It’s been over a decade since Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine first hit our gaming screens, and now we have Space Marine 2 stepping into the spotlight, staying true to what made the original a beloved cult classic. For those looking to grab a copy, there’s some good news: you can snag physical copies for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at the lowest price yet this Black Friday. If you’re more of a PC gamer, don’t worry; while the discount isn’t as steep, Fanatical offers Steam codes at $52.79, down from $59.99.
Unlike other high-octane games that are stuffed with every imaginable feature, Space Marine 2 thrives in its simplicity, because it doesn’t really need extra frills to captivate players. The storyline plunges us far into the 41st millennium, an era where the only constant is warfare. We follow Titus, an Ultramarine loyal to the Emperor of Mankind, as he returns to the battlefield after quite a long hiatus—several centuries, to be precise.
For those who might be unfamiliar, Warhammer 40,000’s universe is incredibly rich and complex. I’ve spent countless hours immersed in its lore, digging through codices, devouring novels set millennia in the past, and getting lost in fan theories online. What surprised me about Space Marine 2 is its approachability; it’s easy for any player to dive right in without needing to pause for research on the side. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on the iconic 40K vibe, featuring everything from mechanical cherubs to machine cultists aboard Titus’ battle barge. The game’s setting beautifully captures the vast, gothic grandeur and sometimes surreal elements of the Imperium of Man and Imperial Guard.
But let’s be honest—what truly steals the show is the combat. Titus doesn’t hold back as he tears through wave after wave of Tyranids, dispatching them with deadly precision using his gauntlets and crushing them beneath his boots. The arsenal adds to the thrill; who doesn’t enjoy roasting Rippers with a flamethrower or picking off enemies with a laser sniper rifle? It’s an absolute blast from start to finish.
