Everyone’s talking about Warhammer 40k Space Marines 2 right now, and there’s a reason for that – it’s getting praise from just about everywhere, the player numbers are staggering, and people just love smashing Tyranids into goop – but I can’t help but look back 13 years and look wistfully at the original. warhammer 40k space marines Playing the game reminded me of the times I played it great, the Thunder Hammer was literally my favorite weapon, and it seems I’m not the only one who thinks so, as the release of the sequel has significantly increased the player base of the first game.
Though it was released in 2011, Warhammer 40k Space Marine hasn’t aged a bit. It remains as solid an action-adventure game today as it did then, capturing the moment-to-moment sensation of taking on the role of a ceramite-clad warrior slaying aliens, mutants and heretics rather than shooting for the stars. Every step you take is met with a thud, Imperial soldiers are greeted with cries of awe and terror, and Orcish foes are transformed into fine sprays of crimson mist. It’s brainless, but fun for the Emperor.
With the sequel breaking player records for a Warhammer game on Steam, you’d be forgiven for thinking there wouldn’t be any room for the original, but it appears the opposite is true: Upon the release of Space Marine 2, the first game’s concurrent player count skyrocketed from an average of around 500 to just over 2,000. While that’s not a huge number, it’s impressive for a 13-year-old game, and it’s the highest number since free Steam keys were handed out in 2018.
Like its sequels, the first game also has several multiplayer modes that are surprisingly substantial, and perhaps for the first time in years, many are taking part. The game’s PvP is strong, especially the mode that lets you control a Dreadnought for a limited time, but the game’s best feature is the wave-based PvE combat. This consists of extremely tough battles that pit a few friends against oncoming hordes, and with the ability to play with different gear and a variety of levels, it’s a fantastic feature that still feels fresh to this day.
Hopefully, some Warhammer 40k fans will use the excitement over Space Marines 2 as a chance to play this underrated title from 2011. While a sequel is definitely on its way, the current sale on the first game shouldn’t put a damper on it either.
Until Monday 23rd September, Warhammer 40k Space Marine – Anniversary Edition is offering a 75% discount, dropping the price from $59.99/£39.99 to $14.99/£9.99.If you’d like to find out more, head over to Steam and check it out for yourself, and you can also read our Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 review to find out what we think of the sequel.
If you’d prefer something else, our guides to the best space games and best Warhammer 40k games will keep your dark belly full and happy.
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