Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2: PS5 Review

Developed by Saber Interactive
Published by Focus Entertainment
Platform: PS5

Hack and slash games rarely come in a more camp package than Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2.

You're in charge of Titus, a big brute of a Space Marine, whose mission is to rid the galaxy of the Tyranids, a race of lizard-like creatures invading and generally causing chaos.

Your help in achieving this task is largely a chainsword that hacks its victims into pieces, and slices and dices where needed. There are also guns to pick up throughout as well, but in truth, nothing is simpler than cutting up your opponents into small pieces.

The thing with Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 is no matter how pompous the opening narrative is, and no matter how seriously the game seems to take itself throughout, it has a very simple MO - to entertain and simply do what it needs to.

Largely, it does so, thanks to its blend of melee conflict and gunplay. There are some particularly cool gameplay tricks on offer - including a chance to hack an enemy first, throw them back and finish them off with a shot from your gun.

It's moments like this where Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 really does come alive as a shooter and slasher, where it stops its seriousness and simply gets on with the business at hand. Sure the story's a little shallow and the dialogue a touch on the bland side, but once you get past that, the game offers just simple fun, and mechanics to achieve that level of joy.

But while the offline game is solid enough, there's a bit more joy to be had with friends squadding up for various levels of multiplayer. Though without friends, the multiplayer is an AI-soulless experience, that still offers the basics of the game, but none of the camaraderie and fun.

Ultimately Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 does exactly what you'd expect. While it's probably fair to say you'd get more of the depth if you're a Warhammer player, the lack of too much lore makes it just about accessible - and enjoyable - enough to non-players.

IF: Blu Ray Review

Cast: John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Director: John Krasinski

Undoubtedly whimsical and almost a touch too saccharine for its own good, A Quiet Place's John Krasinski's latest is an ode to memory and the power of imagination.

Focussing on The Walking Dead's Cailey Fleming's Bea, it's the story of a family torn apart by tragedy as Bea's father has to go into hospital for a broken heart, not long after the death of her mother from cancer. Placed with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw), Bea befriends Ryan Reynold's Cal who lives upstairs and who shares his apartment with a group of Imaginary Friends, chiefly Steve Carell's Blue and Waller-Bridge's Blossom.

After being urged by her father to tell her story, Bea begins an adventure of her own with Cal and the Friends.

Chiefly aimed at the family audience, Krasinski's IF veers dangerously close to cloying early on with an overload of whimsy that threatens to topple proceedings in a sentimental slop. With narrative elements that don't make sense, character actions that seem at best wildly off, an obvious twist and an overly OTT twinkling score from Michael Giacchino, IF's heart comes through when cynicism and modern day sensibilities threaten to derail it all.

With some wondrous visuals and touches that recall Pixar moments as well as Hollywood's golden age, it's almost as if Krasinski is channeling his inner child with recollections of yesteryears from Tinseltown. There's nothing wildly original on show here, but thanks to an earnestness of direction, this reeks of Amblin-level Spielberg as it angles for the family audience.

Packed with an almost incredible level of actor cameos and a raft of characters that will tickle all imaginations, If's power lies in its visual inventiveness above all else. (Expect either a series of prequel shorts or Monsters University-style spinoffs soon.) A sequence set inside a retirement home for former Imaginary Friends comes alive with a little imagination and a series of visual flourishes that sparkle.

But too often, the film relies on its own twee-ness and mawkishness to sell proceedings - there's a darker film here that explores trauma and loss, but it's not a film Krasinski wants to explore or expose.

That's fine - as a rebuttal to cynicism and an ode to the power of memory, this aimed-at-family film works its audience well. Perhaps some of the older end of the audience may be resistant to its powers of persuasion - but much like the central message of the film itself, If is more interested in reminding you of the power of imagination and pure unbridled joy.

What's on Prime Video in October

Here's everything that's streaming on Prime Video in October.

It’s October and there’s a new boss in town. The Office, starring Felicity Ward, Edith Poor and Steen Raskopoulos, follows managing director Hannah Howard as she fights to keep her “work family” together in the face of a pending remote work order. The only problem is, Hannah might be making promises she can’t keep…

The tide of darkness is rising in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S2 finale. As friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all: each other.

