Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review – Steam Deck and PS5 Impressions
For years, many Warhammer fans eagerly anticipated a sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. 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 led me to this highly anticipated release. After an impressive reveal, I dove into Space Marine 2, spending roughly 22 hours across my Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and online play. This review, however, is a work in progress. I need to thoroughly test cross-platform multiplayer and online functionality before providing a final verdict. Furthermore, official Steam Deck support is promised by the developers (Focus and Saber) by year's end.
My initial impressions, spanning Steam Deck (Proton GE 9-9 and Experimental) and PS5, are overwhelmingly positive. Space Marine 2 delivers a visceral, visually stunning, and intensely fun third-person action shooter experience, accessible even to newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. The tutorial smoothly introduces combat and movement mechanics, setting the stage for the main hub – the Battle Barge – where mission selection, cosmetic adjustments, and more are handled.
Gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weaponry feel perfectly balanced. While ranged combat is viable, the brutal melee combat is particularly satisfying, especially the visceral execution animations. The campaign shines in both solo and co-op modes (though defense missions are less engaging). Playing with a friend across countries, Space Marine 2 felt like a modern, high-budget take on classic Xbox 360 co-op shooters – a style rarely seen today. It's highly addictive, reminiscent of titles like Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4.
My Warhammer 40,000 experience primarily stems from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing take on the universe, providing one of my favorite co-op experiences in years. While it's too early to declare it my favorite Warhammer 40,000 game, the Operations mode's diverse classes and progressive unlocks keep me hooked.
The co-op experience, at least in my pre-release testing, is superb. I eagerly anticipate the full launch to assess matchmaking and online play with random players. Visually, on PS5 (4K mode on my 1440p monitor), the game is breathtaking. Environments are richly detailed, teeming with enemies, and boast exceptional texture work and lighting. The character voice acting, gear, and customization options are equally impressive, allowing for creative self-expression.
A photo mode, accessible in single-player, allows for adjustments to frames, expressions, characters, FOV, and more. While effective on PS5, some effects appear less polished on Steam Deck using FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The audio design is top-tier, particularly the voice acting and sound effects. The music, while good, isn't memorable enough for standalone listening but perfectly complements the gameplay.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Features
The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, offers extensive graphics options: display settings, resolution scaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution targeting, V-sync, brightness adjustment, motion blur, FPS limits, and detailed quality presets affecting textures, shadows, reflections, and more. DLSS and FSR 2 support are present at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. Full 16:10 support is also desired.
Control options include keyboard/mouse and full controller support, with PlayStation button prompts working correctly (after disabling Steam Input on Steam Deck). Adaptive triggers are supported wirelessly on PC, a noteworthy feature.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance
While technically playable on Steam Deck without configuration changes, the game pushes the handheld's limits. Even at 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips. Dynamic upscaling aims for 30fps but still experiences drops. The game occasionally fails to exit cleanly, requiring manual closure.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Multiplayer
Online multiplayer functions flawlessly on Steam Deck, successfully tested with a friend across countries. Internet-related disconnections were encountered, but these are likely pre-release server issues.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features
On PS5 (Performance mode), the game performs well, though a locked 60fps isn't achieved, and dynamic resolution/upscaling is noticeable. Load times are quick, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro controls are absent.
Cross-Save Progression
Cross-save functionality between Steam and PS5 worked well in pre-release, though a two-day cooldown period exists between platform syncs.
Solo Play Value & Future Updates
A definitive assessment of solo play value awaits full launch and testing with random players in Operations and Eternal War modes (PvP, currently untested). Desired future updates include proper HDR support and haptic feedback (mentioned as post-launch).
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 stunning. However, Steam Deck performance currently hinders its recommendation on that platform. The PS5 version is highly recommended pending full cross-play testing. A full review with a final score will follow after further multiplayer testing and post-launch updates.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
