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Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (09/04): reviews from OpenCritic, others posted


Commissar SFLUFAN

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Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive have announced that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has gone gold, which is to say it has wrapped up principal development. Any work that Saber does on the game now will likely arrive in the form of pre-launch or day one patches.

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (07/09): "gold" status announced

This is a very unfortunate development.

 

WWW.EUROGAMER.NET

Two months before its official launch date, footage from a fully-playable version of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 i…

 

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Two months before its official launch date, footage from a fully-playable version of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is being uploaded to YouTube.

 

The videos reportedly come from a pre-release developer build of the game, which fans on reddit say is now circulating on a popular torrent website. Several of these videos have already been pulled from YouTube by Saber Interactive copyright claims, but yet more are being uploaded.

 

Worse, perhaps, numerous people appear to have been able to download and play the game's leaked version, which reportedly includes the full campaign in a fairly polished state.

 

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (07/16): a fully playable, pre-gold status build has leaked
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (07/24): "Enemies: Tyranid Swarms" video
  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (07/29): "The Space Marine Arsenal" video
  • 2 weeks later...

 

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After what could fairly be called a bumpy ride to the finish line, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is now just a month away from release, and that puts it close enough that we can finally lay our eyes on the official system requirements.

 

The good news is that you won't need a supercharged gaming rig to play Space Marine 2, as long as you don't mind easing up a bit on the eye candy. Even the recommended spec isn't excessively demanding, although it's interesting that it targets just 60 fps at 1920x1080. For those who are packing supercharged PCs, a 4K specification hasn't been posted, so on that front—for now, at least—you'll just have to try your luck and see how it goes.

 

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/06): PC system requirements released

Final previews:

 

WWW.PCGAMER.COM

My hands-on with both singleplayer and co-op reveals a super soldier power fantasy with an excellent understand of what makes Games Workshop's storied setting tick.

 

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With even more enemies and even bigger boss fights, and all the same visual spectacle as singleplayer, it feels like an already over-the-top game at its most exuberant. And the classes—each much more specialised than jack-of-all-trades Titus—dig deeper into the different facets of the space marine power fantasy. Sprinting into battle and swinging a chainsaw around is fun, but you know what's even more fun? Leaping into the air with your jetpack, slamming down onto an alien's face, and then smashing his mate to bits with a crackling thunder hammer that makes you feel like Thor, But Bigger. Ditto unleashing pure ranged carnage as the Heavy class, or battering back the tide with a shield the size of a boat as the Vanguard.

 

That feel, both of the weight and power of a space marine, and of the grim yet hilarious atmosphere of Warhammer 40,000, is the thing I worried Space Marine 2 would get wrong. This hands-on has put any such fears to rest. It's not the tightest action game I've ever played, and I doubt its co-op will get its hooks into me like Darktide, but it's shaping up to a seriously impressive realisation of the setting—a slice of pure spectacle and chaotic fun sure to please any Warhammer fan.

 

 

 

WWW.THEGAMER.COM

Space Marine 2 is shaping up to be 40K at its most Warhammer-y in the best way.

 

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Space Marine 2 is a fairly standard third-person shooter, though one that seems more informed by the success of soulslikes than the cover-based fare we’ve gotten used to. You’re always in the thick of the action, dodging and parrying to avoid damage - or better yet, just killing any enemies close enough to be a threat. Basic enemies like the swarming Hormagaunts are mostly there to soak up your ammo and impede your path to actually dangerous enemies like Tyranid Warriors and Zoanthropes. Throw in some timely grenades and melee executions, and the game really lets you feel like one of the Imperium’s ultimate soldiers.

 

 

WWW.VG247.COM

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a game that knows exactly what it is, and how to demonstrate it to everyone.

 

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A lot of Space Marine 2’s confidence comes from its reliance on tried-and-tested ideas, and executing them well. This is not a game that’s pushing the envelope, but it’s one that knows what it wants to be and how to deliver that experience to players. It wouldn’t be unfair to call its level design outdated; almost entirely made up for corridors with some opportunities for exploration, but fewer than I’d like. These aren’t levels you’re going to get lost in, nor would that really be necessary. Granted, this is based on a single campaign mission, so it’s quite possible the rest of the campaign will be a little more imaginative.

 

 

WWW.IGN.COM

Space Marine 2 has a real shot at being the quintessential third-person action game set in the 40K universe. It's exactly what it says on the cargo canister. You get to be an enormous, super strong, nearly invincible battering ram of post-human destruction, slinging retribution at uncountable hordes of xenos across beautiful and detailed battle spaces that bring this universe to life in a way it never has been before. Ideally, with a couple friends.

 

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What's immediately striking is how detailed and well-animated everything on the ground is, from the humble Cadians who will often kneel and talk in a whisper as the Emperor's Angels approach, to the smallest gilded details on the architecture. I don't think I've ever had the feeling of standing on the ground in the Warhammer 40K universe to this level of satisfaction before. The graphics are gorgeous, the chaotic soundscape is spot-on, and no expense has been spared filling every square inch with the kinds of small touches that delighted me as a long-time fan.

 

 

 

WWW.GAMESPOT.COM

Between the brutal combat and a lovingly crafted grimdark world, Space Marine 2 is shaping up to be the most authentic Warhammer 40K game ever.

