Today is usually when we bring you a little game news story, but I’d like to tell you all about something a little different this time. See, ever since Space Marine II came out, I’ve developed something of an interest in Warhammer 40k as a whole. It’s not enough that I could call myself a true fan or anything, and I certainly have no intention of trying to play the table top game (since it’s notoriously expensive), but I’ve been enjoying the lore and just the overall cool factor of it all.
Warhammer 40k is an utterly ridiculous setting, to the point that it’s even self-aware in-universe to a degree (via the Tau), but there’s just so much in it that just makes you wanna go “that’s so metal!” when you see it. The Space Marines (or Astartes) are the prime example of this, and I don’t think there’s any single piece of media that makes them look cooler than [creator’s] “Astartes” series of videos on YouTube.
This guy practically did them all by himself, and they were just so well made that Games Workshop actually hired him a couple years ago to make an official follow up. And now, the wait is almost over. Not only is Astartes II on the way, but it’s supposed to drop this December! Even better, it looks like it’s going to offer several short stories following different Space Marine chapters rather than just one single story like the first Astartes series.
There does seem to be a primary story though, possibly focusing on a group of Terminator armor-clad Space Marines trying to clear out a derelict Space Hulk of alien infestation. “Suffer not the alien to live” as so many in this grim-dark universe would say. Another story hinted at in the trailer seems to be related to a Gene-Stealer cult (crazed organizations led by Tyranid infiltrators), which could explain how the Space Hulk wound up in such a state.
Either way, it’s looking like it’s gonna be a really cool watch. So, if you’re a Space Marine II enjoyer or just wanna see Space Marines do Space Marine stuff, I highly recommend putting a reminder on your calendar and checking it out!
Have you played Space Marine II? What about Warhammer 40k as a whole? What’s your experience with it, if any?
Image from the Space Marine 2 Steam page