Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Review – Did It Deliver After 13 Years?

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Review – 13 Years Later, Was It Worth the Wait?

It’s been 13 long years since Space Marine first stomped into our lives, boltgun blazing and chainsword roaring. While the original game didn’t quite revolutionize the gaming landscape, it earned a solid place in the hearts of many Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer 40K) fans. Now, a decade later, the hulking hero Demetrian Titus is back in Space Marine 2. The question is: does this sequel bring the thunder, or does it trip on its own bulky power armor? Let's dive deep, and I’ll give you the lowdown as if I’m telling an old friend.

The Long-Awaited Return of Demetrian Titus

First things first—13 years is a lifetime in gaming years. Back when the first Space Marine hit shelves, we were running Windows 7 and the PlayStation 3 was king. So, naturally, the expectation for Space Marine 2 was high. Titus, now freshly freed after a brief (ahem, 100-year) “stint” in the torture chambers of the Inquisition, returns to the battlefield, ready to lead a squad against the Tyranid swarm. Sounds dramatic, right? In true Warhammer 40K style, this storyline is as gritty as they come.

The narrative of Space Marine 2 takes many cues from the original. If you’ve played the first game, you’ll recognize some familiar beats, from the mistrust brewing within Titus’ squad to the grand, grim aesthetic of the Warhammer universe. For some, this will feel like a comforting throwback, a nostalgic nod to the past. For others, it may feel like a missed opportunity for more character development, especially given the colossal expanse of lore in the Warhammer 40K universe. But hey, I guess even space marines need their comfort zones!

Gameplay: Heavy, Brutal, and Satisfyingly Gory

Let’s talk combat because, really, that’s why we’re all here, right? Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that mixes ranged and melee combat in a way that, while not groundbreaking, feels satisfyingly visceral. You’ll be mowing down swarms of Tyranids with your boltgun, chainsword, and the ever-reliable combat knife, switching between gory executions and pulse-pounding firefights. There’s even a "rage" mode to regain health as you slice and dice through the enemies, which feels like a nod to games like Bloodborne.

But is it fun? Absolutely. Does it feel chaotic and sometimes hard to manage? Also, yes.

The parry system in Space Marine 2 feels a bit clunky, especially when you're in the middle of a dogpile, fighting off hordes of enemies and dodging glowing telegraphed attacks. When you're surrounded by aliens, it’s tough to get the timing right. Personally, I found it more of an afterthought—why parry when I can just chainsaw my way out of a tight spot?

And let's talk about guns. There are a ton of them, from the hefty Las Fusil to the blast-happy Melta rifle. Most of them feel appropriately weighty and powerful, but there’s a certain sameness to how they handle. Once you find a favorite, you’ll likely stick with it. Me? I’m partial to the Plasma Incinerator. There’s something deeply satisfying about melting Tyranids from a distance.

The Aesthetic: Warhammer 40,000 in All Its Gory Glory

Whether you’re a Warhammer 40K fanatic or a casual passerby, it’s impossible not to appreciate the level of care that’s gone into recreating the visual aesthetic of this universe. From the oversized shoulder pads to the sprawling Gothic cathedrals, Space Marine 2 is a love letter to the bizarre, maximalist world of Warhammer 40,000.

The environments in this game are breathtaking—decaying industrial landscapes, haunting alien worlds, and towering Imperial structures all make appearances. Every corner of this game screams Warhammer. And even as someone who’s not neck-deep in the lore, I couldn’t help but marvel at how much effort went into making this world feel alive (or dead, depending on how you look at it).

While I’m not the most lore-savvy person when it comes to the Warhammer 40K universe, I still found myself swept up in the game's atmosphere. And if you’re a die-hard fan, I suspect you’ll be over the moon (or is it hiveworld?) about how faithful this sequel is to the lore.

Where the Game Stumbles: A Few Rough Edges

No game is perfect, and Space Marine 2 has its fair share of issues. For starters, the boss fights can be a bit of a slog. Imagine trying to parry your way through a massive, swirling storm of enemies while a giant boss lumbers towards you. It gets messy fast, and not in the satisfying, blood-soaked way.

There are also some technical hiccups. I experienced frame rate drops and a few moments where the game just froze for no reason. And if you're playing on a PC, the load times can be agonizing. Hopefully, these issues get patched out in the near future, but they’re worth mentioning if you’re thinking of picking this game up right away.

Also, the AI teammates aren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed. In co-op, they’re a blast to play with. But when you’re solo, it can feel like you’re babysitting a couple of very dumb, very well-armed toddlers.

While Space Marine 2 brings a thrilling, immersive experience, some players may feel the game lacks innovation, especially when compared to more modern titles in the genre. Its reliance on nostalgia with repeated plot elements can leave long-time fans wanting more depth. Furthermore, the character development of Titus and his comrades is relatively shallow, failing to bring any significant evolution to the cast, which might be a missed opportunity for those looking for a richer narrative. Lastly, the game's combat can feel repetitive after extended play, with the melee mechanics becoming a chore, especially when the parry system falters under the weight of chaotic enemy swarms.

The Final Verdict: A Fun Return, But Not Revolutionary

So, where does Space Marine 2 land in the grand scheme of gaming? Well, it’s not going to win any Game of the Year awards, but it’s a solid, enjoyable sequel that delivers on the action front. For Warhammer 40K fans, this is probably a no-brainer. You get to step back into the hulking boots of Demetrian Titus, fight off hordes of Tyranids, and revel in the lore-filled universe that Warhammer fans know and love.

For those new to the series, it might not be the perfect entry point. The game’s reliance on established lore and a few clunky mechanics could be off-putting for newcomers. But if you’re looking for some heavy-hitting, gory action, and you don’t mind a few rough patches, Space Marine 2 is definitely worth a look.