‘Space Marine II’ game review: A brutal return to Warhammer’s Universe

Warhammer 40K’s ‘Space Marine II’
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Warhammer 40K series has long commanded a loyal following, with its sprawling universe spanning tabletop games, art supplies, and video games. Space Marine, a landmark entry in this universe, was first released in 2011 and quickly became a hit for its gritty action gameplay. Now, over a decade later, Space Marine II brings back the heavy combat in glorious detail.

Set in a dark future where mechanised warriors battle monstrous enemies, Space Marine II centres around Captain Demetrian Titus, who returns as part of a Deathwatch squad (a team of disgraced soldiers seeking redemption on the frontlines). After a crash, Titus finds himself alone in enemy territory, fighting through waves of insectoid Tyranids while uncovering sinister forces at play.

Newcomers to Warhammer 40K might feel like they are diving into The Lord of the Rings via The Silmarillion, but Space Marine II’s story eases players into the lore without demanding encyclopaedic knowledge. With enough references to satisfy dedicated fans and a straightforward storyline for newcomers, Saber Interactive has crafted a narrative that anyone can enjoy.

Drawing from third-person action staples like Gears of War and Souls titles, Space Marine II delivers a thrilling combat experience. Players wield Titus’s iconic chainsword, shredding through enemies in fluid combos of melee and gunplay. The game rewards aggressive play — health and shields recharge as you mow down hordes, lending a fierce urgency to every encounter.

The weapons are powerful and satisfying, and while melee is the highlight, the gunplay holds its own, especially when facing swarms of Tyranids. Though later missions feel a bit repetitive, the combat mechanics are solid enough to keep you hooked.

Multiplayer content

With a well-paced campaign, Space Marine II has enough to keep players engaged, and its multiplayer and co-op options promise even more gameplay variety. The game’s roadmap includes a stream of upcoming content, giving fans more reasons to dive back in. Helldivers 2, a comparable galactic bug-hunt game, uses a live-service approach, but Space Marine II’s straightforward action may hold broader appeal.

Behind the gritty, intense gameplay is an artfully crafted universe. The Warhammer 40K aesthetic comes alive in Space Marine II, with immersive environments, striking character models, and combat animations that feel heavy and impactful. The screen fills with enemies during battle, sometimes making it difficult to track the action — best experienced on a large screen for maximum clarity.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II is a gripping action game, blending Warhammer lore with a solid campaign and online modes. While it could feel repetitive over time, Saber Interactive has laid a solid foundation for future expansions.