 

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There is also much more strategy to be found in Space Marine 2's combat. A horde of Tyranids can feature a wide variety of enemy types, presenting different challenges and opportunities during each encounter. Do you strike at the smaller mobs to thin the horde and give you more room to maneuver, for example, or do you weather their blows and focus on the larger Warrior enemies with the goal of cutting their synaptic link, taking down surrounding lesser Tyranids? There may also be ranged enemy types to consider, firing strangling thorns that can slow movement or apply poison, or even hovering Zoanthropes buffing nearby creatures with a psychic link, requiring you to break from the immediate close-quarters battle to close the distance or engage these xenos with ranged firepower.

 

While I only saw a portion of the combat that Space Marine 2 has to offer, the brutal ballet of battle only grew more varied and more satisfying across the demo. As I made my way deeper into the mission, more tools and weaponry became available, such as the jump pack, which allowed me to fire hails of bolts from up on high and dive back into combat with a devastating strike from above.

 

 

 

 

WWW.PUSHSQUARE.COM

I crave a bloodbath... or a blood shower - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is easily one of the best co-op shooters we’ve played in years. If you had fun ...

 

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is easily one of the best co-op shooters we’ve played in years. If you had fun slaying Terminids with friends in Helldivers 2, then you’ll likely enjoy the bloodier and arguably more epic battles against Tyranids here. Where Space Marine 2 differentiates itself from Sony’s surprise hit, is in its propensity for sci-fi spectacle, with lore-adorning graphical details, blood-splattering violence, and the sort of third-person action we thought had been left behind in the PS3 era. If you’re looking for that sci-fi escapism, that focuses on making you feel like a complete badass, then Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is an upcoming PS5 release you can't miss.

 

 

 

 

 

WWW.EUROGAMER.NET

Eurogamer has played an early slice of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, and we've come away impressed with its grim, gothic fantasy action.

 

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Worry not though, any fan-Inquisitors in the audience: in the slice of Space Marine 2 I played, I ran more or less the entire gamut of 40K-isms within the first couple minutes - and admittedly, I think that's brilliant. Your squad of Space Marines bicker about treachery and point fingers over presumed betrayals of the Empire, before unloading from their transport into a vast, embattled gothic citadel. Groups of Imperial Guardsmen quiver, assemble, and occasionally get shot by a Commissar for displaying cowardice, beneath the flapping baby-wings of servitor cherubs. The voices of a deep, manly choir soar. You grab a weapon and a sidearm and choice of knife, power sword or chainsword - you know full well what you're picking here - then you clunk through more gothic corridors, a gate slides shut behind you and, in the most 40K moment of all, find yourself immediately overwhelmed by a swarm of Tyrannids without so much as a "press B to crouch" in preparation.

 

WWW.WINDOWSCENTRAL.COM

After several hours hands-on with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, I can't wait to return to the grimdark far future.

 

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Tyranid creatures barrel down at me faster than my Bolter can clear them out. In desperation, I chuck a grenade at close range and roll away. A dozen of the smaller Hormagaunts are turned into gory chunks while the larger Warrior is still charging. Closing the distance, it swings its bone blades at me, and I'm just barely able to parry the attack. Successfully stunning the creature with my timing, I follow up with a point-blank pistol round and turn its brains to goo. 

 

So went my first taste of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, the upcoming third-person shooter from developer Saber Interactive and publisher Focus Entertainment. I recently played a few hours of an early build of the game, checking out one of the campaign missions and trying the Operations mode, which is focused on co-op player-vs-environment (PvE) play. Overall, I've come away extremely excited, and if what I played is indicative of the quality bar for the entire experience, this isn't a game to miss out on.

 

 

 

WWW.PCGAMESN.COM

I went hands-on for my Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 preview, and while it looks gorgeous and its PvE is fun, there are some glaring issues.

 

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My time with Space Marine 2 has left me conflicted. Operations is a blast, the class system and loadout customization are great, and I love tweaking my armor to my heart’s content. I don’t doubt Saber has worked tirelessly to refine Operations, but as good as the PvE offering is, I’m not a ‘forever game’ person; I want to step away from a game and say I’ve finished it. The campaign is therefore important to me, so I’m sad to say it just doesn’t feel right in its current state. A combination of performance woes, flat melee combat, middling to poor boss fights, and a potentially tiring gameplay loop has left me feeling a little cold.

 

 

WWW.GAMESRADAR.COM

Preview | Thrilling horde mechanics and an emphasis on melee make serving The Emperor a delight

 

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"Is this really happening?" cries an Imperial Guardsman, fighting for his life as a wave of mantis-like Tyranid aliens tear through his pals like soggy paper. It's a random snippet of background dialogue, but it catches me by surprise because I was just thinking the same thing. But while he's wondering if this is a nightmare he'll wake up from, I'm grinning from ear to ear – because Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 feels too good to be true. 

 

When we're talking about battles involving trillions of soldiers and planet-sized cities, it's hard for anything tangible to live up to our imagination. But in Space Marine 2, it feels like I've fallen right into one of Games Workshop's old 40K novels – which is great news for me, but not so much for anyone without the luxury of power armor to hide behind. 

 

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/07): final hands-on previews posted
  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/08): "Extended Multiplayer Gameplay" trailer

 

WWW.EUROGAMER.NET

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is one of Digital Foundry's most eagerly anticipated games, effectively hitting the be…

 

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Whether you're watching the video above or just about any of the trailers of the game seen to date, the density of detail must be raising questions. Just how well does Space Marine 2 perform? It's difficult to answer conclusively owing to the fact that the code we had was obviously not final - but it is possible to draw some conclusions. We initially played the game maxed out on an RTX 4090 with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D - the premier CPU and GPU components right now - finding that we could sustain a native 4K with Nvidia DLAA (that's DLSS at native resolution) delivering pristine image quality at 60 frames per second, with overhead to spare.

