The Warhammer 40K universe is celebrated in a spectacular way in this sequel, and it completely engrossed me, even as a 40K noob.
"Space Marine 2" delivers some of the bloodiest, most epic battles I’ve experienced in video games. I hacked and shot my way through hordes of Tyranids and Chaos Marines, and it was a blast. But despite the excitement, it felt more like a sprint than a marathon—there just wasn’t enough content to keep me engaged long-term.
Titus Returns, and He’s Still Angry
The first mode I played was the campaign, which is relatively short but intense. Across six missions, we follow the story of Lieutenant Titus, who fans will remember from the first game, for around nine to ten hours.
After being demoted to the Deathwatch at the end of the first game, Titus is reinstated in the Ultramarines and faces off against the insect-like Tyranids and Chaos—corrupted Marines—across three planets.
If you’re not well-versed in Warhammer lore, don’t worry. The story is straightforward enough to follow even without prior knowledge. However, for Warhammer 40K fans, there are plenty of references to enjoy, which I’ll get into later.
The missions follow a consistent pattern: you land on the battlefield, receive a quick briefing from nearby soldiers, and then head straight into combat against the Emperor’s enemies.
This is where the game truly shines. The third-person shooter, similar to games like "Gears of War" and "The Division," skips the cover mechanics and throws you directly into the fray against the hordes.
Powerful Weapons, But Limited Variety
To take down the endless waves of enemies, you’re equipped with two guns, a grenade, and a melee weapon. The melee weapons, in particular, are versatile, allowing you to counter-attack and restore armor after a successful counter.
The gameplay is undeniably fun, especially as you mow down waves of enemies. However, the lack of variety in the later stages leads to some monotony.
There are only three weapon categories. While they’re different from one another, there isn’t much variety within each category. You have traditional guns that shoot regular ammo, thermal weapons like flamethrowers with shorter range but wider spread, and plasma weapons that can charge their shots. However, weapons within each category feel similar.
The melee weapons offer more diversity. Whether using a dagger, hammer, or the iconic chainsword, each weapon has distinct speed, range, and strength. There are also unique combos and brutal finishers that not only look great but replenish your health and armor.
A Battlefield Larger Than Life
The game’s presentation is its second key strength. When I say hordes of enemies, I mean hordes. The battlefield is alive with swarms flying overhead, tanks moving into position, and commanders delivering rousing speeches to rally the troops.
This attention to detail extends beyond the battles. The hub area is full of Warhammer 40K references that will thrill longtime fans. While the story might lack depth, the constant action keeps you hooked. You move from one breathtaking set piece to the next, always in awe of the spectacle. But what’s left after the excitement fades?
The Emperor Demands a Grind
Aside from the campaign, "Space Marine 2" offers two modes for replayability. In "Missions," you can complete side quests in a squad of three, each tied to the campaign’s story. You can choose from six different classes, each with unique weapons and abilities.
The classes are distinct from each other, adding much-needed variety. You can unlock new cosmetics, weapons, and classes, so there’s plenty to grind for on paper. However, the grind can get tedious, and weapon upgrades don’t feel significantly impactful during combat.
Currently, there are only six side missions, which limits variety. These missions tell the stories of other squads supporting Titus and offer similarly high production values, with boss fights and objectives like escorting a wagon or fighting alongside a Dreadnought.
The second mode is PvP, where Space Marines and Chaos troops face off in 6v6 matches across three modes. You’ll use the same six classes from the "Missions" mode, but weapon upgrades are disabled to ensure balance. Like the missions, PvP is fun, but with only three modes and three maps, it quickly becomes repetitive. Still, the core gameplay remains solid.
Successful Mission or Corrupted by Chaos?
I recommend "Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2" to anyone who enjoys gory third-person shooters. Warhammer 40K fans will likely appreciate the universe’s lore, but keep in mind that you only battle Tyranids and Chaos, and the Ultramarines are the only chapter you’ll engage with.
That said, the game is a true celebration of the Warhammer universe, and I had a great time fighting for the Emperor in action-packed battles. Saber Interactive has already announced future content, so if the current price feels steep, waiting for a sale might be a good idea.