Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
If you’ve always found it funny that Games Workshop's miniature table-top war-game has puny pawns representing towering, galaxy-saving titans, you’ll be pleased to hear that that irony isn't lost on developer Saber Interactive's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II. The third-person shooter sequel – based on that same universe populated by hand-painted figurines – features hulking heroes that make Gears of War's gun-toting grunts look like angry gnomes.
When its titular super-soldier protagonist Demetrian Titus shoulders one of his beefier weapons, nearly a third of the screen is swallowed up by his substantial presence. This is by no means a complaint though, as the Ultramarine's sequoia–rivaling size perfectly complements the game's obscenely over-the-top, smile-inducing combat. Whether opening alien attackers from bellybutton to brainstem with a buzzing Chainsword, or barely putting a dent in a thousand-plus swarm of baddies from afar with a bolt rifle, Space Marine 2's crunchy, blood-drenched blend of up-close and ranged combat is endlessly satisfying.
Space Marine II's environments are as pretty as the protagonist's gleaming power armor.
It doesn't hurt that the sequel improves on its predecessor's button-mashing gameplay with a bit more strategic depth. Sure, you can still pile the corpses sky high by spamming attacks, but more challenging encounters also call on you to master new dodging, parrying, and execution mechanics. And in an especially nice touch, leveraging the latter, gore-soaked skill will even replenish your shield. The added nuance is a welcome inclusion that injects just enough variety without ever threatening to pull you from the power fantasy.
The chaotic, entrail-spilling skirmishes are further complemented by an absolutely stunning visual presentation that remains authentic to the franchise's nearly 40-year-old roots, while also breathing fresh life — and lots of death — into it with an eye-popping, next-gen paint job. Varied, enormous, and packed with slick effects and sharp details, Space Marine II's environments are as pretty as the protagonist's gleaming power armor.
If Space Marine II stumbles a bit, it's in its storytelling and character development. These elements do a more than serviceable job supporting the near non-stop slaughter, but you'll be hard pressed to recall their specifics after the credits roll. That said, you'll likely be compelled to dive back in to tackle a second playthrough alongside some co-op mates, or take the excellent team-based and competitive modes for a spin.
If you're craving a deep, engaging narrative supported by layered characterizations, you might want to skip Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. But if you're looking to carve up thousands of ugly aliens from behind a roaring Chainsword — while saturating beautifully realized, grimdark battlefields with the blood and viscera of your enemies — this sci-fi romp doesn't disappoint.