Milan, 2030: Eight years ago, the independent global spy agency Citadel was destroyed by the powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Citadel: Diana finds undercover agent, Diana Davlieri, trapped behind enemy lines in Manticore and follows her attempts at escape.

Enjoy some real tennis with Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, experience mouth-watering thrills with House of Spoils starring Ariana DeBose, and get ready for the exciting battles The Legend of Vox Machina.

 For all this and more, please find highlights for October below.

THE OFFICE

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER

In The Office, Hannah Howard is the managing director of packaging company Flinley Craddick. When she gets news from Head Office that they will be shutting down her branch and making everyone work from home, she goes into survival mode, making promises she can’t keep in order to keep her “work family” together. The staff of Flinley Craddick indulge her and must endure Hannah’s outlandish plots as they work toward the impossible targets that have been set for them.

The Office stars Felicity Ward, Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, Josh Thomson, Shari Sebbens, Kieran Egan, Jack Dutson, Cassie McInnes, and Zoe Terakes. 

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER S2

SEASON 2 FINALE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S2 plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power stars Charlie Vickers, Tyroe Muhafidin, Markella Kavenagh, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Charles Edwards, Daniel Weyman, Megan Richards, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Robert Strange. 

LIONESS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM MONDAY 28 OCTOBER

As the CIA’s fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe (Saldaña), Kaitlyn (Kidman), and Byron (Kelly) enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program. 

From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, Lioness features a star-studded cast including series lead Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Genesis Rodriguez and Emmy Award nominee Michael Kelly, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, and Oscar and Emmy winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman. The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill and Hannah Love Lanier.

CHALLENGERS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 

From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers follows Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak, Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.

Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. 

CITADEL: DIANA

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER

Milan, 2030: Eight years ago, the independent global spy agency Citadel was destroyed by the powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Since then, Diana Cavalieri, an undercover Citadel agent, is alone, trapped behind enemy lines as a mole in Manticore. When she finally sees a way out and the chance to disappear forever, the only way to do so is trusting the most unexpected ally, Edo Zani, the heir of Manticore Italy and son of the head of the Italian organisation, Ettore Zani, who’s vying for leadership against the other European families.

Citadel: Diana stars Matilda De Angelis, Lorenzo Cervasio, Maurizio Lombardi, Julia Piaton, Thekla Reuten, Daniele Paoloni, and Filippo Nigro.

CANARY BLACK

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER

A top CIA operative, Avery Graves, is blackmailed by terrorists into betraying her own country to save her kidnapped husband. Cut off from her team, she turns to her underworld contacts to survive and help locate the coveted intelligence that the kidnappers want. Betrayed at every turn, she must rely on her cutting-edge training and primitive fighting skills in a deadly race to deliver a ransom that could trigger a global crisis.

Canary Black stars Kate Beckinsale, Saffron Burrows, Rupert Friend, Jaz Hutchins, Goran Kostic, Ben Miles.

THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA

SEASON 3 [DUB] AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

Everything is at stake in the long-awaited Season Three of The Legend of Vox Machina. The Chroma Conclave’s path of destruction spreads like wildfire while the Cinder King hunts down Vox Machina. Our lovable band of misfits must rise above inner (and outer) demons to try and save their loved ones, Tal’Dorei, and all of Exandria.

The Legend of Vox Machina stars the voices of Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel and Travis Willingham.

HOUSE OF SPOILS

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

House of Spoils follows an ambitious chef (Ariana DeBose) who opens her first restaurant—a farm-to-table affair on a remote estate—where she battles kitchen chaos, a dubious investor, crushing self doubts… and the powerful spirit of the estate’s previous owner who threatens to sabotage her at every turn. House of Spoils is a tense, psychological and sensuous thriller that will leave hearts pounding and mouth watering.

House of Spoils stars Ariana DeBose, Barbie Ferreira, Arian Moayed, Amara Karan, Mikkel Bratt Silset and Marton Csokas.

