In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war – and Space Marine 2 thrusts us headlong into its brutal heart.

As the dedicated team behind warhammeruniverse.com, we’ve been counting down the days until we could don our ceramite armor and take the fight to the enemies of the Imperium once more.

Space Marine 2 isn’t just another action game; it’s a love letter to the Warhammer 40k universe and a testament to how far gaming technology has come since the original title.

From the moment you step into the boots of the legendary Lieutenant Titus, you’re transported to a world where humanity clings to existence in a galaxy teeming with unimaginable horrors.

The reviewer of this article completed the game solo on the ‘Angel of Death’ Difficulty (It was hard and fun.)

The Return of Titus: A Hero Reborn

When we first booted up Space Marine 2, we were immediately struck by the game’s stunning visuals.

The developers at Saber Interactive have truly outdone themselves, bringing the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer 40k universe to life in breathtaking detail. As a long-time fan of the franchise, I felt a surge of excitement as I stepped back into the ceramite boots of Lieutenant Titus.

The attention to detail in his armor, the way light reflects off the polished surfaces, and the intricate Imperial iconography all contribute to an immediate sense of immersion.

Walking around the jungles of Kadaku did well to showcase just how beautiful the game is, moving on from there to the Hive city was even more of a step up in terms of quality.

Is your system ready? Make sure with the Space Marine 2 System Requirements 

A Century of Change

Set 100 years after the events of the first game, we find Titus in a very different position. Having spent a century serving in the Deathwatch, our protagonist returns to the Ultramarines with new scars, a wealth of experience, and a slightly altered perspective on the Imperium he serves.

This time jump serves as an excellent narrative device, allowing both newcomers and veterans of the series to start on equal footing. The writers have done an excellent job of weaving Titus’s past experiences into the narrative, creating a character that feels both familiar and intriguingly different.

His time in the Deathwatch has clearly left its mark, and I found myself eager to uncover the details of his century-long absence. This backstory adds layers of depth to Titus’s character, making him more than just a generic space marine protagonist.

Gameplay: The Emperor’s Finest in Action

The core gameplay of Space Marine 2 builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while introducing several welcome improvements.

As I carved my way through hordes of Tyranids, I couldn’t help but appreciate the refinements made to the combat system.

The developers have struck an impressive balance between maintaining the weighty, powerful feel of the original game and introducing new mechanics that add depth and strategic options.

Melee Mastery

One of the most noticeable enhancements is the melee combat.

The developers have incorporated elements reminiscent of FromSoftware titles, introducing a dodge and parry system that adds a layer of depth to close-quarters engagements. While it may take some getting used to, I found that mastering these mechanics led to incredibly satisfying battles.

The new system allows for a more nuanced approach to combat. Timing your dodges and parries correctly opens up opportunities for devastating counter-attacks, while mistiming them can leave you vulnerable to the relentless Tyranid swarms.

This risk-reward system keeps encounters tense and exciting, even when facing large numbers of enemies. Additionally, the variety of melee weapons at your disposal has been expanded. From the iconic chainsword to power fists and thunder hammers, each weapon feels unique and requires different tactics to use effectively.

I particularly enjoyed the new execution animations, which vary based on your equipped weapon and the type of enemy you’re facing, adding a visceral and cinematic quality to the combat, this felt very reminiscent of Dawn Of War sync kills and made me feel right at home, hitting those nostalgia points.

Ranged Warfare

Of course, no Space Marine is complete without their arsenal of devastating firearms.

The gunplay in Space Marine 2 feels weighty and impactful, with each bolt round and plasma blast delivering a visceral punch. The introduction of the “gun strike” mechanic – a perfectly timed shot following a successful parry or dodge – adds an exciting new dimension to combat.

The weapon variety is impressive, ranging from the standard-issue bolter to more exotic weapons like plasma guns and melta weapons. Each gun has a distinct feel and purpose, encouraging players to switch between weapons to tackle different situations effectively. The sound design for the weapons is particularly noteworthy, with each shot resonating with appropriate power and intensity.

