographs of the adventure. I also like how the level design encourages exploration, rewarding you with hidden items and lore that deepen your understanding of the universe.
Another unique aspect of the gameplay is the emphasis on teamwork. You can engage in cooperative multiplayer modes, where you team up with friends to tackle challenging missions. This adds a layer of strategy, as you must coordinate your attacks and abilities to succeed. The cooperative gameplay feels rewarding, especially when you execute well-planned strategies against tough enemies.
The game also features a progression system that allows you to customise your character. You can unlock new abilities, weapons, and upgrades as you progress through the campaign, giving you a sense of growth and accomplishment, making each victory feel meaningful. You can tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences, whether you prefer brute force or tactical precision.
Space Marine 2 visually is quite stunning, showcasing detailed character models and richly designed environments. Each location is crafted with care, from the gothic architecture of Imperium fortresses to the eerie landscapes of alien worlds. I couldn't help but stare in awe at the intricate textures and lighting effects that bring these settings to life, which make every battle feel monumental.
The Space Marines have a high level of detail that really highlights their imposing stature and heavy armour. You can see the wear and tear on their suits, adding to the realism and is a nice touch. The enemies, including Chaos Space Marines, Tyranid Gaunts and Tyranid Warriors, are equally well-designed, featuring grotesque details that reflect their menacing nature.
The fluidity of movement during combat is another huge highlight and makes every action feel impactful. Whether you are swinging a chainsword or firing a bolter, the animations are smooth and satisfying. The visceral nature of the combat is further enhanced by the way enemies stagger and fall, making each kill feel rewarding. During combat some enemy attacks can be parried, while others need to be dodged, which keeps you on toes as you try to anticipate enemy moves.
Sound design is another strong aspect of Space Marine 2. The audio effects are powerful and immersive, from the thunderous sound of gunfire to the chilling roars of alien creatures. Each weapon has a distinct sound that reflects its power, making you feel the weight of your arsenal. The environmental sounds, such as the echoes of distant explosions or the clanking of metal, contribute to the overall atmosphere, drawing you deeper into the experience. I also loved the clanky thud your heavy armour makes as you walk, run and battle your way through hordes of enemies—the metallic noises have weight and makes you feel like a total badass.
The voice acting in the game is also commendable. Captain Titus has a commanding presence, and his dialogue reflects the stoic nature of a Space Marine. The interactions between characters feel genuine, adding depth to the story and enhancing the emotional weight of key moments.
The soundtrack, composed by Steve Molitz and Nima Fakhrara, complements the action beautifully. While it may not be as memorable as the original Space Marine score, it effectively sets the tone for intense battles and dramatic moments. The music swells during key encounters, heightening the sense of urgency and excitement.
Final Score: 9/10 - Amazing
Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 marks an exciting return to the third-person shooter franchise, and is a direct follow-up to the 2011 hit on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, this sequel builds on the success of the original and brings us back into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000.
Set in a universe filled with chaos and conflict, Space Marine 2 continues the story of Captain Titus, a Space Marine fighting against overwhelming odds. You once again don the iconic power armour, facing hordes of Tyranid enemies in epic battles that impress with the sheer amount of enemies on screen and its viseral gameplay. Let's head into the 41st Millennium to see what this game is all about.
Warhammer 40,000 games are known for their excellent narratives so expectations were high, which makes it great to report that Space Marine 2 delivers a gripping story that immerses you in the dark and chaotic universe of the Age of the Dark Imperium.
The story picks up where the original left off, following Captain Titus as he battles against a re-emerging Tyranids army and the forces of Chaos. This sequel does an excellent job of expanding on the lore established in the first game, so long-time fans are in for a treat.
One of the standout elements of the story is learning more about Captain Titus’s character and seeing his evolution as a new member of the Deathwatch. You witness his struggles with loyalty, duty, and the weight of his past decisions. Seeing this new side of Titus really allowed me to connect with his character as he faces overwhelming odds with new threats in the galaxy.
The campaign is structured around a series of epic battles that feel both personal and monumental—it felt just as thrilling as the Gears of War games on the 360, which is a huge compliment. Each mission is designed to showcase the relentless nature of conflict in the Warhammer universe and features intense firefights against hordes of enemies, including Chaos Space Marines and terrifying Tyranids. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire campaign, with each of the main story's six missions escalating in intensity.
