Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 248 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 248
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 248
  3. Negative: 29 out of 248
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  1. Amstaad
    Sep 6, 2011
    8
    So far I've really enjoyed this game. The game has a decent narrative (about what you'd expect from the genre), adequate controls and good graphics/sound which helps create atmosphere. Game is very focused on bringing the space marine experience to the player and you get a good feel for what it's like to be a giant armored killing machine. Difficulty is low to moderate on normal.So far I've really enjoyed this game. The game has a decent narrative (about what you'd expect from the genre), adequate controls and good graphics/sound which helps create atmosphere. Game is very focused on bringing the space marine experience to the player and you get a good feel for what it's like to be a giant armored killing machine. Difficulty is low to moderate on normal. Controls are a bit loose and shooting isn't as good as in some of the other shooters I play frequently but that might be because they want to encourage melee. Online play is fun. I haven't had a lot of time to play online but when I did I enjoyed it. Level system will imbalance games for people getting started. Got killed a lot by higher lvl players with better weapons. Game does allow you to copy the gear of the enemy who killed you which helps mitigate this disadvantage. All in all this is one of the few game purchases I've bought this year that I'm happy with which is the best praise I can give. Worth a buy if you enjoy warhammer.… Expand
  2. nah8
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Game is freaking awesome! MP is a blast, as it's different than the regular FPS MP.

    This is definitely the sleeper hit of the year as it didn't get the exposure of some of the other games being released. Combat from melee to range is seamless and tonnes of fun hacking at Orks and then blasting them with your bolter.
  3. Trade60
    Sep 7, 2011
    9
    Love this game, great campaign and amazing online play, this game is a must have, on top of the free online co-op they will add in oct, hands down my fav game side from halo. For those ppl that are not 40k fans warhammer 40k has had the gears of war style armor, long before gears of war all though this is a new style for 40k game play, you could say gears of war is a rip off of warhammer 40k.
  4. wordburglar
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Awesome! I was not expecting this game to be so much fun, the demo does not do it justice! The melee attacks are well done with lots of gore and great sound! Definite BUY!
  5. Davylove21
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    This isn't a spoiler but it kind of is at the same time. This game is basically shoot Orks that come right at you conveniently and then tap the melee button when they get to you. That's literally it, the extra weapons and accessories don't add any gameplay mechanics whatsoever, just change the nature of the button tapping.

    You'll never have to think about what you're doing aside from    This isn't a spoiler but it kind of is at the same time. This game is basically shoot Orks that come right at you conveniently and then tap the melee button when they get to you. That's literally it, the extra weapons and accessories don't add any gameplay mechanics whatsoever, just change the nature of the button tapping.

    You'll never have to think about what you're doing aside from pressing B on 1 in 10 stunned Orks.

    The writing and voice acting is cringeworthy and typical of everything you'll be used to and bored of if you're a 40K fan like me. This game could have been so much more (cover plays a big part in the tabletop game, it isn't unrealistic to prefer cover to AP3 weapons like Ork rokkits) but ultimately falls way short. Play the demo and you'll miss nothing from the full game.    … Expand
  6. RedSopeithCamel
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Amazing. Great blend of melee and ranged combat. The "no cover" system works amazingly well, especially since the only way to regain health is to charge into the enemy and fight "better". No more hiding and running away like other third person shooters, this game rewards you for charging into the fray, as a Space Marine should.
  7. Knastcore
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    Great, they fill the gap between Shooter and Hack´n Slay, i wasn´t sure after the demo but now, it´s just fun great mechanics great battles simple but it got all you need. Also so much options to create your own Space Marine/ Chaos Space Marine. Single Player got a cool story thats not boring at any part of the 12 hours game play. As a Warhammer fan aGreat, they fill the gap between Shooter and Hack´n Slay, i wasn´t sure after the demo but now, it´s just fun great mechanics great battles simple but it got all you need. Also so much options to create your own Space Marine/ Chaos Space Marine. Single Player got a cool story thats not boring at any part of the 12 hours game play. As a Warhammer fan a must have, everyone else should take a look it´s be worth… Expand
  8. malohurst
    Sep 9, 2011
    8
    Tight controlls. Ok story. Interesting enemies. Multiplayer is fun but lacking game modes Buy if your already a 40K fan. If not its at least a rent. As usual the trolls and morons are droppin 0's on a decent title.
  9. broncofan
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    This game was a lot of fun to play. I loved going back and forth between ranged and melee combat. The game looked good and had some decent polish, despite a few buggy moments here and there. Probably about an 8/10, but it's clear some people are rating it way to low, so I'll give it a 10.
  10. Unity2012
    Sep 12, 2011
    9
    I was looking forward to the campaign and did not expect much from the Multiplayer being the first game; but boy I was wrong, the multiplayer in Space Marine is plain FUN! The combat during the Single Player is Frantic, Brutal and Satisfying! The campaign takes you over 17 chapters at about 9-12hrs depending on your play style. Every chapter has its own missions, weapons (ranged andI was looking forward to the campaign and did not expect much from the Multiplayer being the first game; but boy I was wrong, the multiplayer in Space Marine is plain FUN! The combat during the Single Player is Frantic, Brutal and Satisfying! The campaign takes you over 17 chapters at about 9-12hrs depending on your play style. Every chapter has its own missions, weapons (ranged and melee), servo skulls (recorded messages), enemies-of course; and achievements. They are for the most part linear in nature with levels opened enough to move around and make choices. Captain Titus team Leandros and Sidonus are helpful and do not get on your way or strive to get themselves killed, which is great. The Mulitplayer allows you to play three different classes, each with different weapons and perks. You level up as you play in either one of the game modes: Seize Ground or Anihilation over 5 different maps, unlocking new perks, weapons and armor pieces for your Space Marine or Chaos Marine. By the way, the Customizer in Multiplayer is a beast on its own. One can spend hours tweaking every part of the Armor, great for Warhammer fans who grew up painting the tableboard figurines... or for any gamer looking to show off his/her own creation. A co-op "Horde" mode named Exterminatus is set to be released in early October for free. All and all, what makes Space Marines worth your attention is not innovation but the right application of features and the amazing "Fun" factor which is off the hook.… Expand
  11. samerath
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    Space marine is a great game. The story is interesting especially if your a warhammer 40k fan. It may not be as interesting if you dont follow the universe but still overall its a solid game. Muiltyplayer is really fun, while there isnt a lot of maps or mode at the moment, it is an enjoyable experience.
  12. Eclectus
    Sep 13, 2011
    8
    The single player campaign is sublime, and as others have mentioned the graphics, particularly the visual effects shine. Great melee based combat, and shooting. The multiplayer gives more experienced players more classes/abilities/weapons. For me the Jury is still out on that, long term it's satisfying, short term its less accessible.

    The cinematics, and story work well, and will delight    The single player campaign is sublime, and as others have mentioned the graphics, particularly the visual effects shine. Great melee based combat, and shooting. The multiplayer gives more experienced players more classes/abilities/weapons. For me the Jury is still out on that, long term it's satisfying, short term its less accessible.

    The cinematics, and story work well, and will delight 40k fans.

