Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 708 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 440 out of 708
  2. Mixed: 191 out of 708
  3. Negative: 77 out of 708
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  1. Zarmi
    Oct 8, 2011
    7
    Overall great game, especially in the single player. This game really excels at giving you the feeling of power as you strike down twenty orks at once and run along to kill some more! The transition from melee to ranged and back is smooth and it's not even worth complaining about. While the story in the single player is nothing to write home about, and not even canon, it still sets up anOverall great game, especially in the single player. This game really excels at giving you the feeling of power as you strike down twenty orks at once and run along to kill some more! The transition from melee to ranged and back is smooth and it's not even worth complaining about. While the story in the single player is nothing to write home about, and not even canon, it still sets up an adventure that does what it's supposed to: To lead you to the next battle. Overall, the single player is a good piece of work, and to top it off the graphics are pretty shiny. If only the same could be said for the multiplayer. The multiplayer is by far a simple console port, and not even really good. Due to the fact it runs on P2P servers, it means that you will randomly die to a shot that actually hit you four seconds ago, and you will be unable to dodge a big hammer from the Assault class, effectively removing your top half body from the lower. The lag is the main issue, as the rest of the multiplayer is the pretty standard stuff. There's team deathmatch, and a second mode where you fight for contested zones. Overall, pretty simple stuff, but it might just keep you hooked for a while after you're done with the singleplayer, due to the leveling system.… Expand
  2. MrHuk
    Sep 17, 2011
    7
    Overall Space Marine is a very good game that any Warhammer fan will enjoy. The campaign is fantastic with brilliant voice acting and cut scenes that really bring you into the action. There's about 8 - 10 hours worth of gameplay on hard difficulty and I loved every minute of it (yes, even when I was dying!). Sadly the multiplayer isn't even in the same league as the single player, which isOverall Space Marine is a very good game that any Warhammer fan will enjoy. The campaign is fantastic with brilliant voice acting and cut scenes that really bring you into the action. There's about 8 - 10 hours worth of gameplay on hard difficulty and I loved every minute of it (yes, even when I was dying!). Sadly the multiplayer isn't even in the same league as the single player, which is why I've only given the game a 7/10 overall, with a better multiplayer it could have easily gotten an 8/10 in my book. The multiplayer uses a P2P system instead of dedicated servers which causes all the usual problems (host advantage, drop outs, massive lag, warping, migration issues etc) but that's only part of the problem, the other major issue is the lack of content, there's only 5 maps and 2 modes and it gets boring really fast, I'm currently rank 38 (41 max) and I'm already too bored to bother getting to 41, I will make it, but slowly.

    A good start from Relic, and I expect great things from Space Marine 2, but it will all depend on how well they flesh out the multiplayer and if they correct their stupid decision and use dedicated servers.

