Warhammer 40k: Space Marine PC Review

I have seen the future... and it is glorious. That is, if you're captain Titus of the elite squad known as the Ultramarines, as for anyone else, well I can only be certain that they won't have nearly as much fun.

Game Overview

You begin your campaign on an 'ork' flying craft, from there you are immediately thrown into battle against their swarming defenses. You don't panic though, because you're the mighty lord, Captain Titus, who has seen and dealt with far worse. After following the on screen 'suggested' attacks (or not) and slaying 100 enemies you will have unlocked your first achievement in Space Marine. Wielding a firearm in one hand (with a total of 4 at any one time to switch from) and your melee weapon in the other, you are the ideal killing machine or in this case upholder of justice.

I couldn't get enough of the close combat and watching my chainsword slice through a wave of enemies as I put together combos and appropriately finished any lone survivors off with a slow-motion execution move. That includes the animations, which are so smooth and engaging as the orks are practically falling on my blade.

Just when I thought I might be getting a little bored with my chainsword I was upgraded to a lightning infused axe, appropriately termed the power axe. That meant new combos and new awesome combat animations. Truthfully it wouldn't have mattered though, I'm not too picky when I'm given a new sharp glowing weapon. 

Did I mention you're given a jet pack on a few special occasions throughout your quest to recapture the forge world, and that its use in smashing your enemies from above is very satisfying? In Space Marine, jet pack is called a 'jump pack' and jump pack = Fun! So much so that when my man Titus would say, "Out of fuel" and drop it into oblivion I found myself fighting off the onset of what was most likely a serious case of depression.

And finally, quite a bit later in the game, we are introduced to the almighty thunderhammer, which is so thunderously huge and epic, that you are only allowed the use of your 2 basic guns while wielding it. That's more than okay though, because let's be honest, it's a freaking thunderhammer...

I was going to show another one of my totally lam..err I mean totally awesome!.. videos but I came across this one that seemed slightly more informative.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not usually one to follow the story of a game, let alone actually be interested in it. That being said, I should congratulate Relic Entertainment because it kept my attention for a good part of Space Marine's story. A difficult feat for a game that also had such entertaining gameplay awaiting me after almost every cut scene.

PvP
After the campaign (besides repeating on a higher difficulty level) there is still the option to PvP in the online multiplayer which although is nothing particularly special, with the typical objectives (capture this, defend that), your typical leveling system, perks etc. Regardless, it provides a reason to continue playing and for some it may be enough to purchase the game if you're the online multiplayer type. One thing I did like about the PvP though, being the noob that I am, was the option to copy your killer's loadout after each death. It's a simple way to help balance the playing field and balanced PvP makes me happy.

Tips

I don't think that tin can on his head is laser proof

- Grenades are your friend, don't be afraid to use them generously
- When facing a Nob (elite ork) or other higher ranking enemies, be sure to furiously spam your left mouse button when trying to execute them, or they will counter your execute
- Your aiming sights will turn yellow when you have an enemy or an explosive in them (basically anything that your bullets will affect), knowing this can come in handy
- Tap the left shift key to sprint/charge at your enemies and right click when you're in range to knock them down

Pros

- Exciting array of powerful weapons at your disposal, including my favorites, the jump pack and thunderhammer

- Mission content is varied and creative
- The world, especially in jump pack usable areas, is huge and impressive
- Relic Entertainment tells an engrossing story of bloodshed, betrayal and brotherhood
- Awesome execute animations
- The game itself was just a heck of a lot of fun


Cons
- Slow executes don't slow the enemies around which leaves you vulnerable to attack. And being your only reliable source for health gain, you're likely already in some trouble.

- On rare occasions mobs would bug out and get stuck, usually around the boundaries of the world

Other Thoughts/Suggestions
- Not sure you're ready to buy the full game?? No problem, download the free demo here and give it a go yourself
- I played the entire game on normal difficulty and a fair amount of PvP and not once did I encounter any type of crash or other problem that kept me from enjoying my purchase

- There were some gaps between enemies that were just too long. I would run through room after room and get impatient waiting for my next ork filled room to slaughter
- Now, if I'm going to be completely honest here, there are way too many elevators in the future. No really, that's a legitimate complaint. It went something like this,
"Let's get out of here, quick get on that lift!"
"There's only one way we're getting out of this, and that's down the lift over there."

Oh thank the Warhammer gods

Is it a problem? Of course not, I just could have used a bit more variety was all. 

Bugs

- There weren't too many and none that I came across were anything to worry about

- Mostly just npc's getting stuck or in this case not being able to reach or detect me, which is always fun:

Score - 84
Space Marine had me from the beginning with its honourable hero and his awesome accent, from there I was engulfed in its superb combat animations, addictive gameplay and fresh level design. The only thing holding it back for me, was the lack of content for those not so fond of PvP.