Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,763 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Game Cover
Space Marine is just endless war. Thanks to powerful weapons and excellent pacing, that war is pretty damn fun.
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In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, play as Captain Titus, an Ultramarines Space Marine, in this action-packed third-person shooter. The Anniversary Edition includes the full game, original soundtrack, wallpapers, strategy guide, trailers, and all DLC packs. Wage war against Chaos Space Marines, using a variety of weapons and armor sets from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,763 reviews
story686 positive mentions
stability55 negative mentions
  • story1,622 mentions

    The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" is generally described as straightforward and predictable, often following familiar tropes within the Warhammer universe, such as the battle against an ork invasion and the emergence of chaos forces. While some players find the narrative engaging and well-paced, particularly for newcomers to the lore, others criticize it for being simplistic and lacking depth. Overall, the story serves its purpose to enhance the action-packed gameplay, making it enjoyable for fans of the franchise, despite its shortcomings in complexity and originality.

    • “The story is well written and just what you expect from a Warhammer third-person shooter: not too heavy, not too light, nicely sprinkled with lore throughout.”
    • “The well-paced storytelling and engrossing cutscenes keep players fully invested in the epic struggle for the emperor's glory.”
    • “The story is quite good and definitely gets more interesting as you play through the campaign.”
    • “The story is bland and essentially the bare minimum needed to pass for a game, with lines that represent a fundamental misunderstanding of what it is to live in the 40k universe.”
    • “The story is quite weak.”
    • “The story is predictable sure and the audio/dialogue is pretty shoddy; however, this still holds up fairly well and the gaming mechanics are enough to keep you intrigued.”
  • gameplay1,037 mentions

    The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" is characterized by a blend of third-person shooting and melee combat, reminiscent of titles like Gears of War, but without a cover mechanic. Players engage in visceral, fast-paced action that emphasizes aggression, utilizing a unique health regeneration system through executions, which adds a layer of strategy to combat. While the mechanics are generally satisfying and the combat feels impactful, some players note that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks depth, particularly in the later stages of the game.

    • “The gameplay is a blast, I replayed it in 2019, it still holds up.”
    • “The combat mechanics are fluid and responsive, allowing for precise strikes, brutal executions, and seamless transitions between weapons.”
    • “The gameplay is fast, fluid, and bloody good fun.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive, the story predictable and yet I had a blast.”
    • “The gameplay is painfully average third person shooting, but they do a great job capturing the 40k universe.”
    • “The gameplay can get monotonous at times and the end boss is a huge let down to an awesome build up, but if you like the setting and have a few hours to kill, I recommend this game whole-heartedly.”
  • graphics479 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising their quality considering the game's 2011 release, noting that they still hold up well today. While some players find the visuals dated and lacking in variety, others appreciate the art style and attention to detail that effectively captures the Warhammer 40,000 aesthetic. Overall, the graphics are generally regarded as solid for their time, contributing positively to the immersive experience despite some technical limitations.

    • “Great graphics, native 21:9 support, and really fun/challenging gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are awesome for it being a game from 2011.”
    • “You can tell that the developer had a passion for the franchise as many of the environments are beautiful and true to the art style of the franchise, the character models are amazing as well.”
    • “Drab graphics from start to finish.”
    • “The graphics, unfortunately, have aged very poorly.”
    • “It's aesthetically dull thanks to an overwhelming amount of grey and brown corridors replete with repeated assets and completely empty rooms.”
  • music130 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its epic and orchestral quality that enhances the gameplay experience, while others find it bland, repetitive, and forgettable. Many players appreciate the sound design and how the music complements the intense action, but some criticize it for being muted or lacking distinctiveness compared to previous titles in the series. Overall, while the soundtrack has its moments of greatness, it often fails to leave a lasting impression.

    • “The music is so epic and triumphant.”
    • “The game's sound design is equally impressive, featuring explosive weapon sounds, thunderous battle cries, and a haunting musical score that amplifies the tension and epic scale of the battles.”
    • “What makes Space Marine amazing is how it presents itself as a Warhammer 40k game; it's brutal and bloody, and carries that dark-ages medieval tone through its huge set pieces and large scale battles, scored with epic music that puts you right in the middle of your favorite grimdark universe.”
    • “The music is also terribly bland -- maybe this is a port issue or something else, but the music sounded really muted, dull, and dreadfully boring; which is bananas, because Dawn of War 1 & 2 have amazing soundtracks (two other Relic games).”
    • “Often the music can elevate a mediocre game to a higher level; sadly, the music here is easily forgettable.”
    • “The soundtrack is an orchestral piece that is so repetitive that you won't be able to tell the difference between songs.”
  • atmosphere97 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, capturing its grimdark aesthetic through detailed visuals, compelling sound design, and a strong narrative. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke the intense and brutal nature of the setting, making it a standout title for both fans and newcomers. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetitiveness, the overall atmospheric experience remains a highlight, with many considering it one of the best in the Warhammer 40k series.

