Warhammer 40K Marine 2: Deck Debut, GOTY Potential

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review – Steam Deck and PS5 Impressions

For years, anticipation has built for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. While I wasn't initially aware of the first game, my exploration of the Warhammer 40,000 universe through titles like Total War: Warhammer, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader piqued my interest. A brief foray into the original Space Marine on my Steam Deck further fueled my excitement for the sequel. The recent reveal only intensified my anticipation.

Over the past week, I've dedicated approximately 22 hours to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, leveraging cross-progression across my Steam Deck and PS5 to explore both single-player and online modes. This review is ongoing for two key reasons: a complete assessment requires thorough testing of cross-platform multiplayer and public servers, and official Steam Deck support is slated for release by year's end.

My initial impressions, playing on both platforms, are overwhelmingly positive. The game's stunning visuals and visceral combat are immediately captivating. However, the Steam Deck experience currently presents some challenges.

Gameplay and Features:

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that seamlessly blends brutality, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay. The tutorial effectively introduces core mechanics, and the Battle Barge hub serves as a convenient central location for mission selection, cosmetic adjustments, and more.

The moment-to-moment gameplay is exceptional. While ranged combat is viable, the melee system is particularly satisfying, delivering brutal and visceral encounters. The campaign is enjoyable solo or with friends in co-op, although I found the defense missions less engaging.

My co-op experience with a friend overseas evoked a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of classic Xbox 360 co-op shooters, a genre rarely seen with this level of polish today. The game's addictive quality is comparable to titles like Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4.

Online Multiplayer:

While a definitive judgment awaits full launch and broader server population, my initial co-op experience was exceptional. I'm eager to test the online functionality further with random players once cross-platform play is fully active.

Visuals and Audio:

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a visual masterpiece, particularly in 4K on PS5. The environments are incredibly detailed, and the sheer number of enemies adds to the immersive experience. The character voice acting, customization options, and overall art direction are top-notch.

The photo mode, accessible in single-player, offers extensive customization options, although some effects appear less refined on Steam Deck using FSR 2 at lower resolutions. The PS5 version, however, delivers a flawless photo mode experience.

The audio design is equally impressive. While the music is good, it's the voice acting and sound design that truly shine.

PC Port and Steam Deck Performance:

The PC port boasts extensive graphics options, including display settings, resolution scaling (TAA and FSR 2), quality presets, and numerous individual settings. DLSS and FSR 2 are supported at launch, with FSR 3 planned for a later update.

On Steam Deck, the game is technically playable without configuration changes, but performance is currently suboptimal. Even at lower settings and resolutions, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging. Official Steam Deck support is expected to improve this significantly.

The game also supports full controller functionality, including adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller, even wirelessly. However, initially, PlayStation button prompts didn't display correctly on Steam Deck until Steam Input was disabled.

PS5 Experience:

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 performs well on PS5 in Performance mode, although a locked 60fps isn't consistently achieved. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards enhance usability. Currently, gyro controls are absent.

Cross-Progression:

Cross-save functionality between Steam and PS5 is currently operational, although a two-day cooldown period exists between platform syncs.

Future Updates and Wishlist:

I anticipate substantial post-launch support, including HDR support, which would further enhance the game's already impressive visuals. Haptic feedback on the DualSense controller would also be a welcome addition.

Conclusion:

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong contender for Game of the Year. The gameplay is exceptional, and the visuals and audio are superb. While I await further testing of online multiplayer and future patches, I highly recommend it on PS5. Steam Deck players should wait for official optimization before purchasing.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA