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.
