"Old-School" Action: Journalists Get Their Hands on Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2
Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2, a new action game set in one of the most gloriously over-the-top sci-fi universes ever conceived, is set to hit shelves in just a month. Ahead of its release, members of the gaming press were given a sneak peek, and their initial impressions are in.
Journalists and streamers were treated to a slice of the game's single-player campaign and a taste of its multiplayer mode. The overall consensus? The game is a fun, brutal good time. While preview coverage wasn't overflowing with gushing praise, it was notably absent of any serious criticism. The game's visuals, its "old-school" gameplay, and its co-op mode all received positive mentions.
Co-op Comparisons and Combat Quirks
Speaking of co-op, the "Operations" mode drew comparisons to Warhammer 40k: Darktide, earning praise for its progression system, diverse character builds, and class variety. However, Eurogamer noted that Fatshark's Darktide might still hold the edge when it comes to engaging gameplay, suggesting that Space Marine 2's action can sometimes boil down to mowing down hordes of Tyranids from afar without much tactical nuance.
On the downside, journalists did point out a few quirks with the combat system. Saber Interactive has attempted to expand on Relic Entertainment's original formula by incorporating dodges and parries reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. However, IGN felt that these additions detracted from the game's core focus on delivering satisfying, visceral combat.
Technical Hiccups and a Promising Future
The game's technical performance also received some scrutiny, particularly in the single-player campaign. Eurogamer encountered audio bugs and noticeable frame-rate dips during their playthrough.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is being touted as a potential hit, one that should resonate with fans of the genre and the setting alike. While it may have a few rough edges, these are generally overshadowed by its over-the-top action. Whether it all comes together into something truly special remains to be seen. We'll find out for sure when the game launches on September 9th.
