Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition

74%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,271 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition Game Cover
Starting at €4.49Buy now
Get on Steam

Space Hulk: Deathwing - Enhanced Edition is a First-Person Shooter based on Games Workshop’s cult classic board game set in Warhammer 40,000 universe. Expanding upon the original game, and featuring a host of new content, new features and a richer multiplayer mode, the Enhanced Edition is the ultimate Space Hulk: Deathwing experience. Play as a Terminator of the Deathwing – the feared 1st Company…

Play Modes

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,271 reviews
story138 positive mentions
optimization42 negative mentions
  • story1,067 mentions

    The story in the game is generally considered lackluster and forgettable, serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling narrative. Players noted that the missions often feel repetitive, with objectives like "go here" or "defend this point," and the character interactions are minimal, leading to a sense of detachment from the plot. While some fans of the Warhammer 40k universe may appreciate the lore references, many reviewers felt that the storytelling could have been much more engaging and dynamic.

    • “The story is filled with mystery, intrigue, and ties to the wider Warhammer 40k universe.”
    • “The atmosphere, the story and the 'space hulk' feeling are nice, but the gameplay itself is mediocre.”
    • “The special missions generator mode is a welcome treat that offers a large amount of varied missions that increases replay value.”
    • “The story is extremely lackluster, with mission objectives that feel repetitive and uninspired. You just go from point A to point B, activating switches and defending areas without any real narrative depth.”
    • “The plot is negligible, even for Warhammer 40k: xenos need killing. The missions are just a series of 'go here, do that' tasks with little to no story to engage the player.”
    • “The story is just flat and the characters are just there to customize and shoot stuff, nothing more. It feels like an afterthought in a game that could have had a rich narrative.”
  • gameplay727 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the fun and engaging core mechanics reminiscent of titles like Left 4 Dead, particularly in cooperative multiplayer settings. However, numerous criticisms highlight issues such as repetitive gameplay, clunky mechanics, poor AI, and a lack of depth in mission variety, leading to a sense of monotony over time. While the atmosphere and visuals are praised, many feel that the gameplay does not live up to the potential of the Warhammer 40k universe, often resulting in a frustrating experience.

    • “The gameplay is top-notch and makes you properly feel like you're the one clanking around in the space hulk crushing some insects.”
    • “Atmosphere is great, gameplay is engaging, would definitely recommend.”
    • “The gameplay is fun, energetic, and fast-paced.”
    • “The gameplay is just disappointing, because even though you're firing massive caliber shells or plasma, the enemies aren't visibly affected in any way and continue charging at you.”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple and kind of boring; however, if you can get enough people to play co-op multiplayer, there is a lot of fun to be had here, and there is a huge amount of unlocks and customization for all the different classes.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely repetitive, with not much variety.”
  • graphics561 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, effectively capturing the dark and gothic aesthetic of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Many players noted that even on lower settings, the game maintains a high level of visual quality, with impressive environmental design and character models. However, some users reported minor graphical glitches and performance issues, suggesting that while the graphics are a highlight, they are not without flaws.

    • “The graphics are incredibly beautiful, with the ships looking ancient and awesome, and a ton of visual effects that teleport the player right into the middle of the action.”
    • “The graphics and visual style are great, some of the best for darker games and the settings are impressively featureful.”
    • “The visuals are beautiful even though the game isn't that new, and while the combat feels clunky, it is still fun to gib xeno scum.”
    • “This game is disappointingly mediocre once you get over the visuals.”
    • “The only thing the game has going for it in all honesty is the aesthetic, that's about it.”
    • “It's like someone dedicated 100% of time to visuals, but altogether forgot about gameplay and sound design.”
  • atmosphere400 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Space Hulk: Deathwing" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, featuring dark, gothic environments and detailed sound design that enhances the sense of tension and dread. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke the claustrophobic and oppressive feel of navigating a derelict space hulk, with many noting that the visuals and ambiance contribute significantly to the overall experience, despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics. Overall, the atmosphere is considered one of the game's strongest aspects, making it a compelling choice for fans of the franchise.