OCTOBER 2024 TOP PICKS:

CHALLENGERS (MOVIE) 01/10/24

THE MUMMY ('17) (MOVIE) 1/10/2024

LEGALLY BLONDE (MOVIE) 1/10/2024

THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (MOVIE) 1/10/2024

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (2019)  (MOVIE) 1/10/2024

SHERLOCK GNOMES (MOVIE) 01/10/24

LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA S3 (TV) 03/10/24

HOUSE OF SPOILS (MOVIE) 03/10/24

EL DIARIO (MOVIE) 04/10/24

THE TRIBE S1 (TV) 04/10/24

A SIMPLE FAVOUR (MOVIE) 06/10/24

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE (MOVIE) 08/10/24

DEATH NOTE S1 (TV) 09/10/24

CITADEL: DIANA S1 (TV) 10/10/24

WILD CARD (MOVIE) 15/10/24

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A CELEBRITY S1 (TV) 16/10/24

BROTHERS (MOVIE) 17/10/24

LOVE STUCK  (MOVIE) 17/10/2024

THE OFFICE S1 (TV) 18/10/24

BLUE CAVE (MOVIE) 18/10/2024

THE DEVIL'S HOUR S2 (TV) 19/10/24

DARKNESS OF MAN (MOVE) 19/10/2024

THE SILENT HOUR (MOVIE) 22/20/24

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS (MOVIE) 22/10/2024

CANARY BLACK (MOVIE) 24/10/24

LIONESS (TV) 28/10/24

MEGAN THEE STALLION: IN HER WORDS (MOVIE) 31/10/2024

Win a double pass to see Smile 2 in cinemas

To celebrate the release of Smile 2 in cinemas October 17, thanks to Paramount Pictures NZ, you can win a double pass!

About Smile 2

About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events.

Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.

Smile 2 is in cinemas October 17

Win a double pass to see Transformers One in cinemas

To celebrate the release of Transformers One in cinemas September 26, thanks to Paramount Pictures NZ, you can win a double pass!

About Transformers One

TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. 

In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

Transformers One in cinemas September 26

Logitech launches next generation of Pro Series Mice, new keyboard

LOGITECH G LAUNCHES THE NEXT GENERATION OF PRO SERIES MICE AND KEYBOARD DESIGNED WITH AND FOR THE WORLD'S BEST ESPORTS ATHLETES

New PRO Series Gear features two new mice, the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX and PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED, along with a new keyboard, the PRO X TKL RAPID 

Logitech G, announced at Logi PLAY the launch of its latest PRO Series gear, designed to meet the demands of elite esports athletes and competitive gamers. The new lineup includes the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX Gaming Mouse, the PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED Gaming Mouse, and the PRO X TKL RAPID Gaming Keyboard.

“We pour a lot into our PRO series products, focusing on innovations that deliver immediate performance gains by forming deep partnerships with pros to meet their exacting needs. This research and design practice not only allows us to identify and create product breakthroughs but also serves as a performance test bed that ultimately serves the entire gaming community,” said Chris Pate, Head of PRO Series Product Development at Logitech G.  “With our new PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX, our new ambidextrous PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED, and our first magnetic analog rapid trigger keyboard, the PRO X TKL RAPID, we’re meeting gamers’ needs for the highest performance gear possible”

Over the past three years, Logitech G has worked with hundreds of professional esports athletes to create the next generation of PRO Series gear. These new products, combined with the current line-up of PRO Series gear, offer players the shape, playstyle, and functionality choices they need to find the best fit for them. Players can also feel confident that as a PRO Series product, each guarantees the highest level of performance across mice and keyboards. The newest additions to the PRO Series include:

PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX: The Asymmetrical Gaming Sharpshooter 

The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX is the cornerstone of our new releases, featuring a brand-new, asymmetrical, right-handed design developed with feedback from professional gamers in titles like Counter-Strike and Valorant. This mouse is not just about ergonomics; it’s a technological powerhouse.

• LIGHTSPEED Wireless Technology: Upgraded to support 8KHz polling, delivering ultra-fast and responsive performance.