    SP: 8/10
    MP: 6/10
    Overall: 7/10    … Expand
  3. HighwayUK
    Oct 9, 2011
    7
    First attempt at a 3rd person shooter and it shows, some of it works well but theres little new that hasnt been done to death in GOW except the Warhammer universe as a backdrop, just seem to lack that vital ingredient that keeps in pushed into tthe also ran clone games, rather than a genre leader
  4. Raskull
    Sep 12, 2011
    7
    Not bad for what we all knew was going to be a console port. I actually think it's easier to play on PC than my PS3 and it looks better on PC. I already liked this franchise and found the single player fun. The combat system is a proven one, like playing God of War in the Space Marine universe, and the switch from melee to ranged weapons is executed very well. The graphics and sound areNot bad for what we all knew was going to be a console port. I actually think it's easier to play on PC than my PS3 and it looks better on PC. I already liked this franchise and found the single player fun. The combat system is a proven one, like playing God of War in the Space Marine universe, and the switch from melee to ranged weapons is executed very well. The graphics and sound are top notch and make you feel immersed in the combat (depending on your weapon, some of the kills are pretty wicked). My only copmlaints are the limited field of vision at times causing me to get stuck on things or shooting walls when it appeared I had a clear line of sight and there is no real cover system. I was able to run through it pretty quick on normal (yeah.....not a big fan of hard cuz I'm not a pro gamer and like to enjoy the game....not yell at it). The multiplayer is enjoyable as well. Not a big fan of the lobby system though......it's pretty much a Call of Duty/Modern Warfare style of lobby. This should be expectd though from a console port and I highly doubt anyone is going to spend their hard earned money on a dedicated server for this game when we have BF3 coming out in a month. Also, there is no option to turn off the mic's except to individually mute everyone (which isn't that hard to do but is annoying to have to do it every round). As it has been stated, for some unknown reason they are automatically on and ALL of them are ACTIVE AT THE SAME TIME. Also, there are only 2 modes, a death match mode and a capture the flag style mode. It isn't bad but a little more variety, like protect the Inquisitor mode or a running of the squigs would keep the multiplayer fresh instead of it getting stale. A co-op mode for the campaign would have been nice too, wonder why they didn't do that.....… Expand
  5. daveyy12
    Nov 14, 2011
    7
    The overriding theme in this game is shooting, and all the action keeps you on your toes. If you're looking for a story line or RP, this isn't the game for you. In general, I can see reasons for the mixed reviews. If you're a gamer who grew up on video games, I can see where this game might be boring. However, if you're an old guy like me (60+), this type of game is great.
  6. AlienSpaceBats
    Jul 6, 2012
    7
    Not spectacularly innovative, but fun in places. The game is a little one-dimensional in that there are only three enemy types - Orks, more Orks and Chaos forces, gameplay ranges from "go here, shoot that" to "go there, shoot this". Multiplayer is a much-needed addition and offers deathmatches as well as co-op style matches. Possibly offers more for the WH40K fan than to those who areNot spectacularly innovative, but fun in places. The game is a little one-dimensional in that there are only three enemy types - Orks, more Orks and Chaos forces, gameplay ranges from "go here, shoot that" to "go there, shoot this". Multiplayer is a much-needed addition and offers deathmatches as well as co-op style matches. Possibly offers more for the WH40K fan than to those who are unaware of the Games Workshop franchise. Not a bad buy but would recommend only doing so if found for under £10.99.… Expand
  7. ce111
    Sep 6, 2011
    7
    Not a bad game by any means. It won't win game of the year or anything but it is enjoyable. It does feel a bit too short and multiplayer is a bit lame right now but hopefully some tweeks to it are on the way. The game feels violent and gritty, as it should. The camera angles are a bit crappy and certainly elements of the game feel a bit forced. Not to mention that the voice acting isNot a bad game by any means. It won't win game of the year or anything but it is enjoyable. It does feel a bit too short and multiplayer is a bit lame right now but hopefully some tweeks to it are on the way. The game feels violent and gritty, as it should. The camera angles are a bit crappy and certainly elements of the game feel a bit forced. Not to mention that the voice acting is pretty bad but then again this game really isn't about the story. In my opinion, this game is a fine addition to the Warhammer 40,000 IP.… Expand
  8. Rosiello
    Sep 10, 2011
    7
    Space Marine is a good game, not great 'cause it has its flaws.

    The premise is quite simple if you know the lore: you are a Space Marine, a genetically altered soldier with a massive powered armour. An Imperial Forge World (a planet-wide factory) has been overrun by orks. Go and kick'em the hardest you can. And that is the single player campaign, a gore-fest like no other. You can    Space Marine is a good game, not great 'cause it has its flaws.

    The premise is quite simple if you know the lore: you are a Space Marine, a genetically altered soldier with a massive powered armour. An Imperial Forge World (a planet-wide factory) has been overrun by orks. Go and kick'em the hardest you can.

    And that is the single player campaign, a gore-fest like no other. You can fight in range mode or melee mode, and the controls are so flawless you can change from one mode to the other with a button. The action is glorious, it's difficult to describe how powerful you'll feel in the armour of a Space Marine, but every step makes the screen tremble, every blow makes bodies fly, every bullet shot sprays litres of blood. You'll feel awesome.