    Surpassed my expectations in all areas other than multiplayer.    … Expand
  13. BigJeffIE
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    Superb game... Game play is fast, controls are in all the right places, cut scenes look good and story line is well written. More games like this please!
  14. XRAIN
    Oct 10, 2011
    7
    Good action game, but could have been much better. It other wise hits the Warhammer 40,000 atmosphere, but it goes for a miss with orks, because of lack of different orks. I was disappointed about the fact, that there's only tankbustas, shoota boyz, 'ard boyz, ork boyz, weirdboys and nobz. The orks were made for variety. I also found Dawn of War version of their speech to be way better.Good action game, but could have been much better. It other wise hits the Warhammer 40,000 atmosphere, but it goes for a miss with orks, because of lack of different orks. I was disappointed about the fact, that there's only tankbustas, shoota boyz, 'ard boyz, ork boyz, weirdboys and nobz. The orks were made for variety. I also found Dawn of War version of their speech to be way better. When leaving missed ork potential, the single player is brilliant, though repeatitive. You get to use jump packs, but only few times. The action is great though, thanks to encouraging to rush to the battlefield instead of staying in cover. The multiplayer had a lot of potential, but it's ruined by connection issues. Almost every match I have played is laggy. I don't encounter this problem in games like Halo Reach at all, so it's annoying. The high level players also get much better weaponry, which is annoying. Other than that, the multiplayer is good too. If you like Warhammer 40,000 universe, Space Marine is very good game for you to buy, even though it could have been improved. Even if you haven't been into Warhammer 40,000 universe, it's still good game, but you might find some things bad instead of good (For example, you might find Titus' voice acting horrible, but it actually is right in the Warhammer 40,000 universe). I recommend buying this for the Emperor, even if you are heretic.… Expand
  15. Steel
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    To put it simply , - if you enjoyed the gore , blood and sheer satisfaction of killing enemies, then THIS IS THE GAME FOR YOU! I bought this to kill time, not expecting much... but wow was i surprised! It is incredibly fun to play! If yo'u're expecting some "STORY" turn away now.
    Being a fan of dawn of war, i could immediatly relate to what was happening, who was who... but newcomerswill    To put it simply , - if you enjoyed the gore , blood and sheer satisfaction of killing enemies, then THIS IS THE GAME FOR YOU! I bought this to kill time, not expecting much... but wow was i surprised! It is incredibly fun to play! If yo'u're expecting some "STORY" turn away now.
    Being a fan of dawn of war, i could immediatly relate to what was happening, who was who... but newcomerswill not gen any introductions... NOT WHEN THERE ARE ORKS TO KILL. -1 for lack of story & -1 for a linear experience.+8 for pure fun !    … Expand
  16. MaccGyver
    Sep 12, 2011
    9
    There isn't a lot of depth to the single-player, but what's there is extremely satisfying. The multiplayer has enough options and unlocks to keep you sucked in for weeks (maybe months) trying to get everything, although it's content is a bit sparse as well - only 2 game modes (area control and deathmatch) and a few maps, but Relic is known for delivering loads of content after the factThere isn't a lot of depth to the single-player, but what's there is extremely satisfying. The multiplayer has enough options and unlocks to keep you sucked in for weeks (maybe months) trying to get everything, although it's content is a bit sparse as well - only 2 game modes (area control and deathmatch) and a few maps, but Relic is known for delivering loads of content after the fact (look at all the Dawn of War expansions). Hopefully we'll see some choice DLC coming our way.… Expand
  17. Heinekev
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    Easily one of the most enjoyable games I've played all year. Wow! There was plenty to mix things up. The addition of new weapons was interesting, but I generally stuck to the axe and hammer once I had them. And the end sequence is incredible. Definitely worth picking up if you like action games or warhammer. Now all we need is a new Space Hulk!
  18. MadChiller
    Nov 8, 2011
    8
    A lovely romp through a dystopian, gore filled future! You truly feel like a Space Marine as you wade through hordes of orcs and Chaos Space Marines.
  19. AlossForWords
    Sep 8, 2011
    7
    Not mad about this game, just wish there was more offered. It seems like everything was created for someone who wasn't familiar with 40k, but sometimes developers forget that the 40k audience is going to be their greatest consumer anyways! This game has great bits to it, but also suffers from mediocrity.
    The action in the single player was great. But pacing seemed to be somewhat of a    Not mad about this game, just wish there was more offered. It seems like everything was created for someone who wasn't familiar with 40k, but sometimes developers forget that the 40k audience is going to be their greatest consumer anyways! This game has great bits to it, but also suffers from mediocrity.
    The action in the single player was great. But pacing seemed to be somewhat of a problem on two aspects. The only thing that spiced up combat was when you acquired a new weapon. This happened at a consistent rate throughout the campaign, but it never made up for a lot of the monotony of combat. You might have to turn on a machine here or there, but there is no combat scenario that is really interesting or challenging. There aren't many different enemies between the orkz and chaos, and there is never really any sense of desperation or urgency in combat. Fight. Kill. Rinse. Repeat. Another pacing problem seemed to be with the story, I feel as if too little happened for too long. You never traveled to other planets, you essentially had one goal in the game, you stay on the same planet doing menial tasks to accomplish a slightly more important goal which will eventually lead you to your main goal, which in the sense of the whole Warhammer 40k universe, seemed extremely unimportant. The combat style is very similar to Gears of War - the only difference however is that GOW created interesting scenarios with combat instead of throwing wave after wave of enemies at you. The executions are a nice touch to the combat system, but are certainly not enough to make up for the lulls in the combat.
    The multiplayer is a fresh breath of air, nothing too special here, but definitely something to keep your attention until another 40k game comes out or just any other top-tier multiplayer game like MW3 or BF3. It adds a new perspective to the 40k universe which is really nice. I think it would have been awesome to add more races to the game, at least in multiplayer. the Tau, Necrons, playable Orkz or the Eldar would've made for some very fun multiplayer possibilities.
    All in all - I'm not mad that I bought it, just wished it was a more in depth 40k game.    … Expand
  20. S0VEREIGN
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    Awesome Game, though not without its flaws. In multiplayer they need some balancing issues resolved between classes, and My only gripe about the campaign is HOW MUCH THEY SAY "SPACE MARINE" in it.....seriously its comedic how often.
  21. Kegg
    Sep 11, 2011
    9
    This is a fine game that many Warhammer 40K fans have been waiting for. It is easy to pick up and not to difficult ot master. The Multiplayer isn't without flaws but is a solid time consumer with many ways to individualise your character/model. With lots of challenges available to keep you coming back for more and unlocking different pieces of armour to give you that unique feel. YesThis is a fine game that many Warhammer 40K fans have been waiting for. It is easy to pick up and not to difficult ot master. The Multiplayer isn't without flaws but is a solid time consumer with many ways to individualise your character/model. With lots of challenges available to keep you coming back for more and unlocking different pieces of armour to give you that unique feel. Yes the multiplayer can be seen as unbalanced but many a times have I had my pants pulled down by a "Noob" using just a bolter. I have found people who complain about it being unbalanced are generally rubbish at it and would struggle to kill someone if they were stood still. Improve your game I say!

