Both TopSpin fans and members of the Warhammer community, especially those who enjoy the Space Marine series, waited patiently for 13 years before seeing their beloved game return. Originally published by SEGA in 2011 and developed by Canadian studio Relic Entertainment, today in 2024, French company Focus has taken over, with Saber Interactive now managing its revival. While there have been shifts in both editorial and creative direction, given what is to come with Warhammer Space Marine 2, this appears to be the best decision made.
VISUAL BUTCHERY
Immerse yourself in the rotating images of our video; it is evident that the game offers a substantial gaming experience. To start, there is an exceptionally detailed modeling of the main character: Captain Titus, whom you will assume. In his Ultra Marine armor, he embodies an aura of fearlessness, with his metallic exterior suggesting invincibility. Beyond the battle scars visible on his well-worn armor from numerous battles, various small details are noticeable, such as realistically moving fabric pieces corresponding to Titus’s movements or a pendant seen at the end of a chain around his right arm. These elements contribute to the sensation that Titus’s armor is incredibly heavy, making him a formidable figure in combat while not hindering his fierce and dynamic fighting style—details on this will be provided when discussing gameplay.
Regarding the enemies, what makes Warhammer Space Marine 2 stand out is its substantial number of creatures to defeat on screen. They appear in waves of hundreds, each wave requiring eradication; most creatures fall with just one bullet. By multiplying enemies in swarms, this amplifies the epic sensation of diving into battle, which feels exceptional. Enemies typically succumb to a hail of bullets, and you are rarely alone on the battlefield, as allies also support you. This support seems somewhat unnecessary but is primarily intended to convey the grand scale of war where the screen is filled with various events. Bodies explode, blood flows, bombardments increase, buildings crumble, tanks emerge from all sides, and squads of soldiers participate in this warfare. In short, it’s an impressive spectacle that developers proudly showcase through stunning panoramas.
THE RETURN OF THE PHOENIX
Since a few minutes of witnessing these stunning images, it is difficult not to notice the clear Gears of War vibe that is so evident one might suspect plagiarism. However, Warhammer Space Marine 2 differs from Gears of War in its gameplay mechanics, particularly since Focus’s title lacks a cover system present in Epic Games’ game. Here, combat is direct; to avoid getting fried in your armor, you must be the first to unleash your weaponry, either through your arsenal or melee combat system, which distinguishes it further from Gears of War, a game that has never extensively developed close-quarters combat. We hope for the developers of Gears 6 to evolve their formula, though… Returning to Warhammer Space Marine 2, there is genuine interest in close-quarters combat. Not only is it enjoyable to use the famous chainsaw sword or chainsaw but the developers have implemented a block and execution system that not only rhythms the encounters but also allows for regaining vital energy. In essence, defeating each enemy up close recovers some health, with the percentage increasing based on how you eliminate them and their type. This means staying in the thick of battle to survive, as there is no need to take cover or flee from enemies; the more you take down, the more rewarded you are. The game even offers a berserk mode that, once activated, makes you faster and more aggressive, along with an execution mechanic for taking down large enemies in a cinematic manner, which also grants additional health.
BOURRIN & JOUISSIF
In any case, everything is done to make this excess of action as straightforward as possible, in order to ensure each situation is both epic and enjoyable. Consequently, death is not truly punitive since upon each game over, players respawn just before the beginning of the arena. With a gameplay like this, balance must be carefully maintained and variety in situations ensured to avoid monotony after completing several missions. Warhammer Space Marine 2 promises varied environments with multiple distinct biomes and an updated bestiary. Given the expansive nature of the Warhammer license, it is possible that Space Marine 2 draws from its lore to offer surprises. Additionally, once the solo campaign is completed, players can engage in a cooperative mode for up to three players, providing a different campaign experience designed specifically for teamwork. A competitive multiplayer mode for six versus six has also been announced for intense confrontations. Each mode allows players to take on up to six complementary classes of Space Marines, ranging from Bulwark with his shield to the Sniper who can disappear using his Camo Cloak. As an added feature and first in the series, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 includes a character creation editor for designing avatars from head to toe, offering a wide selection of colors, heraldic symbols, shoulder plates, gauntlets, and more. In summary, with all these features, Warhammer Space Marine 2 is one of the most anticipated games for 2024, with its release date on September 9th already circled on many calendars.
It is difficult not to feel enthusiastic about the generosity offered by Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 in terms of visuals, gameplay, content promise, and gaming sensations. Focus and Saber Interactive have indeed equipped themselves with the means to match their ambitions, beginning with visually pleasing plastic figures. The game is not only aesthetically pleasing but also spectacular and unapologetically brutal. Despite its brawling nature, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers a gameplay experience where one can find satisfaction, particularly through its counter and dodge mechanics. Combining powerful gunfights with ultra-effective close combat, the game is well on its way to becoming one of the most visually impressive experiences of 2024.
For those eager to dive deeper into the brutal and exhilarating gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, be sure to check out Ahmed Hassan’s latest piece, “Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2: 9-Minute Gameplay Video, Brutal Like a Good Gears of War,” published on August 30, 2023. The article delves into the game’s aggressive close-combat focus and its unique blend of third-person action, drawing comparisons to the iconic Gears of War series. With an emphasis on combos, dodges, and devastating melee attacks, Space Marine 2 promises a distinctly immersive experience for Ultramarine enthusiasts. Don’t miss out—[Read the article].
