In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war. Mankind is assailed on all sides by the mutant, the alien, the heretic. The fragile flame of humanity’s existence flickers against the tides of eternal war but a glimmer of hope exists in the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines. In the year 2011, Relic Entertainment beckoned players to don the hallowed power armour of the Ultramarines and become Captain Titus in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, a third-person action game that offered a relentless, unapologetically grimdark experience. In a world where most Warhammer 40K videogames remained faithful to their tabletop primogenitors dealing with strategy and tactics, Space Marine hit like a power-fist to the face with its visceral third-person combat.
The narrative of Space Marine is somewhat sparse on background information. It thrusts players into the midst of a devastating Ork invasion on Forge World Graia, where the Ultramarines stand as humanity’s last line of defence. While the storyline might not rewrite the annals of gaming history, it weaves a tale that is rich in Warhammer 40k lore and garnished with the grimness and brutality characteristic of the setting. The game’s narrative is laced with nods to the vast lore of the 41st millennium, immersing players deeper into the grimdark universe and keeping the game true to its Warhammer 40k roots.
Suggested read: Get the low-down on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
The essence of Space Marine lies primarily in the combat experience it offers. As one steps into the boots of a genetically enhanced, eight-foot-tall armoured warrior, it becomes abundantly clear that this game is all about unrelenting Ork-slaying. While some players might raise an eyebrow at the seemingly repetitive nature of combat, the true beauty lies in the way it masterfully captures the spirit of being a Space Marine.
The weight of the armour is palpable as you move, reinforcing the sheer physicality of the Space Marines, who are anything but ordinary soldiers. You can harness the powered features of your armour for devastating charges into Ork mobs or agile evasive manoeuvres. Space Marine eschews the cover system featured in Gears of War relying on heavy armour and rapid movement to quickly engage the enemy. The jetpack adds an extra layer of excitement, enabling powered leaps, bounds, and dramatic power slams onto your foes. It’s in these moments that the game excels at making you truly feel like a superhuman warrior, and the satisfaction of these visceral actions is unmatched.
Space Marine elegantly marries both ranged and melee combat, a tribute to the versatility of the Adeptus Astartes. Your arsenal includes the standard-issue bolt pistol, with options for more potent firearms such as Heavy Bolters, Lascannon, Melta-guns and Plasma Cannon. The game’s controls facilitate seamless transitions between ranged and melee modes, ensuring that you can go from mowing down Orks from afar to finishing them off with brutal melee executions.
The most iconic melee weapon in the game is the chainsword, the quintessential 40K death-dealer, a roaring blade adorned with a chainsaw edge. It is incredibly enjoyable to wield, allowing for light and heavy attacks, as well as stunning foes. The finishing move option, triggered when an enemy is stunned, not only provides visceral animations of dismemberment but also replenishes your health, a vital mechanic since health does not otherwise regenerate in this unforgiving universe.
While the melee weapon options are more limited in the single-player campaign, the chainsword alone is enough to satiate your appetite for close-quarters brutality. Combos are possible, though it’s worth noting that if you initiate a combo while not aligned with an enemy, your Space Marine still completes the entire animation sequence, even if swinging at thin air. It’s a small imperfection in an otherwise immersive experience.
As you accumulate kills, a rage meter fills up. When fully charged, activating rage mode can yield slow-motion precision in ranged combat or unleash powerful melee strikes, making it a valuable resource in the midst of battle. This mechanic adds depth to the combat system, allowing players to strategize when to unleash their fury for maximum effect.
While Space Marine unapologetically focuses on Ork-slaying, it’s the undeniably fun combat and the constant adrenaline rush that keeps players engaged. Some might find the combat repetitive, but the enjoyment factor remains high. However, the relatively short campaign duration might leave players craving more, and for those seeking replay value, the multiplayer mode steps in to offer an enticing alternative.
Multiplayer matches pit Space Marines against Chaos Marines in team-based conflicts, accommodating up to eight players per side. Two game modes, team deathmatch and control point capture, provide the primary gameplay experiences. While the game features a limited selection of game modes and maps compared to modern titles, the allure of all-out battles between Space and Chaos Marines is a unique selling point. Players can choose from three classes: Assault, Devastator, and Tactical, each with distinct strengths and abilities. Customization options become available as players progress and reach level five, enabling personalized armor, paint, and logos. The depth of customization is a notable feature, allowing players to create their unique Space Marine or Chaos Marine look.
However, the multiplayer mode, while enjoyable, does have its limitations. The somewhat limited modes and maps may lead to a sense of repetition over time. Balancing issues can also be challenging, as new players may face high-level opponents, affecting their overall experience. Still, the thrill of wielding chainswords and engaging in intense battles compensates for these shortcomings.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a game that understood its roots. It paid homage to the Warhammer 40k universe’s grandeur and the gritty, blood-soaked combat that defines it. For fans of the grimdark setting, this game is a must-play, but even newcomers can appreciate the exhilarating combat and the immersive world it offers.
Relic Entertainment’s expedition into the Warhammer 40K universe with Space Marine was a brutal tribute to the lore’s relentless darkness, forging a brutally captivating and blood-soaked gaming experience for all. In the grim and foreboding universe of Warhammer 40K, this game stands as a testament to humanity’s desperate struggle, where hope clings to a thread, upheld by the mightiest of warriors, the Space Marines. It remains a definitive title in the Warhammer 40k gaming pantheon, a testament to the unyielding spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable darkness.
