PC Critic Reviews

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was more than just a game that spawned a remarkable sequel. It was a thoroughly entertaining third-person shooter that perfectly translated Games Workshop’s brutal IP into digital form. Dusting off 14 years of cobwebs and creakiness, the Master Crafted Edition makes the 2011 original look, sound, and play as close as possible to brand new. I don’t think those with the original or Anniversary Edition will regret picking it up, and it’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone who doesn’t already own the game.

Even if it's not the most expansive remaster, the Master Crafted Edition is still a great way to experience the original Space Marine.

It's a relic worth checking out, but for those who just played the sequel, it might be a bit of a shock. The game works, but today's players have better options.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition succeeds in its mission to revitalize the 2011 cult classic for a new generation. However, the simplistic nature of this remaster prevents it from being strongly recommended and may frustrate those who expected a more polished experience that is closer, graphically speaking, to its acclaimed sequel.

Still a pretty decent Warhammer massacre, but as a remaster it's simply not worth 40 euros.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, from developers SneakyBox and Relic Entertainment, feels too much like the Anniversary Edition released a few years back. While new gamers of the series might enjoy what this title has to offer, as it does bring some solid action that mimics the chaotic nature of the Warhammer world, seasoned fans of the series may not get enough out of this release to justify another purchase.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition is a superfluous remaster. While it features slightly sharper textures, revamped audio, and updated 3D models, the changes are marginal compared to the original game, which is already playable in 4K and enhanced by the 2021 Anniversary Edition. Furthermore, the renewed UI partially undermines the user experience, while the changes to the control scheme make it less flexible. Despite all that, the qualities of the original game are still there.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition is an adequate remaster that makes 2011’s third-person action game easier to play on modern machines while improving how it looks and sounds. None of its additions address the original’s fundamental issues, preferring to leave it largely as it was. Its flawed but fun campaign delivers plenty of visceral slaughter while its multiplayer is worth dipping into for a few matches every now and then, provided you don’t run into lag and find enough players to fill a lobby. It’s easy to see why the game became a cult classic, but for what it offers, the remaster’s price tag and the lack of an upgrade option or discount for existing owners are undoubtedly head-scratchers.

While Space Marine remains a must-play for WH40K fans, the Master Crafted Edition would've been better off as a paid upgrade to the existing Steam edition.

I have to wonder who this game is for. Other than raw nostalgia for this specific title, I can’t really think of a reason to recommend anyone play this. If you want to be a Space Marine, Space Marine 2 is amazing.