    The combat system doesn't let you take cover like, for example, in Gears of War. You have two health meter: the armor that regenerates over time and your health. When the health is low, go into the fray and perform a finishing move on an enemy, this will make you heal. It may sound silly, but once you're in a fight it performs extraordinarily well. The graphics are good. The characters are modeled so perfectly and so finely animated, that you won't notice the rather low-res textures. The level design is quite linear, sometimes dull, but every now and then a spectacular sight strikes your eyes, and you just sit in awe: believe me the gothic world of Warhammer 40k never felt so real.

    But once you finish the single player campaign and try the multiplayer things start to fall apart. The multiplayer is beyond doubt the weakest part of the game. Buggy, laggy and boring. The same mechanics that work so fine in SP do not perform the same in MP, and you'll end often dying without even knowing the game is started. The leveling mechanics do not help at all, people with better equipment than yours have a too great advantage, and things start to become interesting only after a long time, when your level is on par with the others.

    That's a shame, because this was probably the best contender against Gears of War.    … Expand
  9. mateo22
    Sep 30, 2011
    7
    It takes a while to warm up to the game. The mechanics are very basic and the story non-existent but it's still a fun action game. Being a War40K surely helps
  10. NodtheThird
    Oct 4, 2011
    7
    A good first effort from Relic making an action FPS, their love for the 40k fiction is evident. The campaign is good, the shooting and melee mechanic is fun. I hope they improve the dialog in the next game, it is way to sparse for my liking. These are battle brothers they should be talking to each other all the time. I also knock the for the fact that you can die during unbreakableA good first effort from Relic making an action FPS, their love for the 40k fiction is evident. The campaign is good, the shooting and melee mechanic is fun. I hope they improve the dialog in the next game, it is way to sparse for my liking. These are battle brothers they should be talking to each other all the time. I also knock the for the fact that you can die during unbreakable animation which regenerates your health quickly becomes annoying.… Expand
  11. winter
    Nov 1, 2011
    7
    A linear, though fun game with satisfying combat that is let down by a couple of points. A good feel for what being a Space Marine is like with a story line far more interesting than the poor Ultramarines movie that came out a couple of years ago. The combat is crunchy with a nice heft and weight to the melee options available, it also rewards timing and smart play more than I expected.A linear, though fun game with satisfying combat that is let down by a couple of points. A good feel for what being a Space Marine is like with a story line far more interesting than the poor Ultramarines movie that came out a couple of years ago. The combat is crunchy with a nice heft and weight to the melee options available, it also rewards timing and smart play more than I expected.

    The multiplayer is a lot of fun and the addition of co-op is much appreciated. Unfortunately the lack of dedicated servers is the biggest downside to the game. Being unable to start your own server is also a problem.