• HERO 2 Sensor: Re-engineered from the ground up to help achieve 8kHz polling, this sensor now offers unmatched tracking performance with speeds over 888 inches per second and acceleration over 88G.

• LIGHTFORCE Switches: Combines optical sensing for instant actuation and reliability with a mechanical component for a satisfying click and low power consumption.

• Sustainability: Manufactured with up to 55% post-consumer recycled ABS plastic, significantly reducing its carbon impact.

DEX is a specialised right-handed tool that many pro players have asked us to add to the PRO Series portfolio. As with our PRO Series gear, DEX has been a multi-year development cycle, working with hundreds of elite esports athletes to meet their specific needs.

“The PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 DEX feels like an extension of my hand, and that kind of comfort is crucial in high-stakes matches,” said Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, G2 Esports, Counter-Strike 2. “DEX delivers on the quality, precision, and speed that I told Logitech I need to win.”

PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED: An Upgrade to the Iconic PRO Wireless

In addition to launching a brand new right-handed PRO gaming mouse, we have taken the opportunity to launch the Logitech G PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED. The new PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED takes the original ambidextrous design of the PRO Wireless gaming mouse to the next level with state-of-the-art components and performance enhancements. This is an evolution of an esports icon featuring the latest LIGHTSPEED and HERO 2 updates.

“If you are a fan of ambidextrous mice, the G PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED is definitely the one I recommend!” said Evan “evv” De Couto, FlyQuest RED, Valorant. “It's such a fast and responsive mouse, and its shape is effortless to hold, which makes adjusting to your targets more precise and simple.”

PRO X TKL RAPID: The First Pro Grade Rapid Trigger Keyboard

The PRO X TKL RAPID is Logitech G's debut magnetic analog keyboard, offering adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger functionality. These features empower professionals to execute movements and commands with exceptional speed and precision. The keyboard's actuation points and rapid trigger settings can be adjusted instantly without software, making it ideal for esports pros who must configure new hardware on systems where software installation isn't allowed.

• Magnetic Analog Switches: Custom designed by Logitech G engineers to have industry-leading response linearity, these switches feature adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger capability for precise and swift movements.

• Key Priority: Logitech G’s easy-to-use implementation of Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD) resolution, this G HUB feature gives players more precision, speed, and control over in-game movement by assigning one or more pairs of keys to measure and compare actions, such as travel distance, last press, and neutral or absolute priority. 

• On-the-Fly Configuration: Designed to allow pros to quickly and easily configure actuation points and rapid trigger settings without G HUB installed, ideal for tournament systems that do not permit third-party software installation.

• G HUB Integration: KEYCONTROL provides detailed control of rapid trigger and switches travel settings, multi-actuation assignments, and multiple command layers. Users can also access the G HUB community and pro player settings to optimise their keyboard's capabilities.

• Sustainability: Constructed using post-consumer recycled aluminum and plastic.

“I think PRO X TKL RAPID will help many people strafe better in the game,” said Ilya “m0NESY'” Osipov, G2 Esports, Counter-Strike 2. “You can strafe so well and so fast you get an advantage. Knowing my feedback goes into this gear gives me even more confidence.”

We invite you to watch a behind-the-scenes PRO X TKL Rapid development video, showcasing our commitment to innovation and collaboration with the esports community.

For more information, please visit [Logitech G’s website].

Pricing and Availability:

The PRO X Superlight 2 DEX, the upgraded PRO 2 LIGHTSPEED, is available in pink, black, and white colorways at all major participating retailers.

• PRO X Superlight 2 DEX - Available on September 18 – RRP $329.95 NZD

For additional information, please visit our website and blog or connect with us on Instagram and X.

About PRO Series

Logitech G PRO Series is an award-winning lineup of professional-grade headsets, mice, and keyboards designed to the exact specifications of the world’s top esports athletes. Engineered through a rigorous Design by Collaboration program, PRO Series products include carefully selected features and innovations to achieve the absolute pinnacle of performance while providing the all-day comfort that professional gamers demand.