    The single player isn't the greatest and after reading some of the other reviews moaning about it being linear, well, all you need to do is look at the majority of any shooter games and it's pretty much a single path you have to take with absolutely no other options than to follow what is set before you. So yes it is linear but then most games are. But with an interesting story set in a fictional universe and with the fact I was a massive Games Workshop fan as a child I absolutely love this game! Combat systems are basic but enable a novice to take up the mantel and perform well. Seasoned gamers may find this annoying and limited. I've been playing games since the days of the Spectrum ZX and its refreshing to have a simple game every now and then. With free DLC coming out at the start of next month it is certainly worth investing in. The only reason I gave it 9 instead of 10 is due to the lag issues sometimes on multiplayer.

    Kegg -I-    … Expand
  22. eoloperfido
    Sep 11, 2011
    8
    I really enjoyed it. Maybe Gears of War is a better game, but I Really enjoyed it. Cool graphics, great atmosphere and so much action that you will feel like a real Space Marine. I hope there will be DLC soon. The graphic engine is very good and the game run very smooth. The game is not very difficult on Normal level. Lot of fun.
  23. Zulwarn
    Sep 15, 2011
    9
    Space Marine provides a fun and engaging single-player campaign. The story is well done and fits the universe of Warhammer 40k very well. The voice acting isn't the best on the market, but it is still quite good and the actors play their roles well. The action doesn't get stale at any point and you really feel like you're in the role of a super human trained for war and battle-hardenedSpace Marine provides a fun and engaging single-player campaign. The story is well done and fits the universe of Warhammer 40k very well. The voice acting isn't the best on the market, but it is still quite good and the actors play their roles well. The action doesn't get stale at any point and you really feel like you're in the role of a super human trained for war and battle-hardened without things getting too easy. Space Marine plays like a mixture of shooter and action game, with a good combo and execution system for melee and switching to first-person while aiming down the sights. There isn't a real cover mechanic to the game which doesn't hurt at all because you're supposed to be big, bad, and able to take down hordes of enemies and you get the feel of being heroic. That doesn't mean you can just charge into situations without thinking, however, knowing how to take down certain enemies and when to charge in slashing and when to withdraw firing away are key aspects of the game.

    All that said, the multiplayer is where the game shines. With three different classes providing a variety of combat roles and multiple setups for each and two game modes, for now, no one should get bored any time soon. While the game is technically a third-person shooter the shooting feels very first-person while the melee action gives the ease of third-person combat, making both viable gameplay options. Overall the gameplay ends up feeling like a combination of Call of Duty's fast pace with Battlefield's tactical gameplay. Oddly it compares better with those than the current big name in third-person shooters, Gears of War.