 

We also decided to run the game on the Digital Foundry 'Frankenstein's Console' which is a PC built on the actual Xbox Series X CPU running Windows, paired with a Radeon RX 6700 - the closest GPU on the market to the architectural make-up of the PlayStation 5 GPU. Think of this as a ballpark-equivalent console, and it's here at high settings where we start to find the limit. In running so much animated detail, we can surmise that Space Marine 2 is particularly heavy on the CPU, dipping into the mid-40s on the limited amount of content we had to work with (one campaign mission and a couple of PvE levels).

 

There's scalability on the GPU side, though, where the RX 6700 could deliver a dynamic 4K 30 that locks nicely to the target frame-rate - or a less stable 1440p experience targeting 60 frames per second. So, it'll be interesting to see where Saber targets the console versions of the game. There's a genuine sense of majesty watching the carnage play out at this level of scale, but there's no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to rendering and simulation, so we're looking forward to seeing how Saber chooses to optimise.

 

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/17): "a technologically ambitious sequel that can look stunning" (Digital Foundry hands-on with PC version)
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/27): "Year One Battle Plan" released

Lots o' info in this udate!

 

August Community Update

 

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Greetings Space Marines,
 

We can hardly believe it ourselves, but Space Marine 2! The excitement is truly palpable and it feels almost surreal to be this close to sharing the game with you after years of hard work, dedication, and passion from the entire team.

 

Humanity is about to witness the return of its fiercest defenders, and as we all gear up for the imminent launch of Space Marine 2, we wanted to provide you with some final insights and updates to prepare you for the epic adventure that lies ahead. 

 

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About playing with teammates in all 3 different modes…

 

Will my progression be saved when playing offline?
Be reassured, in Campaign Mode, your progression will be saved on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S while playing offline.

 

For Operations Mode (PvE), you will need to be online to ensure your progress in PvE is saved. Offline progression will not carry over to your next session, so make sure you're connected to keep all earned perks, skins, and other rewards.

 

Does cross-platform save work well?
➡️ Yes, cross-platform saves are fully functional through the platform Prism Ray Online Services (PROS).

 

Is PvE/PvP playable via LAN?
➡️ LAN play will not be supported.

 

Will the game support crossplay, and can it be toggled off?
➡️ Yes, full crossplay between Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players will be supported from Day One.

 

You will be able to play the Campaign and PvE modes without any restriction, but note that for fairness and balancing purposes, crossplay for the PvP mode "Eternal War" will be split between PC players in one pool (Steam & EGS) and console players in the other one (PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S).

 

You will also have the option to disable crossplay functionality if you prefer to only play with those using the same platform as yours.

 

Are there any restrictions for what classes can be played in Operations mode (PvE)? What about Eternal War (PvP)?
➡️ Your squad may only include one Space Marine of each class in Operations mode. In Eternal War mode, there is a limit of two players per class and per team.

 

No all-Sniper teams, but you'll have plenty of strategic variety! 🎯

 

Is there friendly fire when playing Campaign, Operations or Eternal War modes?
➡️ There is no friendly fire in either of the 3 game modes.

 

 

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What are the performances like? on PC and on Console?

 

On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, is there a performance mode, quality mode, and what FPS can we expect? And other specific details.

  • Quality Mode: 4K resolution at 30FPS.
  • Performance Mode: Up to 60FPS at 1080p.
  • Please note that on Xbox Series S, the Quality Mode will allow for 1440p at 30FPS and the Performance Mode will not be available.

What kind of communication tools will we have in-game?
➡️ There is a Voice Chat, a Communication Wheel with preset messages and a Text Chat (exclusive to PC versions) to facilitate your exchanges with your teammates.

 

Does the game support the haptic features of the DualSense controller?
➡️ We support force triggers on the DualSense controller, but not haptic feedback at launch.

 

What about RayTracing, DLSS, and other PC-specific technologies?

  • DLSS2 / FSR2: Available at launch.
  • DLSS3 / FSR3: Planned for post-launch.
  • RayTracing / HDR: Not supported.

 

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (08/30): August Community Update with lots of info!

Story recap from the first game:

 

 

The events after the first game and before the second game from a recent White Dwarf article (may or may not be referenced in Space Marine II)

 