    Overall a fun little game for everyone and a must buy for fans of the 40k setting.    … Expand
  12. Zbox
    Nov 14, 2011
    7
    The game itself is not bad. its fluid the gameplay but it feels poorly optimized. Its a fun game and bring all the warhammer feeling into it. but fails to make it playing as warhammer. RTS is a RTS and not can be turned into a FPS. this is Warhammer 40K : Call of Duty with Orks. 7 is a my score for this game. its fun and good to have a nice time, some blood and some shooting, but feelsThe game itself is not bad. its fluid the gameplay but it feels poorly optimized. Its a fun game and bring all the warhammer feeling into it. but fails to make it playing as warhammer. RTS is a RTS and not can be turned into a FPS. this is Warhammer 40K : Call of Duty with Orks. 7 is a my score for this game. its fun and good to have a nice time, some blood and some shooting, but feels like a hybrid and maybe who knows if a sequel will learn from the mistakes of this game. if you find it at discount price like -50% go for it.… Expand
  13. Beardmonkey
    Feb 6, 2012
    7
    If you are a fan of testosterone with a dash of adrenaline you won't be disappointed by this title. Not many games make you feel like a total badass from square one, but this game does it splendidly. Fun combat, impressive visuals and top notch sound work. The only real downside is that it gets a bit repetitive, but in bite size chunks "Space Marine" is a real treat!
  14. GameplayCrush
    Dec 11, 2011
    7
    If you're a Warhammer 40k fan you might like this change of gameplay that puts you right in the shoes of a Spacemarine, its full of action, and Orcs, by no means does this game live up to the wonderfull RTS games in the series who contain so much more, but it sure is a nice addition to the francise.
    Play the Campaign, have a great time, but at the end of it all, youll most likely hope for    If you're a Warhammer 40k fan you might like this change of gameplay that puts you right in the shoes of a Spacemarine, its full of action, and Orcs, by no means does this game live up to the wonderfull RTS games in the series who contain so much more, but it sure is a nice addition to the francise.
    Play the Campaign, have a great time, but at the end of it all, youll most likely hope for the next game to be another RTS.    … Expand
  15. Dusty_Hayes
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    Space Marine is a decent, satisfying bone crunching hack-and-slash shooter coupled with nice graphics and let down by its single player modes linear gameplay, dull environment and short longevity Warhammer 40K fans will like Space Marine but should grabbed in the Steam sales at 75%+ off.
  16. dionissos
    Dec 31, 2011
    7
    A very nice action game based to warhammer 40k world. Very nice and smooth gameplay, fantastic graphics, and an epic music. The only negative is that there is not so much different enemies.
    The game has and a very good multiplayer mode but with not too much maps
  17. Kertos
    Mar 7, 2012
    7
    Bad first: It is simple and a bit short and the multiplayer has no dedicated server service but nothing else is wrong with the game. It is a very fun SP gameplay and also MP makes ton's of fun. Just perfect for some stressless hours of splattering your enemys with a big smile on your face.
  18. Sneetches
    Dec 19, 2012
    7
    TL;DR Mindless linear action, a good base for the franchise to start from, but still has its problems.

    First of all, if you're expecting a well written story filled with meaningful dialogue and characters that you'll remember, you might want to stop now. What you're going to get is a third-person hack and slash bloodfest while playing as one of humanity's bona fide badasses. The story    TL;DR Mindless linear action, a good base for the franchise to start from, but still has its problems.

    First of all, if you're expecting a well written story filled with meaningful dialogue and characters that you'll remember, you might want to stop now. What you're going to get is a third-person hack and slash bloodfest while playing as one of humanity's bona fide badasses. The story is nothing to remember, just your basic "save the world" with a twist thrown in. The characters are about as emotional as a sack of bricks and play the most basic archetypes. The world itself is nothing to look at, just a human foundry planet with dead bodies littering the landscape. After that, Space Marine begins to shine.

    You are guaranteed to feel like a Space Marine, this should be undoubted. When you crash into a group of Orks with the jetpack and start swinging the Thunder Hammer, there is no better feeling. The combat is quick and decisive, and simple yet rewarding at the same time. I did say the combat was mindless, however, that doesn't mean that you are simply God and can walk through the game. There will be parts where you die a couple times, figure things out, and carry on, which is nice. There are times where you feel overwhelmed but you end up powering through it and can't help but think "damn, that was awesome!". The transition from ranged to melee is also amazing, and one does not make the other useless luckily.

