Played on an LG C3 55” OLED Display via Steam, Nvidia RTX 3080 and i9-10900k.
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Let’s rewind to the chaos of 2020. The pandemic disrupted everything—my Chemistry PhD included. With funding cut, I had two choices: keep working for free or move back home. I chose the latter, returning to the Midwest to regroup and rediscover my creative side. I’d once loved drawing and painting, but like many, I’d lost touch with it as life got more serious.
That’s when I stumbled into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. I’d known about it for years but had never dived in. I picked up a holiday box of Necrons from my local game store, grabbed some paints, and started my journey into the hobby. Soon, I was devouring the lore, mesmerized by Necrons and Tyranids. But one faction eluded me: the Space Marines. They seemed so bland, so generic—until I cracked open Horus Rising, the first book of the Horus Heresy. In a flash, I was hooked. These weren’t the bland poster boys I’d dismissed. They were deeply complex, iconic warriors with a rich, sprawling history.
I was all in. My Dark Angels army grew, and so did my hunger for more. That’s when I discovered Relic’s 2011 hack-n-slash title, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine.
In this game, you step into the hulking armor of the Space Marine Titus, a Captain of the Ultramarines Chapter—some of the toughest and most honorable warriors in the Imperium. Your mission? Help the Imperial Guard fend off an Ork invasion on Forge World Graia, while awaiting reinforcements. It’s a straightforward premise, but this game delivers so much more.
Clocking in at around 12 hours on my first run, Space Marine delivers a tight, action-packed campaign. You’ll charge through 18 chapters across desert wastes, towering city-sized machines, and labyrinthine sewers, battling the relentless Ork hordes. For Warhammer fans, it’s a feast of lore and atmosphere. But even if you’re not steeped in the universe, the gameplay itself is incredibly satisfying.
The Orks are a riot—a green, cockney-accented tidal wave of destruction, eager for a good scrap. Whether you’re facing Shoota Boys, ‘Ard Boys, or the massive Slugga Nobs, these enemies come at you in droves, providing a perfect mix of challenge and humor in the bleak setting of Warhammer.
And the weapons—oh, the weapons! From the moment you swap your basic pistol and knife for a Bolter, Space Marine shines. The sound design, the sheer weight behind each shot, makes every pull of the trigger feel powerful. You’re not just firing bullets—you’re unleashing .75-caliber rounds that shred through enemies. The melee weapons are just as satisfying. Chainswords tear foes apart with a brutal elegance, and the Thunder Hammer? It’s like smashing enemies with a speeding truck.
The combat system is where Space Marine truly stands out. Forget regenerating health—if you want to survive, you have to dive headfirst into battle. Stun enemies, pull off brutal finishing moves, and watch as your health returns in a visceral, blood-soaked reward for your aggression. It’s a masterful loop of melee, gunplay, and explosions, all while managing your Fury meter for those crucial moments of enhanced damage and slow-motion precision. The result? You feel like an unstoppable force—an embodiment of everything a Space Marine should be.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a power fantasy perfected. It captures the sheer might of the Emperor’s finest, placing you in larger-than-life battles against impossible odds. Every swing, every shot, every explosion feels like a glorious testament to the brutal majesty of the Warhammer universe. For fans of the lore, it’s a dream come true. And even if you’re new to the setting, it’s an adrenaline-fueled ride you won’t forget.
In the end, Space Marine isn’t just a game—it’s a love letter to one of sci-fi’s most iconic factions. It’s pure, unadulterated machismo, and I can’t get enough of it.
If you are interested in other game reviews, please read my review of How Fish is Made! You can also follow me on Twitter for updates and Instagram for travel photos and in-game screenshots!