Spoiler
  • Inquisitor Thrax, the one who apprehended Titus based on Leandros's accusation, was an Inquisitor with a grudge against Space Marines, seeing them as a liability to the Imperium. He was part of the Inquisition agents which declared Huron Blackheart and the Maelstrom Warders Excommunicate Traitoris during the Badab War. He had Titus tortured and interrogated for years, with no intention of ever letting him go, and would keep him in stasis after interrogations.
  • Thrax died during an Inquisition operation against a traitor chapter. During the operation, he was possessed by a Chaos Daemon, and was purged by the Grey Knights.
  • The Inquisition sent the Red Hunters to investigate Thrax's holdings, to make sure that him being possessed was just an incident and not that he had been traitor this whole time. That's when the Red Hunters found Titus, as well as dozens of other Astartes who had been similarly imprisoned and tortured.
  • The Inquisition transferred the recovered Astartes to the Deathwatch, allowing its Chaplains to be the ones to interrogate them and test their loyalty. Titus was found free from Chaos taint and disloyalty by the Deathwatch.
  • Titus inquired about the Ultramarines, and the Deathwatch revealed to Titus that there were zero records of him ever serving the Ultramarines. Titus interpreted this to have been that he was censured as a disgrace to the chapter, so in grief he declared himself a Blackshield and joined the Deathwatch.
  • Serving in the Deathwatch, him and his fellow Astartes were deployed against the Tyranids as part of the 4th Tyrannic War. During one disastrous operation, Titus's company was fully wiped out, and Titus was gravely wounded after taking down a Carnifex. He was literally beyond saving, resigning himself to finally die in service of the Emperor.
  • THE ULTRAMARINES 1ST COMPANY, LED BY CAPTAIN SEVERUS AGEMMAN AND CHIEF LIBRARIAN VARRO TIGURIUS, ARRIVED TO SAVE TITUS. During Warp travel, Tigurius felt the soul of an Ultramarine dying, and when he extended his extra-sensory perception, he recognized it was Titus. Agemman and Tigurius personally knew Titus from back when he was 2nd Company Captain. They immediately initiated a rescue operation for him. Titus was rescued at the nick of time, and to save his life, he was immediately taken into surgery to perform the Rubicon Primaris on him. Titus survived the operation and is now a Primaris Marine.
  • Agemman and Tigurius reveal to Titus that FOR YEARS Marneus Calgar furiously protested against the Inquisition and demanded that Titus be released back to the Ultramarines. The reason Titus's name had been erased from the Ultramarines' records was not out of censure of Titus, but out of shame that the Chapter had so disastrously failed one of their own. Titus was never seen as a disgrace by Calgar or the high leadership of the Chapter.
  • Titus is welcomed back to the Ultramarines with full honors, him having declared himself a Blackshield being fully disregarded and his service in the Deathwatch considered as faithfully serving the Ultramarines for all this time.
  • As Cato Sicarious is currently serving as 2nd Company Captain with distinction, Titus is not given back his old position, but in deference to his service and loyalty, he is still given back officer rank as a Primaris Lieutenant.

 

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (09/01): Space Marine story recap and events between the games

So for those of you more familiar with the lore. 
 

If the Season Pass is purely cosmetic would that be worth getting for someone with basically no knowledge of the different chapters and factions within the Marines?

 

$30 feels like a lot if there aren’t particular things you’re looking forward to from a fans perspective 

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2 hours ago, Mercury33 said:

So for those of you more familiar with the lore. 
 

If the Season Pass is purely cosmetic would that be worth getting for someone with basically no knowledge of the different chapters and factions within the Marines?

 

$30 feels like a lot if there aren’t particular things you’re looking forward to from a fans perspective 

 

The Season Pass is definitely not worth it at all if you're unfamiliar with the lore of the various chapters of the Adeptus Astartes.

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lol the only thing you need to know about a story is:

  • Anything except pure-bread humans are evil (to the Imperium)
  • But also many humans are evil to the Imperium based on whatever is convenient at the time for internal faction struggles
  • 100,000+ people will die in minor skirmishes (along with 100,000,000 civilians caught on the crossfire) between these groups
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Game Information
Game Title: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

 

Platforms:

  • PC (Sep 9, 2024)

 

Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment

 

Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 83 average - 91% recommended


Critic Reviews

Spoiler

FandomWire - Luke Addison - 10 / 10

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 isn't just the game of the summer, it's the Game of the Year. Offering unmatched quality from gameplay to graphics, performance, and overall package, there's no better game so far, and no weak spot to try and pick apart. Diehard fans will love it, new fans will adore it.


GameSkinny - Hristijan Pavlovski - 10 / 10

Space Marine 2 is the ultimate Warhammer 40K experience. It perfectly captures the essence of 40K and transfers it into the action-adventure format. Its three game modes offer countless hours of gameplay and tons of customization options to look forward to. For Warhammer fans, this game is a must-play, and a perfect entry point for those uninitiated into the lore of 40K.


Thumb Culture - 5 / 5

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a fantastic game. Not only play but to show off what is achievable on consoles and PCs in 2024. Highly polished, great game mechanics, awesome graphics and sound, crossplay throughout, PVE, PVP, and campaign capabilities as well as a serious amount of cosmetics and lore to get involved with. What is there not to love?


Try Hard Guides - Erik Hodges - 10 / 10

Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is a game for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, providing great cinematic action gameplay and genuine fun that can be experienced alone or with a group. It’s my favorite game of the year so far, and try as I might, I can’t find anything to complain about. It’s just plain good.


Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 9.5 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 feels like a fever dream. Even if you aren't a fan of 40K, it's hard not to admire the raw artistry on display from Saber Interactive here. If you are, I suspect Space Marine 2 will make you very, very happy.


WellPlayed - Ash Wayling - 9.5 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a masterclass in understanding your subject matter, delivering not only an incredible gaming experience for you and your friends but also serving as a worthy successor to a 13-year-old classic.


Gert Lush Gaming - Jim Smale - 9.4 / 10

Every Warhammer game recently has raised the bar of quality and this has exceeded all those before it, Even if you do not like Warhammer 40k, it is a fun solid shooter.


XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 9.2 / 10

Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 is an amazing, epic ride through a glorious hellscape.  Visceral combat is matched by stunning graphics to create a title that never relents in being as over the top as possible.  It is one of my favorite titles of the year so far, and one I cannot wait to dive back into as post-launch content starts to stream in.


AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 90 / 100

If the online third-person shooters can pass your selection as the games you like, then, by all means, buy Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. It is a fantastic game that will provide lots of fun whether you prefer to play it alone or with your friends.


Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 90 / 100

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is the best action game that represents the Warhammer universe.


But Why Tho? - Arron Kluz - 9 / 10

Considering the entire package, Space Marine 2 sets a new high bar for Warhammer 40k games.


GGRecon - Tarran Stockton - 4.5 / 5

Space Marine 2 is pure, unfiltered video game. It's arcadey and straightforward as hell; nothing is overwrought, and there is no misconception of trying to be more than what it should be. You play a level, you kill a tonne of things in various contexts, and then you do it all again and again until the credits roll. That's all it needed to be, and it does it with the style and grace of a chainsaw bisecting a pig carcass. Here is the new gold standard for a third-person action game in the 40K universe.


Game Rant - Jake Fillery - 4.5 / 5

Even without knowing the lore around Warhammer 40,000, Space Marine 2 does a great job of inviting new fans into the franchise by showing the unwavering courage, sacrifice, and devotion of these super soldiers, but that doesn't mean things are dumbed-down to disrespect die-hard fans. Being a veteran of the franchise isn’t essential to the enjoyment of Space Marine 2; while it might further satisfy the experience, the universe is brought to life with such detail that it makes for the perfect gateway for newcomers.


Gameliner - Patrick Meurs - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

The Adeptus Mechanicus at Saber Interactive have earned the Omnissiah's blessing by ensuring that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 appeases The God-Emperor's followers. The latest quest of Captain Demetrian Titus against the Tyranids will quench the yearnings of the bloodthirsty, the warhungry, and those who seek to purge the Tyranids and the Forces of Chaos. All hail the God-Emperor of Mankind for bestowing upon us the magnificence of Space Marine 2!


Gaming Age - Dustin Chadwell - 9 / 10

It’s a wild ride that I think any action fan will enjoy, whether you’re in love with the world of Warhamer 40,000 or just looking for a fun time that involves blowing lots of stuff up. Definitely check it out, you won’t be disappointed.


GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 9 / 10

Brutal action, mind-boggling scale, spectacular set-pieces, and a bevy of content come together in what is one of the best action games in recent memory. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is unmissable.


Generación Xbox - Pedro del Pozo - Spanish - 90 / 100

Perhaps it is not a round product due to its structure excessively anchored to the past in relation to the structure of its maps, but think that it is a product that 10 years ago was the typical action game, but now it is a strange specimen to admire, in a new era of video games in which the trend towards single-player titles is once again gaining relevance and starring in all the podiums of each year. I don't know if Space Marine 2 will win any awards this year at the GOTYs, but, excuse the expression, fuck if it deserves it.


Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers a thrilling campaign and an engaging post-game grind mode. However, the limited number of Operations missions and the lack of replay value in the campaign may hinder the game’s long-term appeal. Despite these flaws, the game’s authenticity and exhilarating action make it a must-play for fans of the genre. It is 2024’s much-needed blockbuster


God is a Geek - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is a superb foray into the universe and a more-than-worthy successor to the original.


IGN Spain - Rafa Del Río - Spanish - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II manages to become one of the great surprises of 2024 with a title that will delight veterans of the saga and newcomers who love action. Its way of including strategy in frenetic combats joins its brilliant technical finish and a bombproof performance to sow the ground on which Saber Interactive presents a proposal that you can enjoy alone, with friends and with unknown players. The game's mime to the original game and the inclusion of the Operations and Eternal War modes end up making a rounded experience that does well everything that today seems to be avoided in the industry


MonsterVine - Diego Escala - 4.5 / 5

Start to finish, Space Marine 2 is a complete blast, with all the hallmarks of being a big action blockbuster. Titus continues to be a compelling character and we’re lucky we got to see more of him; it was a long wait but damn was it worth it.


Prima Games - Enzo Zalamea - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40K Space Marine is a brilliant hack-and-slash action-adventure shooter with three defining game modes to lure in all types of players. While there is a game mode for everyone, everything boils down to the gruesome brutality of what a Space Marine brings to the table.


Push Square - Khayl Adam - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 does its legendary setting justice, offering a high-quality cinematic campaign that is a wild ride to blast through, and it only gets better if you bring a few friends to watch your back. Add to that the clever Operation side stories, the competitive Eternal War multiplayer, and the promise of a dedicated (and free) Horde Mode on the horizon, and Space Marine 2 sets a benchmark for 40k games worthy of its own storied, illustrious lore.


The Games Machine - Daniele Dolce - Italian - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a sequel that builds on the legacy of Relic Entertainment. It does so by offering an exciting campaign that perfectly conveys that feeling of perpetual war and all the "grimdark" typical of its setting. Even without ever reaching the depth typical of other games in the same genre, the combat system infuses all the physicality and brutality of the Astartes. The optimization is also good, despite some small flaws that can be easily solved with a round of patches. The only let down is the soundtrack, light years away from the epicness of the first game.


TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 9 / 10

The best rendition of the Warhammer 40,000 universe we've ever seen. Bombastic, brutal and brilliant fun from start to finish, though those who are already invested in Games Workshop's sci-fi world will get the most out of it.


Use a Potion - 9 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a wonderful third-person shooting escapade that’ll keep players thrilled from start to end. The campaign is a blast to play through thanks to the overwhelming nature of the enemy threat, whilst the fact that you’re perfectly-armed to deal with it makes for some exciting encounters that’ll keep players on the edge of their seats. Then you’ve got the Operations, which don’t only flesh out the experience, but bring with it some strategically-focused variety… it’s a blast.



