Summary

A deep dive into the grim darkness of the far future, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine delivers a compelling narrative and action-packed gameplay that captures the essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

• Release Year: 2011
• Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Shooter
• Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
• Developers: Relic Entertainment
• Publishers: THQ

Introduction

Set in the dark, dystopian future of the 41st Millennium, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine thrusts players into the role of Captain Titus, a Space Marine and seasoned veteran of countless battles.

Synopsis

The game’s protagonist is Captain Titus, a member of the Ultramarines, an elite section of the Space Marines. The Space Marines are genetically-engineered, cybernetically enhanced super soldiers referred to in-universe as ‘Adeptus Astartes’. The player engages enemies with both melee and ranged from a third-person point of view. The player character, Titus, has regenerative abilities. When his health gets low, performing some actions can allow Titus to regain a portion of his health. Titus is accompanied by the characters Sidonus and Leandros for most of the missions, though some missions are performed alone.

The game’s main antagonists are the Orks and the Forces of Chaos. The Orks are an alien race of brutish warriors. The Forces of Chaos are an even greater threat, and can summon monsters that live in a parallel dimension known as The Warp. Portals conjured by the Traitor Legions allow daemons to enter the battlefield.

The events of the story take place on Forge World Graia, a planet devoted to producing military weapons for the Imperium of Man which has been invaded by alien Orks. The game follows a Command Squad of three Ultramarines. The main characters are 2nd Company Commander and playable character Captain Titus (voiced by Mark Strong), his immediate subordinate Veteran Sergeant Sidonus, and a relatively inexperienced and by-the-book Tactical Marine named Leandros.

The gameplay experience of Space Marine focuses on a hybrid shooting and melee combat model. Space Marine does not feature a cover system, like that used in the Gears of War franchise. As a Space Marine, the player is given enhanced regenerative abilities and an Iron Halo containing a regenerative protective Conversion Field emitter. When the player’s health gets low, performing special kill moves called executions can allow Titus to get a portion of his health back.

Many of the iconic weapons used by the Space Marines in the Warhammer 40,000 universe are available to Captain Titus in the game, including Autocannon, Combat Knife, Chainsword, Power Axe, Bolter, Heavy Bolter, Stalker Pattern Bolter, Storm Bolter, Bolt Pistol, and Vengeance Launcher.

Characters

The game features a cast of memorable characters including Captain Titus, the steadfast leader; Sidonus, his loyal friend; and Leandros, a young Space Marine with a strict adherence to the Codex Astartes.

Gameplay

Gameplay combines third-person shooting and melee combat, offering players a range of weapons from the iconic Bolter to the Chainsword. Tactical decision-making and the use of cover are essential to survive the relentless enemy assaults.

Conclusion

With its intense action, deep lore, and engaging combat system, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine stands as a significant contribution to the Warhammer 40,000 video game library, offering both fans and newcomers an unforgettable experience.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern