If you haven’t played it yet, go pick up Warhammer 40 000: Space Marine. It’s a dedicated action game that deserved better and was supposed to spearhead a trilogy of games, but those plans eventually fell apart when THQ collapsed. And according to its developer, it would have been one hell of a story.
Ending on a cliffhanger, Space Marine saw its lead character Captain Titus push the forces of chaos back into the warp, somehow immune to their chaotic influence. Emerging unscathed, Titus was then arrested for heresy due to his exposure to the Warp. “I had some big plans for Titus,” game director Raphael van Lierop said to the Penny Arcade Report.
The second part of his story was to focus on a ‘Titus Unleashed’ plot—basically there were forces arrayed against him that would see his loyalty to the Adeptus Astartes pushed to its limit, and his reaction would be to kind of ‘go rogue,’ and we’d see a different Titus, not quite as in control as we saw him in Space Marine. He would be kicked out as a consequence—exiled, which would basically be a death sentence for him.
From that second game, Titus would grow to become an even more powerful Ultramarine, returning for a third game where he would form his own chapter of space marines and take the fight to the forces of chaos according to Lierop.
He would survive, and come back even stronger in the third game, where other Space Marines still loyal to him would rally around him and he’d return to ‘clean house,’ but as the head of a brand new Chapter that we would build around him.
However, these sequels never got made, thanks to THQ going bankrupt. “Sadly, THQ was already starting to fall apart by then and it became clear that Space Marine 2 wasn’t going to happen,” Lierop explained.
I was pretty heartbroken about that. But that’s the way the business works. In the end I’m glad things turned out the way they did, because I think if the end hadn’t been so hard, I might not have sought out a better way. And Hinterland might not have ever happened.
Space Marine is one of my favourite games of this generation. It’s bloody, violent and uncompromising in the way it handles its source material. And that’s what made it such a great game, especially for Warhammer 40K fans.
If you’re keen to still play it, I highly recommend doing so. You should be able to pick it up on the cheap by now.
Last Updated: October 22, 2013
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:31
I actually really enjoyed this game. Especially the multiplayer.
Sageville
October 22, 2013 at 11:42
I enjoyed the SP and just couldn’t get into the MP, still was a cool story.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:44
It would be, it’s warhammer. MP is fun when you play with people you know. Especially the Exterminatus.
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 11:36
On the backlog…
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:37
Logged 40 hours on this guy. Worth trying. Gets repetitive, but the multiplayer is cool.
(be careful, that wild downvoter is in the area again)
Admiral Chief Ninja
October 22, 2013 at 11:37
Back-log sounds nasty 😛
Admiral Chief Ninja
October 22, 2013 at 11:37
I missed out on an Incredible Connection sale for this game (sold out) but got ACR for R50 back then (still sitting in packaging, dammit)
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:38
We sommer bought 4 SM’s for R50 each at incredible corruption.
Craig Boonzaier
October 22, 2013 at 11:38
I enjoyed this game thoroughly.
Also the multiplayer was really well balanced, and a level 1 could compete with the higher levels.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
October 22, 2013 at 11:44
The Warhammer 40K universe is far to amazing to just leave games like this without a sequel. Very sad to here this, the story was very good and THQ had the backing of GamesWorkshop and adhered strictly to WH40K story.
FOR THE EMPEROR!!
Tarisma
October 22, 2013 at 11:47
I played the original and it was ok, worth the R100 I paid for it but nothing memorable
Rock789
October 22, 2013 at 11:48
On my ‘To get’ list. I saw a 2nd hand copy at BTGames for R89… Shoulda picked it up then. Will start looking around for it again – looks like a fun, action-packed game!
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
October 22, 2013 at 11:52
It’s all action. You wade into a mosh pit of Orks chainsaw blade first and start slaughtering them. Health bars? Health bars are for lesser creatures. Real space marines rip the life out of enemies and then carry on to fight another war on their own.
Rock789
October 22, 2013 at 11:57
Mmmm… Action… **drool**
Right, that’s it! I must have! Gonna go across the road at lunch and source it immediately…
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:05
First the beating my ass in Gta online now this!! Who are you!! 😛
Rock789
October 22, 2013 at 13:02
Lol… What can I say. 🙂 But hey, you kicked some serious ass in the jet deathmatches! Clearly a pilot of some sort… 😉
Besides, a certain vampiric squirrel was dominating far more than me, if memory serves me.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 13:12
The inner Maverick lol I don’t mind loosing to a player like you who has mad skills, just a pitty I don’t have a liquid nitrogen jet powered xbox 360 aswell…
Rock789
October 22, 2013 at 15:37
Lol… 🙂 What can I say – it’s amazing what they’ll let you take home from work when you’re a mad scientist. 😉
Lardus-Resident Perve
October 22, 2013 at 12:24
And cover is for pussies – according to the developers 😛
Rock789
October 22, 2013 at 15:38
**Update** It’s mine! 🙂 Got it at lunch for R100. Will try it out later tonight, after I’ve been to da movies. 🙂
DrKiller
October 22, 2013 at 15:46
Yes, and thanks for wasting half of my lunch for this game 😛 haha
Charles Du Plessis
October 22, 2013 at 11:49
I have a sad now.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:50
Never liked Warhammer games, Seen a few never looked that interesting or fun..
