Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review (Steam Deck & PS5)
For years, the anticipation for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has been palpable. While I personally discovered the franchise through Total War: Warhammer and later explored titles like Boltgun and Rogue Trader, the hype was undeniable. My initial foray into the original Space Marine on Steam Deck piqued my interest, and the game's stunning reveal only intensified my excitement.
Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Space Marine 2 across my Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and thoroughly testing the online functionality. This review, however, remains a work in progress for two key reasons: a comprehensive assessment requires extensive cross-platform multiplayer testing, and official Steam Deck support is slated for release later this year.
Space Marine 2's Stunning Visuals and Gameplay on Steam Deck
Having witnessed the game's impressive visuals and gameplay on the Steam Deck, and given the cross-progression feature, I was eager to see how it performed on Valve's handheld. The results are a mixed bag, and I'll detail both the positive and negative aspects. (Note: Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing was conducted on Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.)
Space Marine 2 delivers a visceral third-person action shooter experience that's both brutal and beautiful, accessible even to newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The tutorial is concise yet effective, setting the stage for the main hub – the Battle Barge – where missions, game modes, and cosmetics are managed.
The core gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weapons feel perfectly tuned. While ranged combat is viable, the melee system is particularly satisfying, with brutal executions adding to the visceral combat. The campaign is enjoyable solo or with friends in co-op, though defense missions feel somewhat less engaging.
A Blast from the Past (with Modern Refinements)
Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 evoked a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of high-budget Xbox 360 co-op shooters – a genre rarely seen in this quality today. It captured my attention much like Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4. I sincerely hope Saber and Focus collaborate with SEGA to modernize the original game's campaign.
My Warhammer 40,000 knowledge stems primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 provides a refreshing experience, ranking among my favorite co-op games in recent years. While it's too early to declare it my favorite Warhammer 40,000 title, the addictive Operations mode, diverse classes, and steady progression keep me coming back for more.
Online Co-op: A Promising Start
Pre-launch online co-op has been superb. I eagerly anticipate testing the full launch with random players to assess matchmaking in Operations (PvE) and Eternal War (PvP) modes.
Visual Prowess on PS5 and Steam Deck
On PS5, Space Marine 2 is a visual masterpiece, particularly in 4K mode on a 1440p monitor. The environments are richly detailed, and the sheer number of enemies adds to the sense of scale. Texture work, lighting, voice acting, and customization options are all top-notch.
The photo mode (available in single-player) offers extensive customization options, although some effects appear less polished on Steam Deck using FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The PS5 implementation, however, is exceptional.
Audio Excellence
While the music, while good, isn't particularly memorable outside the game context, the voice acting and sound design are truly exceptional.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics and Controls
The PC port, while tested on Steam Deck, offers a robust suite of graphics options: display settings, resolution scaling (TAA or FSR 2 on Steam Deck), quality presets, dynamic resolution targeting, v-sync, and numerous individual quality settings. DLSS and FSR 2 are supported at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. Full 16:10 support is also hoped for in a future update.
Control options include keyboard and mouse, along with full controller support. Initially, PlayStation button prompts weren't displayed on Steam Deck by default, but disabling Steam Input resolved this. Adaptive trigger support is also present, and the game supports DualSense features wirelessly on PC.
Steam Deck Performance: A Challenging but Playable Experience
Space Marine 2 is technically playable on Steam Deck without configuration changes, but it pushes the handheld's limits. At 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips. Even lower resolutions result in sub-30fps performance. While dynamic upscaling helps, frame rate drops persist. The game also occasionally experiences improper exits.
Online Multiplayer on Steam Deck: Seamless
Importantly, online multiplayer functions flawlessly on Steam Deck, with no anti-cheat interference. I successfully played with a friend in Canada, experiencing only minor internet-related disconnections, likely due to the pre-release server status.
PS5 Experience: Smooth Performance and DualSense Integration
On PS5 (Performance Mode), the game runs smoothly, although a dynamic resolution seems to be in place. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro support is currently absent.
Cross-Save Progression: A Convenient Feature
Cross-save progression between Steam and PS5 worked seamlessly during my testing, although a two-day cooldown period exists between platform syncs.
Solo Play Value and Future Updates
The solo play value remains to be fully assessed pending full launch and more populated servers. I plan to update the review after further testing. Desired future updates include proper HDR support and haptic feedback.
Final Verdict: A Strong Contender, but with Caveats
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong Game of the Year contender. The gameplay is exceptional, and the visuals and audio are superb across both platforms. However, I currently do not recommend playing it on Steam Deck due to performance limitations. The PS5 version is highly recommended. A final score will be provided after further multiplayer testing and post-launch patches.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