    I did not delve much into the multiplayer, however, it is not perfect but is still a good feature at the same time. The customization is also great, but parts can only be unlocked with multiplayer. Overall, it is a fun experience for anybody, fan or not, of WH40K.    … Expand
  19. valsaven
    Dec 20, 2021
    7
    A rather enjoyable corridor game. There are some minor flaws, but overall I finished it in two evenings and liked it.
  20. sayedstafa
    Feb 19, 2013
    7
    Combines third person shooting with third person hack n slash pretty well. While the melee combat isn't as deep as games like God of War, it's still very fun to hack up tons of orcs rushing at you. There are tons of enemies that it becomes over whelming, which adds to the difficulty. While the gameplay is great, graphics look really good, and music fits well, this game really lacks story.Combines third person shooting with third person hack n slash pretty well. While the melee combat isn't as deep as games like God of War, it's still very fun to hack up tons of orcs rushing at you. There are tons of enemies that it becomes over whelming, which adds to the difficulty. While the gameplay is great, graphics look really good, and music fits well, this game really lacks story. I felt like I was just moving from one section to another just to hack up more orcs with no real purpose behind what I'm doing. If the story were more engaging, this game would be an easy recommend, but it's still worth checking out for the gameplay.… Expand
  21. RunicCaster
    May 20, 2013
    7
    As it stands now, Multiplayer is brutal and almost unforgiving to new comers, How ever it has its enjoyable moments, Exterminatus is enjoyable,though some recent bugs have started to annoy. Campaign is enjoyable and fun, the story is well written with some amazing art work and characters. But as Multiplayer stand currently, 41 level cap and weapon buffs severely punishing new players, iAs it stands now, Multiplayer is brutal and almost unforgiving to new comers, How ever it has its enjoyable moments, Exterminatus is enjoyable,though some recent bugs have started to annoy. Campaign is enjoyable and fun, the story is well written with some amazing art work and characters. But as Multiplayer stand currently, 41 level cap and weapon buffs severely punishing new players, i can not give this game a 10/10 how ever it wholly earns its 7.… Expand
  22. RelicRuined
    May 28, 2014
    7
    The problem with Space Marine is the same as many games out there in these days: its way too simple, easy and linear. They game needs a better combat system, one more challenging and intense. Harder enemies, less ammo, no regeneration of health, bigger variety of enemies and variety of weapons since all of them are the basic guns of almost every shooter out thereThe problem with Space Marine is the same as many games out there in these days: its way too simple, easy and linear. They game needs a better combat system, one more challenging and intense. Harder enemies, less ammo, no regeneration of health, bigger variety of enemies and variety of weapons since all of them are the basic guns of almost every shooter out there (shotguns/snipers/lasers/mgs). Those are a few of the things I missed for this game. I like the idea of including melee combat, but its way too OP, i dont remember enemies counter attacking my melee attacks. I also missed the kind of gore that make a difference in gameplay, like in Ninja Gaiden. I would like to see the game to be a bit more tactical, make a real use of your companions, like giving them orders. Also, why not a reloading/jamming system as in gear of war. It is a good game for a low price if you are into action games. I really hope Relic bring us more, Warhammer universe have a lot to offer.… Expand
  23. Dcruize
    Dec 31, 2013
    7
    A fantastic game which left me sitting there thinking 'is that it?'. It's way too short which is a great shame considering the quality of game play it offers.
  24. Tomle1202
    Dec 11, 2018
    7
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is exactly what a good B-movie is: an uninteresting story and bland, cheap environmental designs saved by a lot of dumb fun action.
  25. Razrback16
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
    Cons:

    * Limited story - this is my first Warhammer 40k game, so I don't really understand the universe well at all and the game didn't really do much to help me with that. * The story itself is kind of hard to follow - similar to Halo, there is a lot going on and you get very little information in terms of back story, etc. so you don't really have a deep understanding of what's going    Cons:

    * Limited story - this is my first Warhammer 40k game, so I don't really understand the universe well at all and the game didn't really do much to help me with that.
    * The story itself is kind of hard to follow - similar to Halo, there is a lot going on and you get very little information in terms of back story, etc. so you don't really have a deep understanding of what's going on. Basically it's just obvious there are bad guys related to this "Chaos Energy" in the game, and you are going after them and trying to protect the planet and innocents located on it.

    Pros:

    * Easy to pickup combat - I can't say I'm all that great at it, but that's why I usually play on Easy the first playthrough of any new game so I can learn the system a bit. You're basically engaging a large number of enemies, some in close range, some at range, using a variety of weapons with specialty moves, etc. Kind of like Doom where you can melee kill enemies at certain points and that's how you regen your health.
    * Relatively enjoyable combat and movement system - it's a 2011 game so things weren't all that smooth back then with these types of games with just a few exceptions so it may feel a little clunky if you're used to modern games, but it's still solid overall.
    * Decent graphics for the time period.
    * There are some sections of the combat where they are cinematic / QTE (Quick-Timed-Events) - I know a lot of people seems to hate QTE but I think when they're done well they are fun and can add some neat interactivity to the narrative scenes. And they are done well in this game.

