Following the shutdown of Concord, the launch of the single-player Astro Bot by Sony on the same day as Concord going offline, coupled with the release of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, has left many feeling a bit of whiplash.
Space Marine 2 offers a sci-fi shooter experience with a story campaign, co-op, and competitive modes. It stands out by embracing a multiplayer style reminiscent of earlier eras, giving players a refreshing experience compared to the typical modern live service games like Gears of War and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
Finding the Multiplayer Appeal
It’s not uncommon for live service games like Concord to fall into cliched designs to chase the success of titles like Fortnite and Overwatch. However, Space Marine 2 bucks this trend by offering a mix of old-school charm with innovative gameplay elements.
Unlike Concord, Space Marine 2 provides a variety of modes including the engaging story-driven Campaign, the competitive multiplayer mode Eternal War, and cooperative Operations. This diverse gameplay structure ensures that players have multiple avenues for exploration and engagement.
While many modern multiplayer games lack depth with solely focusing on competitive modes, Space Marine 2 manages to cater to both single-player enthusiasts and those seeking intense multiplayer action. The game’s approach feels inclusive, offering something for everyone.
Space Marine 2’s integration of class and progression systems across its various modes enhances the overall gameplay experience, providing players with a reason to keep coming back. Unlike Concord, Space Marine 2 excels at keeping players engaged and invested in its world.
As the gaming landscape evolves, there is certainly space for both traditional and modern multiplayer experiences like Space Marine 2 to thrive. By embracing the Xbox 360-era multiplayer model, Space Marine 2 sets a precedent for premium-priced multiplayer games to deliver substantial content that keeps players coming back for more.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S for owners of special editions, with the standard edition set to release on September 9.