    • “With its intense combat, captivating storyline, and visceral atmosphere, Space Marine - Anniversary Edition stands as a definitive edition that captivates fans of the Warhammer universe and newcomers alike.”
    • “The attention to detail in the character models, weapon designs, and intricate world-building immerses players in a visceral and atmospheric experience.”
    • “The writing, set pieces, voice acting (I mean, Mark Strong as Captain Titus, c'mon!) and atmosphere are nailed down to the 40k aesthetic, bringing the gothic, grim darkness of the future from the books to life.”
    • “It's art direction lacks atmosphere and the grim-dark feeling of a 40k universe and the characters are all about as cliched as you can get.”
    • “There's quite a bit of 40k atmosphere in Space Marine, but without context or understanding, much of it won't 'click' with players.”
    • “I rather enjoyed this and I must admit, having played a number of Warhammer 40k games throughout the years, this is the only one I've gone through that captured a fraction of the atmosphere and 'flavour' of the 40k universe.”
  • stability65 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with numerous players reporting various glitches and bugs, particularly in multiplayer modes, which can significantly impact gameplay. While some users note that the game runs well on certain platforms and has minimal game-breaking issues, others have encountered serious problems, such as freezing during critical moments in the campaign. Overall, while the game can be enjoyable, it suffers from stability issues that may deter players, especially in online play.

    • “In fact, it's nice to know that your current rig can most likely handle this game, and you know it'll be nice and bug-free.”
    • “This game looks great and runs great (even on my older hardware).”
    • “As for performance, it runs great and looks pretty nice despite being 13 years old.”
    • “Its a great game but I've encountered a campaign-ending bug in which after the flight sequence in chapter 3, the game freezes and then exits.”
    • “If you want to play it only online, don't buy it. The servers are super buggy; it's mostly host migration jumping people all around. It's a horrible experience.”
    • “Game is buggy, glitchy, and constantly freezes.”
  • replayability62 mentions

    The game's replayability is largely dependent on its multiplayer component, which many players find enjoyable and engaging, especially when playing with friends. However, the single-player campaign is often criticized for being short and lacking depth, resulting in low replay value outside of multiplayer modes and collectible achievements. Overall, while the multiplayer offers significant replayability, the single-player experience may not entice players to return after completion.

    • “The multiplayer component adds replayability and fosters a sense of community among players, allowing for thrilling and tactical online matches.”
    • “A complete game with infinite replayability.”
    • “Great game overall, lots of replay value, and multiplayer keeps the good times rolling.”
    • “Kinda short and there's not much for replayability, and the multiplayer is pretty basic, but it's fun.”
    • “While not a bad game per se, it lacks a lot of depth and any replayability.”
    • “There's not much replay value to the campaign and I don't see myself ever playing through it again.”
  • humor51 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its over-the-top, absurd elements, particularly the interactions with orks and the exaggerated scenarios that evoke laughter amidst the chaos. Players find the dialogue and character personalities, especially those of the orks and the space marines, to be genuinely funny, contributing to a lighthearted tone despite the game's brutal action. Overall, the blend of dark humor and comedic moments makes for an entertaining experience, appealing to both fans of the Warhammer 40k universe and newcomers alike.

    • “The funny little goblin man said I wasn't gonna kill him while there was a chainsword in his chest, very funny and silly 9/10.”
    • “Setpieces are hilariously over-the-top, just what you want from a 40k game.”
    • “This game had me literally laughing out loud as my bolter rounds, each and every one filled with the Emperor's fury, ripped through the filthy green xenos hides of countless orcs.”
  • grinding44 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often describing it as overly grindy with limited challenge. Many reviews highlight the lack of variety in combat and level design, leading to a monotonous experience, especially in multiplayer modes where achievements require extensive grinding. While some enjoy the mindless nature of the gameplay, the consensus is that the grind can detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.