I really enjoyed the first game so my expectations were high going in, but honestly? Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has completely exceeded them, with it easily the best third-person shooter that I’ve played this year.


ZTGD - Terrence Johnson - 9 / 10

I said it before and I will say it again, I loved Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Saber Interactive just went full-on Super Saiyan (that’s a Dragonball Z reference for the uninitiated, it means they leveled up) with this release. Honing the skills that they studio already had on display with World War Z and the incredible Swarm engine; Space Marine 2 offers a stunningly, beautiful, walk through the grimdark universe. This is hands down thee (you know it’s serious when you use old world speak) best Warhammer game to date. But beauty, as they say is only skin deep and believe me this game is a beauty through and through. While I am bummed I wasn’t able to test the online portion of the game, I can assure you that between the amazing campaign where the production values are absolutely breathtaking at times; to the operations that allows replayability and rewards players with cosmetics to customize their marines, Space Marine 2 is a sure-fire Game of the Year contender.


XGN.nl - Stefan Stuursma - Dutch - 8.8 / 10

With its gore-focused and action-packed gameplay, Space Marine 2 is the definitive way to make you feel like a true Warhammer 40K badass. With a thrilling rollercoaster of a singleplayer, a highly replayable Operations mode and a fun multiplayer excursion, this third-person bloodbath is a must play for any co-op enthusiast.


GAMES.CH - Joel Kogler - German - 87%

Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 sets a new standards not only for games set in the 41st Millennia, but also for horde based shooters. The innovative combat system that cleverly builds upon the foundation of the 13 years old predecessor shows incredible depth when mixing different weapon styles. Together with an entertaining, albeit narratively shallow campaign and a wealth of customization for co-op players, this game is every Warhammer 40k fans dream come true.


Impulsegamer - Gareth Newnham - 4.3 / 5

Gears meets the sons of Guilliman, in this epic sequel that would make the Emperor proud.


CGMagazine - Philip Watson - 8.5 / 10

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is a bloody good time and a must play for Warhammer 40K fans or third person shooting games in general.


Checkpoint Gaming - Victor Tan - 8.5 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 doesn't hold back in showing you what it's like to be a Space Marine. Combat is gruelling, intense, and punishing even in the best of times. It's also not easy to understand the importance of the Space Marines if you aren't familiar with the lore. But if you are willing to give the game a chance, it provides some of the best hack-and-slash shooter experiences and immersive settings. It's never been more enjoyable to be a Space Marine and understand the horrors of fighting in never-ending conflicts.


GameGrin - Artura Dawn - 8.5 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 replicates the feeling of being a badass almost seamlessly. It's only a shame that mandatory matchmaking for Operations and dumb AI in Campaign take away your agency to experience it the way you might want to.


Gamefa - Mostafa Zahedi - Persian - 8.5 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is everything we expected it to be. Bloody, chaotic and fun. with an amazing gunplay and amazing operations, you will have blast slaying and crushing Tyranids!


PlayStation Universe - Garri Bagdasarov - 8.5 / 10

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 follows a lot of the same beats as its predecessor but enhances all of its mechanics to suit the constant war in the 40K universe. Space Marine 2's combat is visceral and challenging, and taking on the Tyranid hordes with friends is a blast. It's just a shame the game suffers from some seriously long load times and slow progression. However, none of that should stop fans of the franchise from eating it up, while newcomers will find plenty to love as a space-traveling Marine blasting through alien hordes.


SECTOR.sk - Branislav Kohút - Slovak - 8.5 / 10

The game excels at progressing in co-op and the campaign is not to be thrown away either. And you don't have to be raised on Warhammer to enjoy it.  However, operations are extremely difficult for a solo player, so be sure to look around for live teammates.


Spaziogames - Daniele Spelta - Italian - 8.5 / 10

My Steam library is full of Warhammer 40,000 themed titles, very few reach the sufficiency, a handful are good games and the circle of the great ones is very small. Space Marine 2 is now added to this list of chosen ones, a feast for the eyes and a faithful reproduction of the universe created by Games Workshop, a dream come true for those who grew up with this saga.


COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 84 / 100

Thirteen years is a long time in video game history and technology. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 obviously looks and plays much better than the 2011 original. Fans of the first game will appreciate the continuing saga of the main character and the seamless integration of Warhammer lore. Action gamers without a moment of prior Warhammer experience will enjoy it, too. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is operatic, visceral, violent and unrelenting. It can be repetitive, too, but that’s best balanced by the creativity and camaraderie of human players blasting bugs by your side.


Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 8.4 / 10

Wh40k Space Marine 2 is a non-compromising, brutal action game that sabotages itself with its clunky melee. Luckily, the fantastic presentation, as well as the love for detail, deliver a very satisfying experience for Warhammer 40k fans. Furthermore, Co-op enthusiasts get a great experience with the campaign and some additional missions.


Gamersky - Chinese - 8.2 / 10

As a Warhammer 40K game featuring the Space Marines as protagonists, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 excels in both detail and visual impact, catering perfectly to the tastes of 40K fans. Additionally, it inherits the refined gameplay mechanics from World War Z, making this game impressive not only in its quality but also in its faithful representation of the Warhammer 40K universe.


AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 8 / 10

Saber Interactive takes the reins of a sequel that refines the foundations of the original and gives them an indisputable presentation, fascinating solo but designed for cooperation.


Capsule Computers - Admir Brkic - 8 / 10

While the campaign of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 falls a bit short, every other aspect of the game is beyond stellar and it turned out to be a sequel worth waiting for.


Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 4 / 5

Space Marine 2 is a game that will appeal to just about anyone who likes action games. This thing is fast, very furious, and intense. It doesn’t give you long to breathe between throwing more hordes at you, and thanks to that single-minded ferocity, in both single-player and multiplayer it’s a hoot. I don’t think it does a particularly great job of capturing the spirit and intent of the tabletop game and lore, but then again, whenever I was playing I was also having too much fun to care.


Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 4 / 5

Like a running meat grinder, I fight my way through everything the Tyranids and Chaos forces throw at me. The gameplay is simple and takes me back to a time when shooters were simpler.


Eurogamer - Rick Lane - 4 / 5

Space Marine 2's campaign is a spectacular and mostly thrilling follow-up to the original, but the game's grisly combat shines best in its cooperative Operations mode.


Everyeye.it - Giovanni Panzano - Italian - 8 / 10

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is certainly not a perfect game, but it is a product that knows how to conquer the audience of fans of the Games Workshop brand.


GRYOnline.pl - Polish - 8 / 10

The great success of Space Marine 2, which is the result of the combination of its visuals and gameplay, is the vibe not only of this very specific universe, but also of the very essence of what Space Marines are. The game is centred around what is most important in Warhammer 40k - grotesque violence treated with due severity, pathos and downright fanatical seriousness.


GameLuster - Nairon Santos de Morais - 8 / 10

Warhammer 40.000: Space Marine 2 builds on everything the original had to offer, making you feel like an absolute badass and creating a power fantasy like few other games manage.


GamePro - Chris Werian - German - 80 / 100

Space Marine 2 is a graphically impressive co-op action fest with many great ideas, which is plagued by minor bad decisions in design and technical problems.


GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 8 / 10

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


Gameblog - Geralt de Reeves - French - 8 / 10

If you're an absolute fan of Warhammer 40,000, missing out on Space Marine 2 would be pure heresy.


GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - 4 / 5

"The best third-person shooter I've played in years"


Hardcore Gamer - Adam Beck - 4 / 5

There are only a handful of games in the franchise that stick out as truly memorable and Space Marine is one of them.


Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 80 / 100

Warhamer 40,000 Space Marine II lives between two worlds: on the one hand, it is a game that is no longer made; direct, wild and unpretentious. And on the other, it tries to adapt to current trends, not without a certain clumsiness. But that's really the least of it; here you come to split tyranids in half with a saw... And he does that as a fable.


IGN - Chris Reed - 8 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 may not break the third-person shooter mold, but it looks amazing, makes good use of its Warhammer lore, and has brutal combat that just feels great.


INVEN - Dongyong Seo - Korean - 8 / 10

This is an excellent action title that captures the essence of being a Space Marine. The visceral thrill of shooting, slashing, and destroying everything in your path is incredibly satisfying, and the intriguing lore is expertly woven into the core gameplay. Although the AI can be somewhat lacking, and there are a few bugs and a slightly limited number of missions, the title's strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks.


MondoXbox - Matteo Merlano - Italian - 8 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a well-packaged and spectacular third-person action game, with an excellent balance between melee confrontations and shootouts. The Campaign gameplay feels a bit bland with few memorable moments, but is redeemed by the excellent wealth of content in terms of online PvP and PvE modes. Highly recommended for fans of Warhammer 40K, an IP that here is exploited to great effect.


Nexus Hub - Andrew Logue - 8 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a polished, respectful and epic sequel with exciting gameplay – but also one that loses some of its predecessor’s simple charm and humour.


PSX Brasil - Paulo Roberto Montanaro - Portuguese - 80 / 100

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is brutal and bloodthirsty like its predecessor. It has solid mechanics, even if not very inventive and quite repetitive, and is full of clichés on all sides. However, it's the typical action game that works for its simplicity and for going straight to the point: slaughter some aliens without too many questions.


Pixel Arts - Sina Farahani - Persian - 8 / 10

if you enjoy shooting and action games, value character customization, appreciate small-scale 12-player online competitions, and miss the 8-10 hour story campaigns of the 7th generation, this game might be worth the $70 price tag—especially if you're a fan of the Warhammer 40K universe. Created by fans for fans, the game successfully delivers on its promise, despite a few minor technical issues. If the atmosphere of the Warhammer 40K world appeals to you, you're in for an exciting experience.


Rectify Gaming - 8 / 10

All in all, Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 provides a satisfyingly challenging experience that meshes gunplay, mobbing strategy, “offensive” defense, and classic RPG progression into one spectacular bundle. The RPG progression made for a rewarding grind, but the experience was not varied enough for me to want to grind and explore through multiple classes. However, the core gameplay itself was enjoyable for me to complete one full character progression end to end.


Slant Magazine - Niv M. Sultan - 4 / 5

Your might proves substantial enough to bend even clichés to your will. When, during a cutscene, a monster in the background looks like it’s about to get the jump on Titus, one of your buddies casually blasts it from out of the frame. The bait and switch feels like a winking admission by Space Marine 2: This is an unabashedly over-the-top ride, but it won’t stoop to boring contrivance. Your strength is too profound, your time too important, to abide that.


The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow, Keith Mitchell - 4 / 5

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II was a blast from start to finish. Only held back by a limited accessibility offering and some technical issues.


TrueGaming - Arabic - 8 / 10

Space Marine 2 presents what we needed from a sequel to an excellent action hack and slasher, lots of bloody battles, epic moments, and great content.