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:51
You’re dead to me
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 11:51
To be sure, we should kill him.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:52
With a warhammer should be appropriate.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:54
If someone could explain the game, maybe would of liked it. But at the lan i went to looked shit, was confusing as hell didnt know what was going on or who was who, guys looked all kinda similar… So tell me what is soooo great about warhammer games..
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 11:57
It’s not just about the games. It’s about the Warhammer universe.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:59
Dude! No offense but they look the flipping same almost! I mean sure all RTS games you gotta learn, but I played this for 2 hours at a lan Warhammer2k I think it was, I was bored outta my mind!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:00
Firstly, the W40k universe is amazing. There’s so much back story. Then you get the miniatures & their associated games – which can be amazing fun to play. Thirdly there’s the recent games – which have all been great games to play, while staying true to the universe.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:02
Eish… Couldn’t find out about the universe as the game looked crap and wasn’t the easiest to learn, perhaps if started from the first one.. I rather stick to CC games Starcraft, warcraft and other RTS games…
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:05
Those games have all stolen so much from Warhammer & Warhammer 40k it’s not funny.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 12:06
I remember when Starcraft one came out and I was like “protoss? you mean eldar right?”
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:06
And the Tyranid… oops.. I mean Zerg.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 12:08
Wow. Absolutely. Starcraft is still a fun game, no doubt, but something about Dawn of War just makes you feel proud and more part of a bigger story when playing it.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 12:06
They were true to the Universe, which is why it’s probably best that Hollywood never tries to make a movie.
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:07
An animated W40k movie came out not so long ago. It wasn’t too bad.
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 12:09
Watched it too. Wasn’t bad.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:11
Wasn’t great either…trolllol
Vampyre Squirrel
October 22, 2013 at 11:57
I’ll kill him on GTA for you.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:58
You like Warhammer too?
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:01
No, random people offer to kill for me all the time. I just have to snap my fingers & point.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:03
Dude Vampire is my brother in crime!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:09
And yet look what he offered to do for me. How safe are you really when he’s the get-away driver & you come running. Will he pick you up safely… or will a high-speed yellow humvee be the last thing you see.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:10
No Humvees are not the problem….. Its Flying Squirrels in JETS!!
Vampyre Squirrel
October 22, 2013 at 12:40
Problem is I don’t have a yellow humvee… that’s OVG.
But I’m not like that, I’ll be a team player during heists and jobs… it’s outside those settings that’s an issue apparently hehehe
Vampyre Squirrel
October 22, 2013 at 12:38
Yep, been a fan of Warhammer for a long time.
Circuitflow
October 22, 2013 at 12:41
after Vamp has shot him i’ll drive him over again and again!
Vampyre Squirrel
October 22, 2013 at 12:42
and then Rince or OVG will run him over after he respawns 😛
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 13:16
Such great friends you guys are! I will remember these words! mark my words Squirrel!
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:51
Each to their own man… Id rather play any other RTS game.
Ir0nseraph
October 22, 2013 at 11:56
I enjoyed the SP but I did pick it up in the bargain bin , and i would really like to see the trilogy to the end after playing the game.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 11:58
So sick of the downvote arsehole… Seriously who ever is doing it, grow the f*ck up and get a life… Surely you have something better to do..
Admiral Chief Ninja
October 22, 2013 at 12:03
Go get em Timmeh!
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 12:04
I shall!
Admiral Chief Ninja
October 22, 2013 at 12:06
If you find and eradicate this filthy sickness, you shall grant much prestige
John's digital rights
October 22, 2013 at 12:06
Timmehh!!!!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 22, 2013 at 12:03
The more you visibly get upset about it, then more it’s going to happen. Because it’s getting the reaction it wants.
Admiral Chief Ninja
October 22, 2013 at 12:03
LOL, let Timmeh have some fun Trev
Vampyre Squirrel
October 22, 2013 at 12:41
*Tanya
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 13:14
Hey Squirrel who asked you!
Skyblue
October 22, 2013 at 12:40
Must be a News24 regular.
TiMsTeR1033
October 22, 2013 at 13:14
That would say alot wouldn’t it..
SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad
October 22, 2013 at 12:41
While I feel your pain, I feel that comments like this will only spur on the said Troll to even greater heights of downvote pain. Every rage post he/she attains is reason to fight even harder. To downvote ever longer.
Ignore the Troll. It’s what we tell children to do. I reckon it’s why they stop being scared, eventually. That.. or they figure that they don’t go over any wooden bridges anymore. So nothing to fear here. 😛
DOA
October 22, 2013 at 12:18
Pity, also really enjoy WH
Lardus-Resident Perve
October 22, 2013 at 12:22
*Sees image on main page, starts reading header text but stops after “sequels” and clicks link very excitedly. Cries after reading*
I loved that game!
Matthew Holliday
October 22, 2013 at 12:31
I played the tabletop game, so literally ANYTHING warhammer i can get my hands on is gold.
this game was great fun.
same with all the DoW games
Jean-Pierre Bornman
October 22, 2013 at 12:49
Played it through a few time but on the hardest setting it is next to impossible to get through but when you do get through damn is it a great feeling kinda wish there was a co op for the campaign, there was another XBLA game called Kill Team (only on the USA market) but managed to get my hands on it and needless to say… its fun
Marc Beuford-willis
April 23, 2014 at 18:19
if im gonna form a game company someday i would find that director of the development of warhammer 40k games and finish the story so it finally could grow into something more than just that we saw in this final chapter.
or i will seek a job at activition to see if they want to finish the gane for him