    • “It's not grinding, it's not frustrating, it's nothing a game shouldn't be and everything it should.”
    • “It's not really challenging either, just grindy.”
    • “The only problem that I have with this game is that it gets a bit tedious after a bit.”
    • “Ultimately, this sucks all of the fun out of the game entirely, as it just becomes a ridiculously tedious grind, reliant more on luck and exploiting the quirks of the AI than skill.”
  • optimization39 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised by many users, with reports of smooth performance even on lower-end hardware, achieving consistent frame rates and minimal bugs. However, some players experienced significant performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, particularly on higher-spec machines. Despite these mixed experiences, the general consensus leans towards the game being well-optimized, especially for its age, with enhanced graphics and solid gameplay mechanics.

    • “Optimization is also good and almost zero bugs.”
    • “Furthermore, the edition features improved graphics, increased level of detail, and enhanced performance, ensuring a visually stunning and smooth gameplay experience.”
    • “I would also like to add that the game is extremely well optimized; the lowest FPS I got was 40 on medium-high settings, and I am fairly below the recommended system requirements.”
    • “This is one of the most poorly optimized games I've ever seen, experiencing random slowdowns and lagging frames even with a machine that well overpowers its minimum specs.”
    • “With little video settings to change, there isn't much wiggle room for people who want to tweak their performance issues, which you will probably have.”
    • “Been playing this game for a few hours and it's quite good, but there are big problems with sounds and lots of stuttering.”
  • emotional31 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is largely characterized by players feeling a strong connection to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with many expressing that it made them feel like powerful space marines capable of taking on hordes of enemies. While some reviews noted a lack of depth in the story and visuals, others highlighted the game's ability to evoke excitement and nostalgia, creating a sense of empowerment and attachment to the gameplay experience. Overall, the game successfully delivers an exhilarating and immersive emotional experience, despite some criticisms regarding its narrative depth.

    • “The story was very good and made me feel like I was a real space marine fighting hordes of Orks and Chaos. I can't wait for the second one to come out!”
    • “The score for this game feels suitably epic as well, delivering on some pretty emotional notes later in the game.”
    • “Great game if you're getting into Warhammer. You don't need to understand the lore, but it's easy to go along with. Solid story made me feel a part of the story and made me feel like a space marine.”
    • “Boring story, boring visuals carried only by how fun it is to slash through hordes of orks.”
    • “It has a boring story, boring visuals, plus I'm not really into the 40k universe.”
    • “Repetitive combat and what I considered to be a very boring story.”
  • character development23 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the depth and engagement of the characters, others criticize the lack of growth and likability, particularly for certain squad members. The character designs are generally well-received, showcasing intricate details and a faithful representation of the Warhammer lore, but many feel that the narrative could benefit from more substantial character arcs. Overall, while the visuals and action are highlighted as strong points, the character development leaves some players wanting more.

    • “Great character development, too.”
    • “The character development is second to none and the characters themselves are interesting.”
    • “The campaign is well structured and I love the character development.”
    • “Your squad consists of a geow dom Santiago wannabe and a typical by-the-book rookie, which surprisingly didn't have any character development and remained incredibly unlikable.”
    • “I've seen a lot of crying about character development, or the lack thereof when it comes to creating characters you empathize with.”
    • “The dialog isn't fantastic and the character development, well, isn't there.”
  • monetization13 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it as a cash grab due to its high price point and the presence of microtransactions, which they feel detract from the overall experience. Some users appreciate the lack of aggressive monetization strategies typical of modern games, noting that it offers a nostalgic return to classic gameplay without the burden of excessive DLC or microtransactions. Overall, while some players find value in the game, others feel it exploits its sequel's hype for profit.

    • “Microtransactions for a good cause.”
    • “This game is a great example of games long gone; now most games are 'open world' full of microtransactions.”
    • “Similar to old school third-person shooters, given what is currently on the market, it is a refreshing step back to classic good games without microtransactions and buggy gameplay.”
    • “Please, don't spend more than $10 on this cash grab.”
    • “But they jacked the price up to $60 as a cash grab to capitalize on the hype around the sequel.”
    • “Yes, we existing players got a few free skins, which honestly were a total cash grab DLC to begin with.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

Buy Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

Play time

8hMedian play time
60hAverage play time
8hMain story
21hCompletionist
6-23hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 30 analyzed playthroughs

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