    • “The atmosphere is amazing!”
    • “The atmosphere, graphics, gameplay, and environments are all great and fit well with the 40k lore, and the weapons and equipment system is simple to a flaw.”
    • “The atmosphere and audio are very well done and although there isn't an abundance of perks or leveling up to do, I am finding it enjoyable enough to play when an online lobby can be found.”
    • “The atmosphere is there, but gameplay is becoming boring and unbearable after a couple of missions.”
    • “My biggest gripe is the intent for atmosphere and it completely misses the mark.”
    • “The atmosphere is well-suited to suspension of disbelief, but beyond atmosphere and character models, there isn't much depth to the game.”
  • optimization163 mentions

    The game's optimization has seen significant improvements, particularly in the enhanced edition, which addresses many of the performance issues that plagued the original release. While some players report smooth gameplay and stable frame rates, others still experience stuttering, crashes, and lag, especially in multiplayer modes. Overall, the optimization is better than before, but inconsistencies remain, indicating that further refinements are still needed.

    • “Mainly in the optimization part, the original used to lag even on the lowest graphic settings, but here I don't remember the game lagging at all on low settings.”
    • “The enhanced edition resolved all major performance issues of the game.”
    • “The performance is finally great as they obviously put a lot of effort into optimization.”
    • “Also very poor performance. My PC is: i9-9900k, 32GB, AMD 6950XT, Win10 and runs like shit.”
    • “When it isn't crashing, it's so badly optimized that your frames will swing around like a pendulum.”
    • “The game itself is horribly optimized; regular crashes are to be expected, improper triggering of events is consistent, pathing issues are normal, and when the game issues aren't stopping you from playing, most of the AI feels uninspired and frankly just poorly done.”
  • stability127 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Players frequently encounter problems such as mission glitches, AI malfunctions, and random freezes, leading to frustration in both single-player and multiplayer modes. While some users note improvements in the enhanced edition, many still find it to be a buggy and unfinished product, often unplayable due to connectivity and stability issues.

    • “Deathwing runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “It was bug-free for the most part and smooth.”
    • “Played many missions over 10 hours and haven't experienced a single crash or frame drop, which seems to be a big reason for the negative reviews. From my experience, the game runs great and I'm on max settings.”
    • “Sometimes the missions are glitching, for example you have a chance to not be able to finish a mission even if you complete the last objective or you can't get back in the mission after you respawn; sometimes you respawn with your hands frozen, you can literally just move and not be able to use any combat key; there are many random freezes which sometimes lead to crashes.”
    • “Ultimately, this could have been an amazing title, but once again, the foundation is far too buggy and shaky to ever result in a final, enjoyable product.”
    • “The multiplayer is dead and absurdly buggy for a game that's been out this long.”
  • music116 mentions

    The game's music is largely criticized for its absence, with many players noting a lack of a dynamic soundtrack that could enhance the gameplay experience. While some appreciate the minimalist ambient sounds for creating a tense atmosphere, others feel that the absence of engaging music detracts from the overall immersion and excitement, especially in a Warhammer 40k setting where epic soundtracks are expected. Overall, the sound design is seen as underwhelming, with many players opting to play their own music to fill the void.

    • “The music in the game is meant to be felt, not heard.”
    • “I actually liked the lack of intense music, because it made it more immersive like you are an actual space marine in an infested space hulk.”
    • “You could appreciate the somber tones of dark ambient music, the creaking space-hulk agonizing around you, but you hear steps and alien screams so you got nids to kill.”
    • “The game is ridiculously unbalanced but also lacks music which really should be there to have you immersed in the whole experience, sometimes the multiplayer just crashes for no reason.”
    • “The absence of combat music disturbed me, so I installed this mod.”
    • “There was no continuous soundtrack, which left the missions feeling emotionally barren, and the few musical stings were unremarkable.”
  • grinding108 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently criticized, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in single-player mode where AI companions can exacerbate the experience. While some enjoy the multiplayer for its potential fun, they still note that it often devolves into a grind for upgrades and achievements, making progress feel slow and unfulfilling. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has enjoyable elements, the grinding can detract significantly from the overall experience.

    • “It can be a bit grindy sometimes, but the rewards make it worth it.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.”
    • “The grinding aspect can be intense, but it adds depth to the gameplay.”
    • “Conclusion: there are some really great aspects of this game, but combat is just a grind that becomes tedious very quickly.”
    • “The grinding is just a chore, as the game is just too difficult; even with 4 player co-op, it must be nigh on impossible playing solo.”
    • “The main gameplay loop is uninspired and tedious, with boring quest types like 'go here, stand against the horde of repeating swarms' that make the experience feel like a chore.”
  • replayability73 mentions

    Replayability in this game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the high replay value offered by randomized missions, co-op gameplay, and character customization, while others criticize the limited content and repetitive nature of the missions. The addition of special missions and a progression system enhances replayability for some, but many feel that the lack of variety and a dwindling player base significantly diminish long-term engagement. Overall, while there are elements that can provide replayability, the game's longevity is hampered by its repetitive gameplay and limited maps.

