Arriving over ten years after its forerunner, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 captures the spirit of the original Space Marine with remarkable fidelity. This long-awaited update is now available at an impressive discount for Black Friday, with physical copies for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at their lowest prices yet. Although the PC version doesn’t see as sharp a price cut, Fanatical offers Steam codes for $52.79, down from the usual $59.99.
Space Marine 2 chooses not to clutter its design with unnecessary features found in other large-scale action games, and it thrives without them. The storyline unfolds in the distant future of the 41st millennium—a setting where war is the only constant. In this universe, Titus, an Ultramarine dedicated to the Emperor of Mankind, is back in action following a two-century hiatus.
For those who have delved deeply into the expansive universe of Warhammer 40,000, including myself, the game’s accessibility is a noteworthy achievement. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in codices, rulebooks, and novels, and explored fan theories online. Space Marine 2 excels by being straightforward to dive into; there’s no need to consult additional resources to follow the plot. Despite this simplicity, it fully embraces the 40K aesthetic, complete with elements like robotic cherubs and machine cult aspirants aboard Titus’s battle barge. The main campaign perfectly encapsulates the grandiose, gothic, and occasionally outlandish style of the Imperium of Man and the Imperial Guard.
What truly stands out in the game is the combat. Titus tears through waves of Tyranids, dismantling them with his gauntlets and crushing them underfoot. The addition of entertaining weapons, such as a flamethrower for crisping Rippers or a laser sniper rifle, transforms the action into a thrilling adventure.
