Introduction: A Promising Rebirth Turns Sour

Recently, the Warhammer 40,000 universe has enjoyed a surge of successful game releases, with titles like Space Marine 2 capturing fans’ attention and critical acclaim. However, the launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition has sparked controversy, with players expressing strong dissatisfaction and disappointment. This re-release of the 2011 action classic has become a notable misstep in an otherwise thriving franchise.

What Is the Master Crafted Edition?

Developed by Relic Entertainment and released in 2011, Space Marine was a well-loved action game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. The new Master Crafted Edition is not branded as a full remaster, but rather as an upgraded version featuring visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. These include higher-quality textures, 4K resolution, modernized character models, an updated control scheme, a revamped interface, and remastered audio to enhance the overall experience.

Released on June 10 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, the game was made available immediately on Xbox Game Pass, offering a free trial platform for players. Unfortunately, the reception on Steam, where it retails for around $40, has been overwhelmingly negative.

Steam User Reactions: A Disappointing Experience

The Master Crafted Edition currently holds a “mostly negative” rating on Steam, with the majority of reviews criticizing its value and performance. Many players feel that the changes over the original or Anniversary Edition are minimal or even detrimental, citing worse usability and technical issues as primary concerns.

One user lamented, “I was really excited about this update, but honestly, I prefer the older version. It feels better and looks better. Why couldn’t this just be a simple update? The price tag makes it feel like a cash grab, especially since it’s one of my favorite games.”

Another review expressed frustration over multiplayer features: “No players in PvP multiplayer or co-op Exterminatus Horde mode. The FOV is broken, aiming down sights zooms in too much, and there’s no option to adjust FOV. I’ll wait for it to go on sale or get patched before trying again.”

Several users have opted for refunds, highlighting that the Anniversary Edition offers a similar experience at a much lower price, around $8, and without the current issues.

Community and Social Media Backlash

The negative sentiment extends beyond Steam reviews. Discussions on social media platforms, Discord servers, and Reddit are rife with criticism. Many call the Master Crafted Edition a “lazy cash grab,” citing bugs, visual inconsistencies, and poor optimization.

One Redditor noted, “This game is a buggy, disorganized mess. They didn’t fix anything from previous versions and added new problems like worse UI and confusing visual changes. The colors of Orks are now indistinct, making it hard to tell units apart. It feels like a forced release just to make a quick buck.”

Other complaints include default disabled crossplay, which results in empty servers, and serious bugs such as save file corruption, which can erase all progress. Many players advise waiting for patches or simply enjoying the game via Xbox Game Pass until these issues are addressed.

Mixed Experiences and the Future of Warhammer 40,000

While the majority of feedback is negative, there are players—particularly those on Game Pass—who report having an acceptable time with the game. Additionally, newcomers eager to experience the origins of Space Marine 2 seem to be enjoying the story, despite technical flaws.

As the Warhammer 40,000 franchise continues to expand in 2025, with Space Marine 2 riding high on popularity, the hope is that Sega and the developers will prioritize fixing the issues with Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition. Fans remember the original fondly, and many are eager to see the game realize its potential again, especially with the franchise’s growing fanbase and new players eager to dive into the universe.

Emma Blake

Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.