VideoGamer - Craig Robinson - 8 / 10

Space Marine 2 is a solid successor to Space Marine, fits well into the Warhammer universe, and offers engaging and fun action combat and shooting mechanics. It is slight marred by a limited map pool creating repetitiveness in the game's multiplayer progression-based features.


Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 80%

After thirteen years, Space Marine is finally back, and it delivers on almost every front – more grisly gore, huge swarms of enemies, and, crucially, incredibly robust combat mechanics. It doesn't do much that's new, but who cares? Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a very good thing indeed.


Gamer Guides - Nathan Garvin - 77 / 100

Visceral combat, excellent set pieces, and plenty of Warhammer 40,000 fanservice, but is there enough launch content to satisfy less die-hard fans?


IGN Italy - Stefano Castagnola - Italian - 7.5 / 10

While not without its flaws, Space Marine 2 is a solid third person shooter that expands on the legacy of its predecessor with some cool story moments for Titus and his men, and plenty of fun to be had in dealing with the deadly tyranids and the other enemies of humanity, either in the campaign or in the other game modes.


Zoomg - Afshin Piroozi - Persian - 7.5 / 10

Overall, despite some issues, Space Marine 2 is a very valuable game for two groups of players: first, those who love the Warhammer universe and will greatly enjoy immersing themselves in the game’s world; and second, gamers who are interested in Co-Op experiences and can play Space Marine 2 with their friends. In this case, some of the game’s problems, such as AI weaknesses, are less noticeable. The brutal and bloody action, along with the appropriate atmosphere of the game’s world and the Operations mode, are other positive features of the game. If you enjoy exciting action titles, you will probably also greatly enjoy Space Marine 2.


Impulsegamer - Ali Arkani - 3.6 / 5

The game's gory combat feels much more immersive thanks to the beauty of Swarm Engine and facing Tyranids feels like a unique gaming experience. Yet, the game fails to remain fresh and engaging till the end.


Metro GameCentral - GameCentral - 7 / 10

It comes frustratingly close to being the perfect Warhammer 40,000 action game but repetitive set pieces and a lack of crunch to the combat means that'll have to wait for Space Marine 3.


TrueAchievements - Tom West - 7 / 10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 lives up to the precedent set by the original Space Marine for the most part, offering a storyline and co-op experience filled with gore and action brought to life with excellent visuals. It's held back by irritating AI companions and a campaign optimized for co-op, leaving an un-balanced experience for solo players. However, if you're looking for a game to live out a Space Marine fantasy, and want some co-op fun, you'll be in for a real treat.


Chicas Gamers - Alba Nausicáa - Spanish - 6.5 / 10

A shooter created especially for fans of the saga who do not like strategy and who want to annihilate enemies of the Imperium with sword blows and Bolter shots. For The Emperor!


PC Gamer - Robin Valentine - 60 / 100

Fans of Warhammer 40,000 will be delighted by the spectacle and authenticity-but ultimately disappointed by messy action and unengaging multiplayer.


ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

"Warhammer Space Marine 2 is an excellent sequel to a great game. Shooting, diving, dodging, and chain-swording enemies never felt so good"


GamingTrend - Ron Burke, David Burdette, Mark Julian - Unscored

There’s nothing that’ll fully prepare you for the lore-heavy Warhammer 40K universe, but Space Marine 2 does a great job of bringing the player along for the ride. This game is made by people who know and love Warhammer, and it shows, deeply.


Kotaku - Zack Zwiezen - Unscored

Come for the 12-hour campaign, stay for the co-op mode all about becoming the ultimate alien killer


Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Brendan Caldwell - Unscored

A weighty ramble through the 40K universe with some excellent environments and joyful jetpacks.


gameranx - Unscored

Video Review - Quote not available

 

Reviews not yet not included in the OpenCritic aggregation:

 

WWW.POLYGON.COM

Titus returns in Space Marine 2 in a sequel that takes the core gameplay of the original cult classic and elevates it with better enemies and world-building.

 

Quote

Despite a few messy detours and an irritating final boss fight, Space Marine 2 resolves everything neatly and leaves the door open for further adventures. There’s more to discover, including playing the campaign cooperatively with friends, the PvP modes, and the side missions that show different perspectives of the Ultramarines’ campaign. As someone who enjoyed Titus’ first journey all the way back in 2011, I enjoyed his triumphant return.

 

The core action tickles the same part of my brain, but the expanded narrative, bigger environments, and sheer size and scope of the Tyranids are noticeable and massive improvements. The Space Marine games are one of the best entry points to the vast 40K canon thanks to how satisfying it is to step into the shoes of an Ultramarine, and Space Marine 2 carries on that legacy.

 

 

 

WWW.THEGAMER.COM

The ultimate Ultramarine power fantasy, Space Marine 2 feels great but lacks depth

 

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Space Marine 2 doesn’t seek to reinvent the third-person shooter or hack-n-slash genres, but it’s a competent addition to both. That said, it’s a great game for Warhammer fans, and nails the feeling of being a Space Marine better than any other game. The combat is crunchy and satisfying, executions are beautifully brutal, and the thunder hammer is one of the best weapons in gaming. But issues with linear levels, ally AI, and the unknown future of multiplayer mar the experience a little. Warhammer fans will pick this up, everyone else is probably better off waiting for a sale.

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  • Commissar SFLUFAN changed the title to Warhammer 40K: Space Marine II (PC/PS5/Xbox Series | 09 September 2024) - update (09/04): reviews from OpenCritic, others posted

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