Space Marine 2 is a fantastic sequel that builds on its predecessor in every way, bombarding you with an overwhelming enemy and chaotic action that makes you feel like a small part of a much larger war
By Richard WakelingTwitter on September 4, 2024 at 9:00AM PDT
As I thrust my Chainsword into the chest of a Tyranid Warrior and split the vile Xenos in half, I can’t help but be reminded of 2016’s Doom. From a gameplay perspective, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is nothing like id Software’s demon-infested reboot–at best, any similarities between the two are merely superficial. But Space Marine 2 manages to capture a kindred vibe that prodded the part of my brain reserved for all things Doom: one that relishes in gory, balls-to-the-wall action and an unapologetic, almost old-school approach to game design that puts unadulterated fun above all else. It’s a game that clearly understands how absurd, horrific, and over-the-top the whole franchise is. There are flaws, but Space Marine 2 improves upon its 13-year-old predecessor in every conceivable way, making you embody an Ultramarine as you stomp your way through a fully realized recreation of Warhammer 40,000’s grimdark universe.
Set roughly 200 years after the events of the first game, Space Marine 2 straps you back into the gaudy power armor of protagonist Demetrian Titus. The erstwhile Captain has spent the past century as a Blackshield in an act of self-imposed penance, fighting among the ranks of the Deathwatch under the belief that he has disgraced his former chapter. When an Archmagos of the Adeptus Mechanicus calls for aid in defending the jungle planet of Kadaku from a Tyranid invasion, Titus is sent to the planet’s defense, only to be mortally wounded by a ferocious Carnifex. After being rescued by the Ultramarines, Chapter Master Marneus Calgar has Titus undergo the Rubicon Primaris to save his life, making him faster, stronger, and smarter in the process. Once he emerges from his slumber, Titus intends to return to the Deathwatch but is convinced otherwise; if he truly yearns for redemption, he must rejoin the 2nd Company and help the Avengers of Ultramar repel the assailing Tyranids.
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The narrative of Space Marine 2 begins with the onset of the Fourth Tyrannic War, quickly immersing players in its action-driven plot. The protagonist, Titus, faces skepticism from his new captain and squad due to a controversial past. This skepticism contributes to character depth and internal conflicts within the squad, while an ever-present threat from Chaos adds suspense. Despite these elements, the story of Space Marine 2 generally follows a typical war narrative set within the distinct universe of Warhammer 40,000. Although some plot points feel predictable, the story maintains its appeal with its continuous tension and discovery of ancient secrets as players strive to defeat the foes of the Imperium.
A central element of the game’s appeal lies in its intense combat sequences. Continuing the approach of its predecessor, Space Marine 2 blends third-person shooting with melee clashes, forming an exhilarating combat experience. Slaying Tyranids and Chaos Space Marines is deeply satisfying, with the improved melee dynamics adding complexity to the brawls. The transitions between shooting and slashing foes are seamless. However, after encountering the old-school Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, the standard Bolter in Space Marine 2 feels less distinctive, paralleling more conventional firearms than the more unique iterations in previous games. While the Bolter still provides enjoyable long-range combat, its lack of uniqueness is notable. Additionally, despite some weapons like the Melta and Plasma Pistol adding variety, the overall arsenal could benefit from greater diversity.
Despite the violent eruption of blood with each strike, the combat in the game remains wickedly entertaining. The Ultramarines, encased in their heavy blue armor, are designed not for distant warfare but for close-quarters battle, where they use Bolt Pistols and Power Swords to slash through the enemy ranks. The Tyranids deploy in vast numbers, embodying the idea that quantity can be a quality of its own. These creatures, especially the weaker Hormagaunts, might be feeble individually, but their power lies in their overwhelming swarms. Developed by Saber Interactive using its proprietary engine, Space Marine 2 showcases these enemy hordes with impressive detail, presenting a daunting sight as countless xenos charge, climbing over each other to breach your defenses.
Against such masses, a Chainsword is invaluable, cutting swathes through the dense groups, while ranged weapons help thin them out before they can encircle you completely. Hormagaunts primarily serve to obstruct progress towards more menacing foes like Tyranid Warriors, Zoanthropes, and Lictors. Combat with these formidable adversaries requires skilled mano-a-mano techniques, utilizing parries, dodges, counters, and “gun strikes” — cinematic moments that deliver crushing blows. The game’s melee system, reminiscent of contemporary action games, enhances the intensity of these duels, with parryable and unblockable attacks marked by blue and red circles respectively. Successfully timing these defensive moves allows for powerful counterattacks that are as tactically satisfying as they are visually explosive.
