If the above video is anything to go by, it looks like the universe of Warhammer 40,000 is once again going to be visited by the Videogame Fairy thanks to THQ. Subtitled Space Marine, this new shoot n' brawler promises to bring "intimate brutality" to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 upon release.
The Space Marines in the 40K universe are a bunch of xenophobic zealots who are devoted to wiping out impurities and aliens in the name of their comatose Emperor. I remember all this from that one time I tried to get into Warhammer but realized I'd have to mortgage the house in order to collect anything. Since I don't actually own a house, that plan went sour rather quickly.
The above video shows off the gameplay with plenty of pretentious terms like "scope of war," "cinemaction," and the cringeworthy "orchestrating your ballet of death." Being an early build, things aren't looking as hot as I imagine they will do later on, and the enemies seem as threatening as cheese but plowing into them with a chainsword and bolter has a shedload of fun potential. If that parry system is as good as it looks, fighting could become pretty involving and intense, which is promising.
Contrary to what is said in the video, this is not the first time a videogame has gone "up close and personal" with the 40K universe. THQ was responsible for a little-known FPS called Fire Warrior several years ago that placed you in the role of a Tau soldier. Despite its obscurity and mixed reviews, I was a big fan of it so I'm hoping that Space Marine can deliver a fun experience. Just make sure it's got plenty of Tyranids in it, please.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Oh ya, I am totally a Warhammer nerd.
It doesn’t look too bad, though I don’t think the Bolter has enough ‘Umph’ when it hits anything in this video.
Also, the enemies looked like they had very little effect when they hit the player.
But, then again, this is an early build so who knows what will happen between now and the release.
I'm glad they said it's an early build, cause it looks like it needs a hell of a lot of work.
Apart from the sparsity, dumb enemies and empty locales, my main gripe is the complete wrong-ness of the Bolter!
*watches LambChops closely* ¬_¬
p.s. yes, they seem to have forgotten Space Hulk and Fire Warrior.
"Cinemaction" is one of the most horrible terms I've ever heard though. Please drop that THQ.
What chapter is that Space Marine supposed to be from by the way? I didnt recognize the symbols. Unless they havent decided yet, or are going to try another "Secret Primarch! lol" chapter like the Blood Ravens (not that I dont like the Blood Ravens)...
A) they get old quick, even if there are "hundreds"
B) they break the flow of the combat
C) what if enemies shot at you while they are running? You turn immortal for a second?
I agree with the other Warhammer nerds, that is not how I imagine a bolter sounding at all.
Also, with an emphasis on melee, I would like to see the Black Templars. Enough with the Ultramarines already (if that is who is in the trailer).
Ever since I stopped obsessively bolstering my army of 40K minis years ago, I've been waiting for a game that would get me back into the 40K universe. I hope this is the game that does it.
Can't wait to orchestrate my own ballet of death.
The cut finishing scenes have to be optional too (at least the camera angles do). They'll get annoying quick. I also can't really see the point in the whole "overkill" gimmick either...
Pulling out the gimmicks and focusing more on just being awesome and generating a good plot would be a prudent course of action here.
Phazer
Anyways, we need to calm the hell down on the Bolter. When I first started watching this, I was befuddled due to it sucking so bad while it's a universal symbol for Space Marine to me, even more so than the chainsword. However, upon obvious, further examination, it's quite obvious the devs have barely even pondered upon the effects. Barely a drop of blood from the sword and that "explosion", if you could call it that, sold that for me, and the Bolter being so damned wimpy also tipped me off (The firing sound is waaaay too light for a .75, and also sounds vaguely like the Lancer in Gears, and NO FRIGGIN' EXPLOSIONS. The Traitor Guards should be fucking RIPPED APART. Alas, the sacrifice of game mechanics.)
Another side issue for me; Seems a bit too much like GoW at the moment, which is ironic, considering the Cogs are rips off the Space marines, who had the oversized ugly badass look going on long before they did.
Anyways, sorry for the minor wall. Have a good motherfuckin' day.
(I also find it ironic I made an account and posted the first time on Dtoid for something as trivial as this after 1 and a half years of lurking and a T-Shirt I frequently wear.)
"Cinemactions" look like plenty of cinematics and no action to me. IMO even few seconds at almost every enemy is a no go. Well, in Final Fantasy you may watch repetitive sequences for hours, but if this is western fast action game - it will just bring more harm than good.
Chainsawing in GoW was awesome "cinemaction", but it occured rarely. Doing it at 90% of locusts'd turn experience around.
@weak bolter
I agree.
@game overeall
Looks pretty weak, but it's early build ... and it's space marines, so I'll get it in my radar.
Day 1 purchase for me (hopefully).