I have enjoyed the Warhammer 40k universe for more than 15 years now. There is just something about the dark and gritty, humanity on the brink of destruction, there is only war atmosphere. Of course, the ancient-yet-super-advanced technology, super-engineered warriors, hordes of aliens, and constant threat of corruption from the whispers of the warp helps as well. Yet, it was not until recently with the Dawn of War games, also released by THQ, that the universe was available beyond the books and table top miniature games of its birth. Sure, other games had been tried, but all fell very short of producing the monolithic dark ambiance that is 40k. As such I was very hesitant when they were announced, but THQ and Relic came through, beating my expectations and creating games that were everything I wanted them to be, except for a first person shooter.
With Space Marine, THQ has now fulfilled my final wish, albeit in the form of a third person shooter.
Warhammer: Loyalist
As a fan of 40k I am hard pressed to find any flaws with the atmosphere and ambiance depicted in the scenes, maps, and horizons of the game. The broken battlefields and massive buildings that one explores via the campaign are highly detailed and stay true to the Gothic and massive architecture that fans have come to love. From shattered streets, battered bunkers, and demolished buildings to decorated monuments, cavernous interiors, and glowing reliquaries the details of the environment are awe inspiring.
However, the game is not called Gothic Scenery, it’s called Space Marine, and the art and graphics of the genetically-supersized warriors do not fail there either. The Space Marine models and animations only add to the experience. Being Ultramarines, their armor is in good repair but the realistic textures and true to scale sculpt gives it a believable gritty feel that blends well with the details of the scenery around them. Beyond just looking pretty their movements in and out of combat maintained what I would expect a soldier in super-heavy-though-powered armor could do, save for perhaps the combat roll/jump. Their footfalls land heavy and their movements are ponderous and strong. These little touches really brought the Space Marine to life displaying it up close and personal for the first time.
Space Marines, as disciplined as they are, would just stand around if they had nothing to fight, unlike IG who would at least play cards or something. Enter the Orks… WHAAAGH! I was very impressed by the variety that the game included and the little touches that were put on even the fodder. Orks of every shape, size, and occupation are included each with their flaws and strengths which made for several fun scenes, introductions, and challenges. I thought the ‘ard Boyz and the Warboss were of particular note. Beyond the graphics, the dead on sounds and "orky" interactions such as grots and orks chattering, laughing, or fighting each other before realizing a Space Marine was about to cut them down, or Orks running across the horizon outside of the ‘true’ map area provided a truly rich orky invasion experience and a fun foe to overcome.
Luckily, the orks were not the only foe or non-Space Marine in the game Chaos also made an appearance and you had some IG allies rounding out the story, all done equally well and enhancing the universe even more.
Though I touched on it already, most of the sounds of the game, including the score, were excellent. The score was not overpowering, lying just outside the subconscious but I found it blended well to the ominous and gritty experience.