A new addition to the ranged combat is the ability to use the environment more strategically. Destructible cover, explosive barrels, and collapsible structures add an extra layer of tactical consideration to firefights. I found myself constantly scanning the environment for advantages, which made even repeated encounters feel fresh and engaging.

Learn more about Space Marine 2  with the Space Marine 2 Roadmap

A Galaxy at War: The Campaign Experience

The campaign of Space Marine 2 spans approximately 10-12 hours, offering a rollercoaster ride through various stunning environments. As part of the warhammeruniverse.com team, we were particularly impressed by the attention to detail in recreating iconic Warhammer 40k locations.

From the gothic architecture of Imperial cities to the bio-organic horror of Tyranid-infested worlds, each setting feels distinct and true to the lore.

Narrative Threads

While the overarching plot revolves around the Tyranid threat and the Imperium’s efforts to repel it, it’s the personal story of Titus and his squad that truly shines. The dynamic between Titus and his new teammates, Gadriel and Chairon, provides a compelling narrative thread throughout the campaign.

Each character brings a unique perspective to the mission, and their interactions reveal deeper aspects of Space Marine culture and the state of the Imperium in the 41st millennium. The writers have done an excellent job of balancing the grand, galaxy-spanning narrative with more personal, character-driven moments.

Cutscenes and in-mission dialogue flesh out the relationships between squad members, while also providing insight into the broader political and strategic situation of the Imperium. I found myself genuinely invested in the fates of these characters, which added emotional weight to the high-stakes battles.

Pacing and Structure

One minor criticism I have is that the pacing can occasionally feel uneven. Some missions drag on longer than necessary, while others feel rushed. However, this is a small blemish on an otherwise excellent campaign structure.

The variety of mission objectives keeps things interesting, ranging from straightforward extermination tasks to more complex objectives involving defense, escort, or sabotage. The campaign does an admirable job of escalating the threat and scale as you progress. Early missions might see you clearing out Tyranid infestations in confined spaces, while later levels have you participating in massive, multi-stage battles that truly capture the epic scale of warfare in the 41st millennium.

This sense of progression helps maintain engagement throughout the campaign’s duration. Interspersed between missions are quieter moments aboard your strike cruiser, allowing for character development and lore exposition.

These segments, while brief, provide a welcome respite from the intense action and help to contextualize your actions within the broader narrative.

Visuals and Audio: A Feast for the Senses

Graphical Fidelity: A Visual Feast for the Emperor

Space Marine 2 is, without a doubt, one of the most visually impressive Warhammer 40k games to date. The level of detail in the character models, especially the intricate Space Marine armor, is astounding. Every rivet, purity seal, and battle scar on the Astartes’ armor tells a story, bringing these legendary warriors to life in unprecedented detail.

The environmental design is equally impressive, with each location feeling distinct and true to the lore. From the gothic spires of Imperial cathedrals to the bio-organic horror of Tyranid-infested worlds, every setting is a masterpiece of digital artistry.

The lighting system deserves special mention, with dynamic shadows and atmospheric effects that create a palpable sense of mood and tension. Particle effects during combat are particularly noteworthy.

The sparks flying from chainsword impacts, the muzzle flashes of bolters, and the sickly glow of Tyranid bio-weapons all contribute to the visual spectacle. Explosions are satisfyingly weighty, with debris and shockwaves that convey the true destructive power of 41st-millennium warfare. The game’s use of ray tracing, while demanding on hardware, adds an extra layer of realism to reflections and global illumination.

This is particularly noticeable in metallic surfaces like Space Marine armor and in the eerie bioluminescence of Tyranid structures.

Sound Design: The Cacophony of the Far Future

The audio team deserves special praise for their work on Space Marine 2.

