Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition might be quite a mouthful to say, but the return of this third-person action classic is anything but tiresome. This remastered version of the original 2011 title not only updates the visuals but also revives an intense campaign and a surprisingly enjoyable multiplayer mode. While some aspects show their age, the core experience remains as entertaining as ever.
The remastering effort is impressive. The visuals have been overhauled, with noticeable improvements in character models—especially facial details—and environmental design that nearly reaches the level of its sequel. The main enemies, the orks, are notoriously hard to portray realistically, but here they’ve been redesigned with more personality and less of the exaggerated, comical tone of the original. Lighting, textures, and environmental assets have all been upgraded, breathing new life into the battlegrounds.
Gameplay remains faithful to the original. You play as Captain Titus of the Ultramarines—an elite squad of superhuman warriors engineered for war. Across the game’s 16-chapter campaign, you’ll fight through waves of enemies using a satisfying mix of ranged and melee combat. While enemy variety can feel repetitive at times, the steady introduction of new weapons helps keep the experience engaging. Chainswords, hammers, and axes all bring chaos control to the battlefield, making combat both brutal and rewarding.
Multiplayer pits teams of Ultramarines against each other in classic modes like Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, and King of the Hill. There’s also a 4-player co-op mode where you fend off waves of enemies—perfect for playing with friends. However, given today’s crowded multiplayer market, finding casual matches can be a challenge.
Final Verdict
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition is a strong remaster that respects its roots while giving the original a much-needed facelift. Minor visual glitches and occasionally lackluster AI are noticeable, but they don’t overshadow the game’s compelling story and thrilling gameplay. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the 40K universe, this is a battle worth fighting.
Final Score: 4/5