Space Marine 2 marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, putting players directly into the turbulent heart of Warhammer 40,000’s dark universe, with every aspect refined to offer a more immersive experience as an Ultramarine.
On defeating foes, players can perform executions — dramatic finishing moves that not only serve as climactic ends to battles but are crucial for survival, as they replenish armor. This armored protection is vital; once depleted, your health becomes vulnerable, recoverable only through limited consumables or counterattacks. With executions replenishing your defenses, maintaining an aggressive stance in battle is essential. The game discourages retreat, pushing you to confront adversaries head-on, often using their own weapons against them, ensuring that combat remains arrestingly intense.
Strategic elements are prominent in combat, tailored by diverse enemy types encountered. The elusive Ravener, capable of burrowing, requires fast dodge reflexes and rapid attacks to prevent its escape. On the contrary, the airborne Zoanthropes enhance nearby enemies while launching psychic assaults, necessitating strategic ranged engagement. Such dynamics ensure the combat remains captivating throughout the eight-hour campaign, despite typically linear objectives of navigating from one location to another. Occasional deviations, such as using a Flamer to fend off Rippers, highlight the combat-centric nature of the gameplay.
The level design in Space Marine 2, while generally linear, is enriched by moments allowing exploration for extra resources and logs. Despite the straightforward paths, levels impressively invoke a grand scale and spectacle due to excellent environmental design by Saber, enhancing the immersion into a broader war context. Scenes of intense distant battles, sky-filling Gargoyles, and the vibrant world perpetually buzzing with life amidst widespread death significantly enhance the world’s realism and engagement.
Significant detail is evident across varying locations in Space Marine 2 — from Avarax’s towering spires to Demerium’s gothic chambers and Kadaku’s dense forests. Each scene is meticulously crafted, overflowing with details that enrich the narrative environment—from Cadians’ subtle interactions to the lively mechanics within the Battle Barge. The game’s high fidelity is maintained across performance metrics, with smooth gameplay on high settings. Space Marine 2 convincingly captures the essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, arguably presenting the most authentic experience within the franchise.
The narrative depth extends into Space Marine 2’s PvE Operations mode, where players influence concurrent missions via a secondary squad of Ultramarines led by Titus. Comprising six missions with additional future updates slated, this mode integrates strategic mission planning linked directly to the main storyline. For example, an early operation involves the squad halting the Tyranid forces to aid Titus’s mission, combining strategic territorial play with overarching campaign goals. Despite static mission objectives, dynamic enemy adjustments by an AI director based on player class and style ensure varied gameplay, reminiscent of mechanics seen in games like World War Z.
There are six distinct classes in the game, ranging from a Sniper to an Assault class equipped with a jump pack. Each class offers a unique set of weapons, perks, and abilities. I frequently played as the Vanguard, who wields a grapnel launcher to hook onto enemies and pull himself towards them. Other classes, like the Bulwark, which uses a sword and shield, can support teammates by planting a banner that regenerates armor for nearby squad members.
The game can be played in both campaign and Operations mode with up to two friends, though the diversity of classes makes Operations a particularly engaging co-op mode. Playing solo is also feasible as the AI companions perform adequately, using their abilities effectively and maintaining a solid kill count. While Space Marine 2 is undoubtedly more enjoyable with friends, playing alone is still a viable option.
Playing with friends also highlights the extensive customization available for each class, with a variety of armor pieces and colors to unlock and apply. Customizations are unlocked through progression or purchase with coins earned from missions. However, the same coins are needed to unlock crucial class and weapon enhancements, presenting a dilemma between aesthetic and practical upgrades. The segregation of these two aspects would be preferable.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 stands as an excellent sequel to its 2011 predecessor, offering intensely satisfying and thoughtful action. While the gameplay outside of combat scenes might be minimal and somewhat linear, these aspects are overshadowed by the exhilarating battles against massive enemy forces, set against beautifully detailed backgrounds that vividly bring the tabletop game to life. The game is particularly appealing to Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts, but it’s also accessible enough to entertain newcomers unfamiliar with the series lore. The long wait for this release has indeed paid off.
Editor’s Note: PvP gameplay will be tested once public servers are live and this review will be updated accordingly.