The soundscape they’ve created is nothing short of immersive, pulling players deep into the grim darkness of the far future. The thunderous report of bolters echoes with satisfying depth, each shot feeling like it carries the weight of the Imperium behind it.

Each whine of chainswords as they rev up for a killing blow sends shivers down the spine, while the alien screeches of the Tyranids are genuinely unsettling, perfectly capturing the otherworldly horror of these xenos threats.

Environmental audio is equally well-crafted.

The distant sounds of battle, the creaking of ancient structures, and the whisper of wind through ruined cities all contribute to a rich audio tapestry that brings the world to life. The voice acting for Titus and his squadmates is top-notch, delivering lines with the gravitas and determination you’d expect from the Emperor’s finest. The orchestral score perfectly complements the action, swelling at just the right moments to heighten the drama.

Composed with a blend of epic brass, haunting choirs, and electronic elements, the music captures both the grandeur and the horror of the Warhammer 40k universe. During intense combat sequences, the score drives the action forward, while in quieter moments, it underscores the oppressive atmosphere of a galaxy at war.

Perhaps most impressively, the audio mixing allows for clear differentiation between various sound elements, even in the midst of chaotic battles.

Players can easily distinguish between different weapon types and enemy sounds, providing crucial tactical information without relying solely on visual cues. For audiophiles and Warhammer 40k fans alike, Space Marine 2’s sound design is a triumph, creating an auditory experience that’s every bit as engaging and immersive as its visual counterpart.

Space Marine 2 Operations

In the Operations mode of Space Marine 2, players can choose from six distinct classes, each offering unique playstyles and abilities.

If you wish to read more about the overall class of Space Marine 2, please view our separate guides or the full Space Marine 2 Class Guide

Let’s take a closer look at each class and what they bring to the battlefield:

Tactical: The Versatile Warrior

The Tactical class serves as the jack-of-all-trades in Space Marine 2 Operations. With access to a wide range of weapons and the Auspex Scan ability, Tactical marines can adapt to various combat situations. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for beginners and veterans alike, capable of supporting the team while holding their own in both ranged and melee combat.

Tactical Class Guide

Assault: The Airborne Berserker

Assault marines specialize in high-mobility melee combat. Armed with a Jump Pack and devastating close-quarters weapons like the Thunder Hammer, they excel at quickly closing distances and dealing massive damage. While they lack primary weapons, their ability to swiftly engage and disengage makes them a terror on the battlefield, particularly against clustered enemies.

Assault Class Guide

Heavy: The Walking Artillery

The Heavy class is the epitome of ranged firepower in Space Marine 2 Operations. Equipped with powerful weapons like the Heavy Bolter and protected by the Iron Halo ability, these marines can lay down suppressing fire and control large areas of the battlefield. Their lack of melee options is offset by their ability to decimate enemies from afar.

Heavy Class Guide

Vanguard: The Aggressive Vanguard

Vanguard marines are designed for aggressive, close-quarters combat. Their Grapnel Launcher allows them to quickly close distances and reposition, making them excellent at disrupting enemy formations. With a balance of ranged and melee capabilities, Vanguard marines are versatile fighters who excel at getting into—and out of—the thick of battle.

Vanguard Class Guide

Bulwark: The Unyielding Shield

The Bulwark class serves as the team’s anchor and protector. Armed with a shield and the ability to plant a Chapter Banner that provides benefits to nearby allies, Bulwark marines are crucial for holding positions and supporting the squad. Their defensive capabilities make them invaluable in tight situations and objective-based missions.

Bulwark Class Guide

Sniper: The Precision Specialist

Sniper class marines specialize in long-range precision attacks. Their Camo Cloak ability allows them to become temporarily invisible, perfect for repositioning or avoiding enemy fire. While they may struggle in close-quarters combat, their ability to pick off high-value targets from a distance can turn the tide of battle, especially against elite enemies or in more open environments.

Sniper Class Guide

Eternal War

For those seeking competitive action, the Eternal War PvP mode pits Space Marines against each other in intense battles that truly capture the essence of Astartes combat.

