Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40K Universe May be Original But Games Like Space Marine 2 Have Countless Other Inspirations

With Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 just days away from release and early access starting in mere hours, the internet is abuzz with positive reviews for this highly anticipated sequel.

Whether you’re a die-hard Warhammer 40K fan or someone dipping their toes into the vast ocean of this universe for the first time, it looks like Space Marine 2 is set to be a massive success and an absolute blast to play.

But as we eagerly await the game’s imminent launch, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the past and how it has contributed to the creation of this epic adventure set “in the grim darkness of the far future.”

While Henry Cavill‘s beloved Warhammer 40K universe is undeniably original, it’s important to recognize that the gameplay of games like Space Marine 2 has been inspired by a plethora of other titles. Interestingly, many of those games, in turn, owe a debt of gratitude to this iconic franchise itself.

As Saber Interactive’s Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits eloquently put it in an interview with GamesBeat:

There’s this crazy cycle of influence. The Warhammer franchise has been an inspiration for many video games for decades. If you’re younger or you don’t understand it, you won’t get it, but I really hope that people understand what an influence it was.

One prime example of this cyclical inspiration is the Gears of War franchise. It’s clear that Gears of War drew heavily from the Warhammer 40K universe, and in return, the original Space Marine game took a few pages out of the Gears playbook.

Now, with the upcoming sequel, it seems that Saber Interactive is once again looking to Gears of War for inspiration, which is fantastic news for players—especially those who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Gears series for years now.

But the influence doesn’t stop there. Space Marine 2 also draws inspiration from classic sci-fi horror films and games like Alien: Isolation.

The game’s main antagonists, the Tyranids, bear a striking resemblance to the iconic Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise, with their relentless assault and overwhelming numbers creating a thrilling and challenging gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

While it’s fascinating to explore the web of influences that have shaped Saber’s upcoming hack-n-slash, ultimately, what matters most is the game itself. And from what we’ve seen so far, it looks like the developers have crafted a love letter to Warhammer 40K fans, both old and new.

In our own review of the game, we praised the game for its stunning visuals, intense action, and deep respect for the source material. It’s clear that the developers have poured their hearts and souls into this project, and the result is a game that feels like a true celebration of all things Warhammer.

So, whether you’re a true veteran of the franchise or a curious newcomer, Space Marine 2 looks set to be an unforgettable experience. As you charge into battle, chainsword in hand, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of influences that have come together to create this epic adventure.

And if you find yourself marveling at the game’s similarities to Gears of War or its Xenomorph-like enemies, just remember: it’s all part of that crazy cycle of influence that makes the world of gaming so endlessly fascinating.

Are you excited to dive into the world of Warhammer 40K with Space Marine 2? What other games or films do you think have influenced or been influenced by this iconic franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!