Another awesome aspect of the story is its ability to balance action with meaningful moments. While the gameplay is fast-paced and brutal, the narrative does not shy away from quieter, reflective scenes. These moments allow you to absorb the weight of the ongoing war and the sacrifices made by the characters. There are also plenty of factions introduced, each with their own motivations and histories, which enhances the world-building and makes the universe feel alive and dynamic.
Space Marine 2's gameplay combines fast-paced action with strategic elements that are simple for newcomers to quickly learn and deep enough for veterans to really sink their teeth into.
One of the standout features of the gameplay is the fluid combat system. You can switch between ranged and melee attacks seamlessly, which encourages you to mix up your attacks, using powerful melee weapons like chainswords alongside devastating firearms. Battles have a satisfying rhythm of explosive long-range combat combined with gory melee kills that let dispatch enemies in stylish ways.
The environments are richly designed, immersing you in the brutal atmosphere of Warhammer 40,000. Over the campaign you'll battle your way through gothic cathedrals, war-torn cities, and lush alien landscapes. Each location is filled with eyepopping details that beg for you to take photographs of the adventure. I also like how the level design encourages exploration, rewarding you with hidden items and lore that deepen your understanding of the universe.
Another unique aspect of the gameplay is the emphasis on teamwork. You can engage in cooperative multiplayer modes, where you team up with friends to tackle challenging missions. This adds a layer of strategy, as you must coordinate your attacks and abilities to succeed. The cooperative gameplay feels rewarding, especially when you execute well-planned strategies against tough enemies.
The game also features a progression system that allows you to customise your character. You can unlock new abilities, weapons, and upgrades as you progress through the campaign, giving you a sense of growth and accomplishment, making each victory feel meaningful. You can tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences, whether you prefer brute force or tactical precision.
Space Marine 2 visually is quite stunning, showcasing detailed character models and richly designed environments. Each location is crafted with care, from the gothic architecture of Imperium fortresses to the eerie landscapes of alien worlds. I couldn't help but stare in awe at the intricate textures and lighting effects that bring these settings to life, which make every battle feel monumental.
The Space Marines have a high level of detail that really highlights their imposing stature and heavy armour. You can see the wear and tear on their suits, adding to the realism and is a nice touch. The enemies, including Chaos Space Marines, Tyranid Gaunts and Tyranid Warriors, are equally well-designed, featuring grotesque details that reflect their menacing nature.
The fluidity of movement during combat is another huge highlight and makes every action feel impactful. Whether you are swinging a chainsword or firing a bolter, the animations are smooth and satisfying. The visceral nature of the combat is further enhanced by the way enemies stagger and fall, making each kill feel rewarding. During combat some enemy attacks can be parried, while others need to be dodged, which keeps you on toes as you try to anticipate enemy moves.
Sound design is another strong aspect of Space Marine 2. The audio effects are powerful and immersive, from the thunderous sound of gunfire to the chilling roars of alien creatures. Each weapon has a distinct sound that reflects its power, making you feel the weight of your arsenal. The environmental sounds, such as the echoes of distant explosions or the clanking of metal, contribute to the overall atmosphere, drawing you deeper into the experience. I also loved the clanky thud your heavy armour makes as you walk, run and battle your way through hordes of enemies—the metallic noises have weight and makes you feel like a total badass.
The voice acting in the game is also commendable. Captain Titus has a commanding presence, and his dialogue reflects the stoic nature of a Space Marine. The interactions between characters feel genuine, adding depth to the story and enhancing the emotional weight of key moments.
The soundtrack, composed by Steve Molitz and Nima Fakhrara, complements the action beautifully. While it may not be as memorable as the original Space Marine score, it effectively sets the tone for intense battles and dramatic moments. The music swells during key encounters, heightening the sense of urgency and excitement.
The Verdict
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a thrilling return to the iconic universe of Warhammer 40,000. This sequel builds on the strengths of its predecessor, elevating both the graphics and gameplay to new heights. I loved the fast-paced combat and seeing dozens of enemies on-screen at once made it feel like being in the middle of a huge galactic war. If you're new to the Warhammer franchise or a longtime fan, there's a lot to enjoy in this game, which stands out as one of the best releases of 2024.Final Score: 9/10 - Amazing
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 details
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.