    While fanboys of other games may try to denounce it as just another clone, Space Marine is definitely cut from different cloth and has its own fit in the shooter genre. In the end the only reason I can't justify a 10/10 for the game boils down to how many shooters are on the market and not nowing how much support the game will receive from THQ. If you love shooters or are a fan of other Warhammer 40k games you really can't go wrong with Space Marine and it'll be a great grab.    … Expand
  24. Derping_Guy
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    I didn't love Warhammer games because they were strategy and boring for me but now it's awesome shooter where orks AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH
  25. Ragequit
    Oct 10, 2011
    9
    Great game, especially the online play. Sure, there are some downsides to the single player (You get really tired of people saying 'space marine' and the sets felt a bit bare to me at times) but I'm not sure why people are complaining about it being linear. The vast majority of shooters tend to have pretty damn linear campaigns, it should be expected at this point. I don't buy Call of DutyGreat game, especially the online play. Sure, there are some downsides to the single player (You get really tired of people saying 'space marine' and the sets felt a bit bare to me at times) but I'm not sure why people are complaining about it being linear. The vast majority of shooters tend to have pretty damn linear campaigns, it should be expected at this point. I don't buy Call of Duty and expect Elder Scrolls. But, I digress. The multiplayer is where its at in this game, anyone that says its imbalanced has the adaptability of a slug. Having achieved Level 41 and all the weapon unlocks (the Armor of Hate is a slog, the only thing I haven't completed yet), I think its safe to say I've put some time into this. What's keeping me from rating this a 10 is that the multiplayer isn't expansive enough yet. There are currently only 5 maps (some of the most balanced and best designed maps I've ever played in any game) and only 2 game modes, so you'll pretty quickly play everything. However, I have yet to stop enjoying it. If they release more maps/gametypes (CTF perhaps?) then this is easily a 10 for me.… Expand
  26. bobbob
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will undoubtedly hold the most appeal for players of Games Workshopâ
  27. illage2
    Sep 26, 2011
    8
    I really liked playing Space Marine. The graphics are good but there needs to be more done such as adding extra gore, as when I melee someone, it isn't fun.

    The only major complaint with the game is that it kinda forces you into using melee too much, and doesn't let players play the game the way they want to play. The voice acting needs some work, the characters don't sound tough enough.    I really liked playing Space Marine. The graphics are good but there needs to be more done such as adding extra gore, as when I melee someone, it isn't fun.

    The only major complaint with the game is that it kinda forces you into using melee too much, and doesn't let players play the game the way they want to play.

    The voice acting needs some work, the characters don't sound tough enough. (With the exception of Titus)

    With that said the game is very enjoyable, and it is nothing like gears of war, it's better as you don't duck behind cover for about 5 hours before shooting.    … Expand
  28. Chillybilly
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Great game. The combat is fast, fluid and brutal. The gun-play is heavy and rewarding. The special "kills" are second to none and absolutely over the top violent. So far, Warhammer: Space Marine is one of my top games of 2011. I can't wait for the sequel.
  29. TheDeinonychus
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Excilent game and portrayal of the 40K universe. Combat is brutal, bloody, and on a large scale. Controls are a bit of a pain, but not unplayable. Game still has a few teething issues, exspecialy in multiplayer, but for new releases, that's to be expected. Well worth the buy for 40K fans, action fans, or players just wanting a bloody, violent game to endulge in. Too many comparisons withExcilent game and portrayal of the 40K universe. Combat is brutal, bloody, and on a large scale. Controls are a bit of a pain, but not unplayable. Game still has a few teething issues, exspecialy in multiplayer, but for new releases, that's to be expected. Well worth the buy for 40K fans, action fans, or players just wanting a bloody, violent game to endulge in. Too many comparisons with Gears of War by fans too butt-hurt over this game being better.… Expand
  30. DarthMeer
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    For lovers of the 40k universe, the detail that Relic has put into this game is phenomenal, gameplay is arcadey but great fun - nothing like GoW. For the Emperor!
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Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
27
#27 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
69
#69 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Dec 2, 2011
    61
    It eventually becomes too much of a grind. [Dec 2011, p.101]
  2. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    79
    Relic Entertainment has done a solid job on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, taking the studio's knowledge of the IP working on the Dawn of War series for PC, and putting it to good use. With some better thought out set-pieces and more variety in the gameplay and visuals, this could have achieved greatness. As it is though, Space Marine feels like the foundations for a barnstorming sequel, and goodness knows it deserves one, as there's massive potential here.
    Read full review
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Nov 14, 2011
    70
    Unfortunately marred by some poorly designed mechanics, gameplay choices and a chunky feel. [Issue#77, p.87]
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