REVIEW: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine provides carnage, but little else

Legions of "Warhammer 40K" fans have thrilled at the futuristic sci-fi universe where armor-clad warriors face off against alien races for control of the universe. The tabletop game led to a series of turn-based and strategy video games. And now those fans get to take the next logical step and wield the mighty chainsword and hack apart anything in their way.

For better or worse, this franchise has been all about making the "Warhammer 40K" universe more accessible. "Space Marine" is less about using your wits than it is about expertly timing your button-mashing and marveling at the bloody carnage that ensues.

Previous editions were about strategy and used role-playing elements to drive the narrative. Here it's all about action, but there is no denying that it gets mindless and repetitive. Whether one is fighting against Orks or members of Chaos, they all may as well have huge neon signs above them that say "Shoot me while I stand still" or "Let me run near you so you can bludgeon me."

The online multiplayer areas are where the real fun is, since here it's all-out carnage. Better use of RPG elements and competing against human players make a world of difference.

"Space Marine" seems designed specifically for the "Warhammer 40K" fan, patting them on the back for years of toiling in the strategy-based games with a game all about creating a massive bloodbath. And that is not a bad thing; it just means casual gamers may not see the value.

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: THQ
ESRB Rating: M, for Mature
Grade: 2.5 stars