    Game Length: 7 Hours.

    Final Rating: 7/10 - It was overall some casual fun - nothing spectacular. When games don't have a real deep lore that engages me, then I don't get really into the franchise and just treat it as casual fun that I can pick up cheap (picked this game up on a Steam winter sale). I'll probably check out Space Marine 2 when it launches (as long as it doesn't get woke or go Epic exclusive), but likely not at full price. Hopefully it will develop the story and universe better than the first iteration.    … Expand
  26. Traxillion
    Feb 3, 2021
    7
    This game is the ultimate power fantasy, it's a lot of mindless fun.

    Essentially this game went out with a specific goal to achieve and it did it very well.
  27. Nick7000
    May 1, 2023
    7
    Мне показалась малость затянутой и нудной, особенно под конец. В остальном все неплохо.
  28. Goekhan
    Sep 6, 2011
    6
    No co-op is a big mistake. Adding it as a DLC won't make up for it. Multiplayer is kind of a joke, given the amount of maps, and most of the time, it's a campfest. Singleplayer is also bad in my opinion. Story doesn't grasp you, neither does the atmosphere of the game. Having to execute something to get HP back is a BIG mistake. Also, there is no progression in SP. Also, it is short. FeltNo co-op is a big mistake. Adding it as a DLC won't make up for it. Multiplayer is kind of a joke, given the amount of maps, and most of the time, it's a campfest. Singleplayer is also bad in my opinion. Story doesn't grasp you, neither does the atmosphere of the game. Having to execute something to get HP back is a BIG mistake. Also, there is no progression in SP. Also, it is short. Felt like a waste of money to be honest. After playing Darksiders, God of War, Mass Effect, and some other TPS games, this game doesn't excel in any of these; action/brawler/TPS. Average on all. And annoying as hell. While trying to get some HP back, being unable to move in animation while some rockets are heading on your way is surely fun.… Expand
  29. duveit
    Oct 1, 2011
    6
    While it has it's fun moments, it leaves much to be desired. Gameplay is ok, and so is the graphics, but nothing spectacular, and the story is beyond lame. But then again, I've never been into Warhammer 40K.
  30. Lokius
    Sep 9, 2011
    6
    What's good: The SP is kind of fun since you get to feel like a god, however, the story is really not interesting. It's just a hack and slash. Most of the story is just military jargon. Also, the orcs can only yell SPACE MARINE!
    MP. Where do I begin. It's a console port. Keybinds don't cover all keys if you use the keypad (lefties are people too). Also actions happen after you    What's good: The SP is kind of fun since you get to feel like a god, however, the story is really not interesting. It's just a hack and slash. Most of the story is just military jargon. Also, the orcs can only yell SPACE MARINE!
    MP. Where do I begin. It's a console port. Keybinds don't cover all keys if you use the keypad (lefties are people too). Also actions happen after you release the "interact" key instead of when you press it. Key hints map to default keys in some cases (deploy/spawn). FOV is too narrow. Lobby system. OMG, give me a server browser please with pings displayed instead of bars. Voice comms work, but are turned on by default. Be prepared to mute everyone every single map because it doesn't save in between rounds. Be ready to grind because you are going to get raped until you level up past the default weapons. Maps are from 1998, all cubes and ramps. My price point, $20.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PC Game of 2011
32
#32 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
79
#79 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 31, 2011
    70
    The campaign requires an interest in 40K, while the basic multiplayer modes are fun for all. [Dec 2011, p.67]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 30, 2011
    60
    The only thing rising Space Marine from the grey pool of mediocrity is world of Warhammer 40.000 itself. Rich story background deserved more than a linear hack'n'slash game. [Oct 2011]
  3. PC Games (Russia)
    Oct 27, 2011
    75
    A solid debut in action genre for Relic and a must-buy for any Warhammer 40k fan. [Nov. 2011, p.61]
See all critic reviews »