    • “This mode enhances the game's replayability and offers a more enjoyable experience when playing with a well-coordinated squad.”
    • “The addition of new weapons, enemies, and multiplayer modes expands the replayability and enjoyment of the game, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive experience for players.”
    • “The special missions generator mode is a welcome treat that offers a large amount of varied missions that increases replay value.”
    • “But there's no replay value at all.”
    • “The multiplayer is okay for a few hours, but after doing every (short) mission a single time, the replay value is very low.”
    • “Overall it's a good game but when you boil it down it's not got a whole lot to it with its short campaign, limited replay value and limited multiplayer.”
  • humor29 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as a mix of absurdity and camaraderie, particularly when playing with friends, leading to hilarious moments despite the game's flaws. Players appreciate the dry humor and quirky interactions, especially in co-op modes, while some find the game's mechanics unintentionally funny due to exaggerated enemy health and lag issues. Overall, the humor is seen as a highlight, enhancing the enjoyment of the gameplay experience.

    • “Cheap as hell, funny as hell.”
    • “Funny shoot shoot game which is even funnier with da boyz (look at a video named heavy flamer heresy by the russian badger for more info on this perspective).”
    • “Games hilarious with friends.”
    • “This game is terrible, and no, it's not about getting good. I recognize that the approach is different from other co-op assignment-based shooters, but this is a serious problem of 'unfunny hard' due to the hardwired underpowering of the characters. I'm a terminator, not a guardsman.”
  • monetization18 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" that capitalizes on the Warhammer license without delivering a worthwhile experience. While there are no microtransactions or in-game purchases, some players feel misled by promotional materials that do not accurately represent the gameplay. Overall, the sentiment suggests that despite some cosmetic appeal, the game lacks depth and value, leading to disappointment among fans.

    • “Have not encountered any in-game purchases; what you buy at the start is the whole deal.”
    • “Cosmetics are not microtransactions, and they look incredibly wonderful, to the point I actually painted some of those cosmetic armor skins on my actual miniatures with varying degrees of success.”
    • “Yes, I have some gripes, especially around co-op… but Deathwing doesn’t position itself as a AAA title, with season passes or in-game microtransactions – it’s not priced at £50 - £60… so with the above caveats, enjoy it.”
    • “As much as I like the idea of playing a space marine fighting through a space hulk, this game is unfortunately nothing but a cash grab on the Warhammer license.”
    • “Save your money, not even worth it at 75% off; it's a cash grab using the Warhammer label.”
    • “This game in theory has everything a 40k fan can wish for - great visuals, very good sound, perfect premise... yet it fails to deliver, and all just because developers are only looking for a quick cash grab instead of creating a worthwhile game that could last and make them money continuously.”
  • character development13 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the character and enemy design as visually impressive but criticizing the lack of depth and emotional engagement. Players noted that the progression system feels grindy and linear, limiting meaningful character growth and connection. Overall, while the aesthetic aspects are well-executed, the gameplay lacks substantial character development opportunities.

    • “Character development and team play are on point.”
    • “The playable character designs are fantastic; they did a fantastic job here.”
    • “Excellent sound, environment, and character design.”
    • “I know I missed it initially because the multiplayer felt so linear and the character development and equipment were too tied to the level you happen to be on.”
    • “But if they had made the levels procedural, the game more open, and just opened up more character development for that hit of progression and a new goal to aim for all the time, wow.”
    • “Absolutely 0 character development, no reason to care or get emotionally involved with any part of this game.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while players appreciate the sense of camaraderie and the immersive experience of being in power armor, many feel stressed and exhausted by relentless combat. The lack of a continuous soundtrack and character development leaves some missions feeling emotionally barren, diminishing the potential for deeper engagement. Overall, the game evokes strong feelings of intensity and urgency, but fails to foster lasting emotional connections.

    • “I cried, called for the protection of the emperor and my mother.”
    • “A tough-as-nails FPS with some honest callbacks to the board game, the thing that impressed me most about Space Hulk was not the painstakingly decorated environments, nor the grisly, desperate combat, but rather the way it made me feel like I was actually inside of bulky power armor.”
    • “The first mission made me feel like a space marine cleansing the galaxy of xenos filth!”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition

Play time

7hMedian play time
26hAverage play time
3-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 23 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games