Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Review: 'Sets a New Standard for Warhammer Adaptations'

In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, every round from a heavy bolt pistol feels precious. With only eight shots in each chamber, you'll face hordes of alien and Chaos-infused demons, often numbering far beyond those eight bullets. Fortunately, a single rocket-propelled round can obliterate these foes into gory fragments. For those unfortunate enough to be close to supersoldier Titus, the fate is even more gruesome—he delights in tearing off heads, limbs, and jaws, using them as weapons against their former owners.

The game thrives on this visceral excess. Each moment is packed with intense violence and stunning battle environments. Developer Saber Interactive has crafted an exhilarating hack 'n' slash shooter, and while seasoned Warhammer fans will revel in its over-the-top action, newcomers to this dark universe will find it a thrilling introduction.

Thirteen years after the original Space Marine released, the sequel follows Demetrian Titus, who has endured over a century of exile after being branded a heretic. Now a member of the elite Deathwatch, he faces a new threat: a hive-mind of insectoid Tyranids attacking a planet with a secretive Imperium research project. Titus must reunite with his old Chapter to confront this peril.

The return of Titus brings tension with his old squadmates, Gadriel and Chairon, who are wary of his long absence. This tension is reflected in their interactions, which are laced with sharp dialogue and unresolved conflicts. However, the story remains fairly superficial, focusing more on the action than on deeper character exploration. The dialogue often circles around the term "brother," and the narrative mainly serves as a backdrop for the relentless combat.

The heart of Space Marine 2 is its combat, and it delivers in spades. Saber Interactive, known for their work on World War Z, demonstrates their expertise in horde-based combat. Watching hundreds of Tyranids surging towards you or climbing over each other is mesmerizing. You’ll need to act quickly to thin their ranks with automatic fire, grenades, and charged plasma rounds before the chaos truly begins. Once engaged, combat shifts to brutal melee encounters where aggression is your only defense. There's no cover system—staying alive means dealing damage, which restores health, and executing enemies regenerates your armor.

Combat in Space Marine 2 is exhilarating. Every battle feels like a struggle to stay afloat, yet Titus remains a formidable force. A single swing of his chainsword can decimate groups of enemies, and parrying attacks often leads to spectacular kills. One standout execution involves crushing a demon’s throat, akin to squishing a banana until its insides burst. More resilient foes like Tyranid Warriors and Chaos Space Marines require more effort, but parrying their blows opens up opportunities for satisfying executions.

While the game’s combat is fluid and thrilling, the latter part of the adventure introduces more special enemies and longer-range engagements, which can slow the pace. Nevertheless, when Space Marine 2 balances gunplay and melee, it’s a spectacle of dynamic, intense action. The game makes you feel like the powerful, battle-hardened Titus, delivering a power fantasy reminiscent of the classic Halo and Gears of War days.

The scale of Space Marine 2 adds to the immersion. Whether battling in the dense jungles of Kadaku, the grand gothic city of Avarax, or the Chaos-ravaged landscape of Demerium, Saber’s approach of larger-than-life environments enhances the feeling of fighting in a vast, planet-spanning conflict. The game features some thrillingly claustrophobic moments, such as an Alien-inspired segment where Tyranids stalk you through dark service tunnels, culminating in a frantic firefight.

Space Marine 2 also offers Operations—six missions that run parallel to the main campaign. These can be played cooperatively with up to three players. While AI companions can handle easy and normal difficulties, co-op play with friends is essential for success on higher difficulties. Operations have a more structured approach, with scarce resources and enemy waves akin to Left 4 Dead. Players can choose classes like Assault or Sniper, adding strategic depth. Rewards from Operations can be spent on armor customization, weapon upgrades, and class perks, though the process can be a bit repetitive.

The only aspect of Space Marine 2 I haven’t experienced is Eternal War—a set of three 6v6 PvP modes with Warhammer twists on traditional multiplayer formats. From the 17 hours I've spent with the game’s PvE content, it’s hard to imagine anything surpassing its exhilarating action. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a testament to over-the-top gaming, offering relentless, exhilarating fun. If anyone questions the need for oversized weapons and superpowered soldiers, just remember: this game is a thrilling, ridiculous ride and one of the best third-person shooters I've played in years.