This mode offers a thrilling arena for players to test their skills against human opponents, bringing a new level of unpredictability and challenge to the game.

In Eternal War, players can choose from all six classes available in the Operations mode, each bringing their unique abilities and playstyles to the battlefield.

This diversity ensures that matches remain dynamic and strategic, with team composition playing a crucial role in victory.

The PvP maps are thoughtfully designed, offering a mix of open areas for long-range engagements and tight corridors for close-quarters combat.

These battlegrounds are not merely functional but also visually stunning, showcasing various Imperial and xenos-influenced environments that serve as fitting arenas for Space Marine confrontations.

While we haven’t had extensive time with this mode due to pre-launch population limitations, early impressions are promising.

The balance between classes seems well-tuned, with no single loadout dominating the field. The pace of matches is fast and furious, capturing the relentless nature of Space Marine warfare.

One particularly impressive aspect is how the mode integrates the lore-friendly concept of Space Marine resilience by regenerating armor and health, similar to other FPS games like Call of Duty

The Warhammer 40k Experience: Authenticity and Fan Service

The authenticity begins with the visual design. Every aspect of the Space Marines’ iconic power armor is rendered with painstaking accuracy, from the placement of purity seals to the chapter-specific heraldry. The way the armor moves and functions in-game perfectly captures the superhuman nature of the Astartes, with servo-assisted movements that convey both power and grace.

Weapons are equally well-represented, each one looking, sounding, and feeling like it’s been pulled straight from the pages of a Warhammer 40k rulebook.

The thunderous report of bolters, the whine of plasma weapons, and the brutal efficiency of close combat weapons all contribute to an immersive experience that fans will instantly recognize and appreciate.

The game’s enemies, particularly the Tyranids, are realized with a level of detail that is both impressive and terrifying.

Each bioform is faithfully recreated, from the lowliest Gaunt to the towering Carnifexes, capturing the alien horror that makes the Tyranids such a compelling threat in the lore.

Beyond the visual elements, Space Marine 2 demonstrates a deep understanding of Warhammer 40k lore. The dialogue is peppered with appropriate terminology and references that will delight longtime fans without alienating newcomers.

The game’s narrative touches on themes central to the Warhammer 40k universe, such as the nature of faith, the burden of duty, and the constant threat of corruption.

Easter Eggs and Lore: A Treasure Trove for Fans

Throughout the campaign, keen-eyed players will spot numerous references and nods to the wider Warhammer 40k lore. These little touches add an extra layer of enjoyment for long-time fans without alienating newcomers to the setting.

Hidden References

Space Marine 2 is brimming with subtle nods to the rich tapestry of Warhammer 40k lore. From graffiti referencing popular in-universe memes to collectible data-slates expanding on obscure bits of history, the game rewards attentive players with a deeper dive into the setting.

We’ve spotted visual nods to other Space Marine chapters, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameos from characters mentioned in Black Library novels, and even references to events from the Horus Heresy.

The Necron Tease

Perhaps the most intriguing Easter egg comes towards the end of the game, where players encounter ancient and mysterious wall markings and Necron units that strongly hint at Necrons coming. These deathless skeletal xenos, dormant for millions of years, are one of the most formidable threats in the Warhammer 40k universe.

The discovery of a Necron Tomb World packed with their technology and architecture not only serves as a tantalizing bit of lore but also sets up potential future conflicts. A data-slate found in-game even reveals that Necron constructs have been killing Techpriests, further cementing their looming presence.

From a player prespective, there is no reason to create models for Necron units to not have them used at a later date. Based on the sales of Space Marine 2, this shows that the future for us gamers has been set by Focus and Saber.

Implications for the Future

This Necron tease is more than just a fun reference for fans. It potentially foreshadows the direction of future content, whether in DLC or a possible Space Marine 3.

