Which new over-the-shoulder shooter features bulky armored soldiers and chainsaw-enhanced weapons? Everyone knows that the Gears of War and Warhammer 40K universes have similarly equipped heroes, so it’s odd to see their latest installments debut weeks apart. Space Marine looks a whole lot like Epic’s popular trilogy, albeit with sleeker world design and a color palette borrowed from Darksiders. Thankfully, though, Relic’s adaptation of the old tabletop-miniatures game has a compelling mix of frantic shooting and short-range combat that helps sharpen its sci-fi edge.
Space Marine thrusts your hulking warrior into the raging conflict between humans and Orks, which unfolds via giddily violent conquests through cold corridors and dusty canyons alike. Despite a serious narrative, the speedy combat lightens up the experience, with frantic confrontations that quickly become over-the-top bloodbaths thanks to the pairing of ranged combat and up-close encounters. One minute, you’re blasting away with military firearms and powerful energy-based weapons; the next, you’re gratuitously slicing creatures in half with a chainsaw-sword or glowing battleaxe.
Frequent weapon additions, powered-up special moves, and even occasional jetpack use (but no Gears-like cover system) keep the campaign lively and stimulating, but the inability to play missions cooperatively is peculiar for a game about a trio of soldiers. This seemingly obvious omission makes the battlefield feel a bit lonely at times, even with A.I. comrades in sight.
Curiously, the online multiplayer side also seems thin, with just team deathmatch and domination-style matches for up to 16 players. That said, the three customizable player classes all feel tremendously distinct, as exclusive weapons and abilities for each class really change how they control in battle, plus you can paint individual armor pieces — just like the miniatures that inspired the game. The intriguing battles probably aren’t meaty enough to replace your online shooter of choice, but they should ensure regular respawns from genre fans.
Engaging combat carries Space Marine’s campaign and multiplayer a long way, although we can’t help but feel like a little more time — or maybe ambition — would have made this game a superstar. Still, it’s one heck of an entertaining fragfest, and the ideas here should nicely set up a bolder, hopefully more memorable sequel.
*****
Ork Attack! Info on the upcoming free DLC for Space Marine!
We also tried Exterminatus, the Horde-like online co-op mode that arrives as free DLC for all players 30 days after launch. Four players battle foes in one of two arenas, each with four levels of five enemy waves each, plus occasional quick challenges. It’s familiar stuff, but a very fun bonus nonetheless.
+ Fast-paced and remarkably gory combat comes at a constant clip.
+ Stellar presentation throughout — especially the level design.
– Multiplayer’s fun but limited, plus no campaign co-op.
? Who’s bold enough to rock all-pastel armor?
