Revisiting a Classic: The Master Crafted Edition of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

Revisiting Warhammer 40000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition: A Love Letter or Just Another Coat of Paint?

As a fan who revels in the idea of Warhammer 40000 but grapples with time constraints, skill levels, space limitations, and budget considerations, my first encounter with Space Marine on the PlayStation 3 was nothing short of a revelation. It was a perfect way to immerse myself in the grimdark universe of Warhammer without the burden of rearranging my dining room or emptying my wallet. Unlike many online shooters that fail to hold my interest, Space Marine’s PvP mode was genuinely enjoyable, allowing me to indulge in multiplayer without feeling overwhelmed.

Fast forward to today, and the allure of the PC version has beckoned me, particularly with the release of the Master Crafted Edition. The release was amplified by the anticipation surrounding Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2, but despite frequent sales on Steam, I hesitated—until now.

Now that the Warhammer 40000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition has graced our screens, you’d think I should be celebrating, right?

Next-Gen Upgrade: All That Glitters?

On paper, the idea of a next-gen upgrade for Relic Entertainment’s classic (14 years old, no less) sounds fantastic. The Master Crafted Edition promises “quality of life and graphical improvements,” boasting enhanced fidelity, 4K resolution, and revamped character models. Similar upgrades have previously impressed me. A technical refresh can keep an original story alive, especially with a sequel on the horizon.

Yet here lies the catch: “those who already own Warhammer 40000: Space Marine need to pony up the full price if they wish to check out the new, passable coat of paint on this 14-year-old game.”

While the upgrade does indeed make the game visually appealing, it often feels like a nostalgic stroll through an enhanced version of a bygone era. The new visual elements are enough to appreciate, but they can’t quite cover the underlying issues that remain.

A Journey Through the Universe

At the heart of the game, you accompany Captain Titus and his squadmates, Sidonus and Leandros, on a mission to thwart a warband of Orks from taking control of a Battle Titan. While the Orks might seem like the main threat, the ever-menacing Chaos Space Marines lie in wait, revealing themselves as the real antagonists. The campaign, lasting about 10 hours, navigates through various engaging objectives and set pieces.

The early Gears of War influence is palpable, particularly with the tank-like combat style exhibited by these genetically-engineered warriors. Instead of merely healing through medpacks, players must engage in melee executions to regain health, a mechanic that feels somewhat outdated, especially when compared with modern gameplay standards.

Regardless, the campaign remains an enjoyable romp, and the absence of Orks in the sequel leaves a void that I wish could be filled. The nostalgia factor can’t be overlooked—Warhammer 40000 aficionados who have yet to dive into this gem should definitely take notice.

The Price of Nostalgia

Now let’s discuss the elephant in the room: the price. The Master Crafted Edition is offered at $53.49 CDN while the Anniversary Edition retails for $49.99 CDN. While a $5 premium for a next-gen upgrade seems reasonable, remember this is a full, standalone release—not just an enhancement. Paying full price feels disheartening when both editions contain the same DLC and skins, leading to the conclusion that the Master Crafted Edition doesn’t include any new content that wasn’t readily accessible with the Anniversary Edition.

If this were framed purely as a low-cost way to revisit an old favorite with fresh visuals, it would be an easy purchase. However, the separate release and the resulting price point raise questions about the value offered. One could argue that a full-priced remaster should exceed mere aesthetic upgrades, especially when bugs are lurking in the shadows.

The Waiting Game

For those eager to explore the multiplayer aspect of the game, it might be wiser to stick with the original release for the time being, given its likely larger player base. As always, Steam sales will undoubtedly present opportunities to snag the Warhammer 40000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition at a more appealing price.

In summary, while the new edition provides a tempting return to the Warhammer universe, a sense of “just good enough” permeates this experience, leaving us to ponder whether the nostalgia trip is worth the investment in its current form. Whether you’re a long-time veteran of the lore or someone just dipping your toes in, it’s a complex journey—one that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Warhammer experience. So, what’s your take? Is the nostalgia worth the price, or is a more significant upgrade needed to justify a full-priced remaster? Let the debates on the battlefields commence!