The title, Space Marine, is definitely not the most interesting or original name for a game that is about well, space marines. I initially dismissed this game entirely, but when I learned that it’s set in a fantasy world with orks, my interest level did a full 180. In fact, that was the first game I got in line for to play.
The THQ exhibitor manning the booth explained to me that Space Marine is a cross between the long range style of Gears of War and the short range style of Darksiders. Not only was he right, but the game is just as fun as it sounds.
Space Marine has the typical controls one would expect for aiming and shooting, and you can easily whip out your chainsaw sword at any time with a press of the X button in case those orks get in a little too close for your comfort. Your marine also has two other attacks in his arsenal: the fury attack and the execution. The execution is pretty much how it sounds; it’s a devastatingly bloody attack that not only chokes the life out of your enemy, but it also replenishes yours. The fury attack you can use at any time, but if you let the fury meter fill up, you can stun a wide range of enemies around you. Some require to be stunned in order for a successful execution (otherwise, the enemy will fold you in half and throw you across the room for some serious damage).
In addition, Space Marine had an interesting look. At first glance, it looks like it’s just a colorful, less realistic version of Gears of War, but the reason why it is so unrealistic in appearance is because it has a flair of appearing to be a bit hand-painted, like it’s a callback to the Warhammer tabletop games.
The demo only lasted ten minutes, and I was thoroughly disappointed that it was so short because I really wanted more. It has everything I personally like in games: fast action, shooting, swords, fantasy settings, and a unique art style. I cannot wait for its release this September.
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