Warhammer 40k Space Marine gets "a thoughtful restoration" in new, 4K edition

Warhammer 40k Space Marine is getting a new Master Crafted Edition packed with visual upgrades, an Ork rework, and modernized controls.

With its sequel currently thriving and establishing itself as one of the best third-person shooters around, the original Warhammer 40k Space Marine has taken a bit of a back seat in people's minds. However, the iconic 2011 game is about to stomp into your consciousness once again. Space Marine is getting a new enhanced edition complete with 4K resolution, graphics and audio upgrades, control modernizations, and so much more.

With Space Marine 2 really delivering in the visuals department, it's nice to see its older brother getting a makeover as well. The original Space Marine was a solid Warhammer 40k game that brilliantly realized the power fantasy of walking in Captain Titus' boots and turning Orks into a pulp. While not a critical darling, it is beloved by fans and (despite the long gap between the two releases) did lay some foundations for the exceptional SM2.

It already received an anniversary edition back in 2021 to celebrate ten years since launch, but now, a whole 14 years later, it's getting repackaged once more. Content-wise, everything remains the same – you'll get the base game of Warhammer 40k Space Marine and all of the DLC expansions it received post-launch. However, this new Master Crafted Edition will make the game sparkle like never before. While not a full remaster, it's described as "a thoughtful restoration" instead.

"We aimed to preserve the spirit of the original while modernizing the experience for today's players," says Vaidas Mikelskas, a producer from SneakyBox, the studio entrusted with enhancing Space Marine.

The Master Crafted Edition features a full graphics engine overhaul, "greatly improved" textures, 4K resolution, updated character models, and remastered audio. Your opponents in the game, the Orks, have also had a full rework to ensure that their "identity is fully aligned with the latest Warhammer 40,000 lore." There are new character models on show, and over 100 new voice lines have been recorded too.

The control scheme has also been modernized to make things a bit more accessible for new and younger players jumping in for the first time. The UI has had a spruce too.

Oh, and to top it all off, there will be multiplayer support, and that means you can jump back into competitive modes such as Space Marine's 8v8 battles.

Warhammer 40k Space Marine's Master Crafted Edition launches on Tuesday, June 10. It'll set you back 40 euros, according to a press release, which should translate to around $45 / £35. Alternatively, you'll be able to play it day one on Game Pass.

For more, check out the best multiplayer games and best space games.

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