The idea of Titus and his Ultramarines facing off against the awakening Necron legions is an exciting prospect that could introduce new gameplay mechanics and narrative threads. Moreover, the revelation that the game’s story revolves around an ancient Necron artifact adds layers of complexity to the plot.

It ties into larger themes within Warhammer 40k lore about the dangers of ancient technology and the ever-present threat of xenos races.

Room for Improvement: Constructive Criticism

While Space Marine 2 is an excellent game overall, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

Difficulty Balancing

Some players may find the difficulty spikes, particularly during boss encounters, to be frustrating. A more gradual difficulty curve could help alleviate this issue. Implementing more granular difficulty settings beyond just “Easy,” “Normal,” and “Hard” would allow players to fine-tune their experience.

Additionally, a dynamic difficulty adjustment system that scales based on player performance could help maintain a consistent challenge without becoming overwhelming.

AI Companion Behavior

When playing the campaign solo, the AI-controlled squadmates can sometimes behave erratically, failing to execute enemies or provide adequate support during intense battles. This issue could be addressed by improving the pathfinding and target prioritization for AI companions.

Introducing more robust command options for directing AI squadmates would also enhance the solo player’s tactical control over their team.

Loading Times

On some platforms, loading times between missions can be longer than ideal, breaking the flow of the game. To address this, the developers could implement background loading techniques to mask transition times and optimize asset streaming to reduce initial load times.

Adding interactive elements or lore snippets to loading screens could also keep players engaged during these brief interruptions.

Expanded Customization Options

While Space Marine 2 offers a good range of visual customization, there’s room for even more player expression. Expanding the color customization options for armor and weapons would allow for greater personalization. The ability to mix and match armor pieces from different sets could lead to unique, player-created looks that showcase individual style while remaining lore-friendly.

Post-Launch Content and Community Engagement

Regular updates on planned DLC and expansions would keep the community excited and engaged.

Implementing community events and limited-time challenges could provide ongoing reasons for players to return to the game. Furthermore, exploring the potential for player-created content or mods (on applicable platforms) could significantly extend the game’s lifespan. This approach has proven successful for other games in fostering a dedicated and creative community.

By addressing these areas, Space Marine 2 could elevate itself from an already great game to a truly exceptional one. The core experience is solid, and with these refinements, it could become the definitive Warhammer 40k video game experience that fans have been craving.

Read the full Space Marine 2 Roadmap here

FAQ

Q1: Do I need to have played the first Space Marine game to enjoy Space Marine 2?
A1: No, while familiarity with the first game enhances the experience, Space Marine 2 is designed to be accessible to newcomers.

Q2: How long is the campaign in Space Marine 2?
A2: The main campaign typically takes between 10-12 hours to complete, depending on difficulty and playstyle. (It took us about 18 hours!)

Q3: Can the campaign be played cooperatively?
A3: Yes, the entire campaign can be played with up to three players in co-op mode.

Q4: Are there microtransactions in Space Marine 2?
A4: While there is a season pass available, the base game does not include microtransactions that affect gameplay.

Q5: What platforms is Space Marine 2 available on?
A5: Space Marine 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Conclusion: The Emperor Approves

In conclusion, Space Marine 2 is a triumphant return to the Warhammer 40k video game scene.

It successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor while introducing enough new elements to feel fresh and exciting. The stunning visuals, refined combat mechanics, and engaging storyline make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

While there are some minor issues with pacing and difficulty balance, these do little to detract from the overall experience. The addition of robust multiplayer options ensures that players will have plenty of reasons to return to the game long after the credits roll on the campaign. As we at warhammeruniverse.com continue to explore every aspect of Space Marine 2, we’re reminded of why we fell in love with the Warhammer 40k universe in the first place.

This game captures the essence of what it means to be one of the Emperor’s finest, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this franchise. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for in-depth gameplay videos and lore discussions related to Space Marine 2 and the wider Warhammer 40k universe. For the Emperor!