Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
" Brutal action-adventure RPG with fluid combat and rich lore but plagued by technical issues "
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Review
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers a visually stunning and immersive Warhammer 40K experience, especially praised for its brutal, fluid combat and faithful lore representation. The single-player campaign is generally well-received for its cinematic presentation and satisfying action, though it is relatively short, lasting around 7-9 hours. Co-op Operations mode adds replayability and fun, especially with friends, while PvP multiplayer receives mixed feedback due to balance and matchmaking issues.
However, the game is marred by significant technical problems. Players report frequent crashes, extremely long load times, and frustrating multiplayer server instability, including frequent disconnections and poor matchmaking. These issues severely impact the online experience, leading some to advise playing only single-player or co-op with friends. Despite these flaws, the core gameplay loop, animation quality, and attention to Warhammer atmosphere keep many players engaged and hopeful for future improvements and expansions.
Highlights
The game's combat mechanics are highly praised for being fluid, brutal, and rewarding skillful play, capturing the essence of a Space Marine's power.
Graphics and sound design receive acclaim for their detailed environments, impressive lighting, and immersive audio, making it the best-looking Warhammer game to date.
The storyline and lore integration are appreciated by fans and newcomers alike, with cinematic sequences and rich narrative immersion.
Co-op Operations mode offers enjoyable gameplay variety and team-based fun, with ongoing content updates and strong modding community support.
Criticisms
Players frequently criticize the multiplayer servers for being unstable, with constant disconnections and poor matchmaking that hinder online play.
Technical issues such as crashes, extremely long load times, and poor optimization degrade the overall experience.
The campaign is considered too short and somewhat repetitive, with some dialogue and AI behavior receiving negative remarks.
Progression systems and PvP balance are seen as frustrating, with grind-heavy unlocks and lack of meaningful PvP mechanics.
Some players find the gameplay repetitive after extended play, and the soundtrack is viewed as forgettable compared to other Warhammer titles.
Pros
- • Combat is fluid, brutal, and skill-rewarding, providing satisfying melee and ranged action.
- • Graphics are detailed and immersive, showcasing impressive environments and lighting effects.
- • Storyline richly integrates Warhammer 40K lore, appealing to fans and newcomers.
- • Co-op Operations mode adds enjoyable replayability and team-based fun.
- • Sound design and voice acting enhance the game's atmosphere and immersion.
- • Wide variety of weapons and classes with meaningful customization options.
- • Execution animations are brutal and visually satisfying.
Cons
- • Multiplayer servers suffer from frequent disconnections and poor matchmaking.
- • Long load times and frequent crashes severely impact gameplay experience.
- • Campaign length is short and can feel repetitive after a few hours.
- • Progression system is grind-heavy, especially for PvP weapon and cosmetic unlocks.
- • AI in Operations mode can be weak and unhelpful at higher difficulties.
- • PvP balance issues and lack of meaningful counterplay frustrate players.
- • Technical optimization is lacking, causing performance issues on many systems.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
EDITIONS BREAKDOWN
About the Game
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes.
Fight the enemies of Mankind as Lieutenant Demetrian Titus in this sequel to 2011’s Space Marine, and prove your loyalty once again as you are reinstated to the Ultramarines. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets and uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night.
Dive into a war of galactic proportions! Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, and purge the relentless Tyranid swarms made possible by Saber’s trademark Swarm Engine.
Jump in endlessly brutal and replayable PvE and PvP modes as your own Space Marines, unlocking new skills and cosmetics the more you play! Fight as one of six unique classes, unlock up to 25 perks for each class, add perks to each of your weapons, and customise your appearance with a huge array of armour and weapon cosmetics!
Kotaku
“The best third-person shooter I've played in years.”
4/5 – GamesRadar+
“Bombastic, brutal and brilliant fun from start to finish.”
9/10 – The Sixth Axis
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes.
