It’s only a few days till the next Space Marines 2 (“SM2”) patch drops. For those loyal to the Imperium of Man, we are now joined against the fight against the xenos and the heretics with two other factions; the White Scars and the Blood Angels. So let’s have a look back at what we have so far.
Champion Packs
As of to date, we already have 5 champion packs, namely:
- Ultramarines – Heavy
- Dark Angels – Bulwark
- Salamanders – Snipers
- Imperial Fists – Tactical
- Space Wolves – Vanguards
So, how do we feel about them? Personally, I feel hyped whenever I don their armour and charge with pride and valour whenever I enter the fray with some of them. However… some leave me miffed and as unexcited, as if eagerly waiting for your pizza only to realise they put a different topping on it.
Beginning with the Ultramarines. As we all know the blue poster boys of 40k are known for their logistical and analytical prowess. So, initially I thought that their Champion Pack was definitely going to be the Tactical class, after all Titus is a tactical throughout the game. But bear in mind, the Heavy is equally as apt as these bulky boys would normally be fighting from a distance, allowing them a better perspective on the battlefield whilst protecting and giving their brethren in the heat of battle. Thoughts, looks amazing and is thematically fitting. However, hold on to this thought for a moment…
On to the Dark Angels. The chivalric and secretive legion have always been clearly presented as having the aesthetics of European knights of lore, and having them be the chosen legion for the Bulwark is nothing other than a perfect match. The daunting imagery on the shield, their swords emanating so much aura, and the cloth wrapped around their body sell the look and imagery of what the Dark Angels are meant to be so well.
Up next, we have the Salamanders. To be honest and fair, the Salamanders skin on the Sniper is really fire (hehe.. Get it?). The signature onyx skin, glowing red eyes, and fiery, draconic motifs is everything the Salamanders are known for. BUT, and this is a huge but, WHY IN THE GOD EMEPEROR’S NAME IS IT ON THE SNIPER? The Salamanders are known for their large and imposing size, and known for their use of flamers. Having said that, they should have either been given to the Assault or Heavy class, though we already have one as I mentioned earlier, and I’m not the only one who believes this as fans have left all sorts of negative reviews in relation to this travesty.
On that note of legions that could also be on the classes that already have their Champion Packs, the Imperial Fists. Known for their mastery of defence tactics and their fortifications. It is an awesome skin, no doubt. However, I can’t help but feel that it would be more apt for the Heavy or Bulwark. Which again is a repeating point as it seems some of the classes and legions could or should be swapped around.
Finally, for the Space Wolves. Honestly, it is beautiful as it is fitting as the Viking-sequel warriors charge head on into battle full of ferocity, so too do the Space Wolves being the chosen legion for the Vanguards. Nothing more needs being.
The Laughing Speed Demons
“For the Emperor and the Khan!” ~ White Scars warcry
With the above being said, from what has been revealed of the White Scars as the chosen legion for the Assault, I could not be happier as an Assault main. Thematically fitting, intimidating in appearance and everything you could want to make you feel like you’re truly playing a space Mongol warrior. Of course, it would be awesome indeed to ride on the Astartes Assault Bike, but I’m not complaining.
So, what’s coming with the White Scars Champion Pack:
- Occulus Bolt Carbine Skin;
- Stalker Bolt Rifle Skin; and
- Combat Knife Skin.
Bearers of Red Thirst
“For the Emperor and Sanguinius! Death! DEATH!” ~ Blood Angels warcry
As for the Blood Angels, they will be added as a cosmetics pack which will provide various new armour pieces, available to all classes.
Who’s and What’s Next?
Of the 9 remaining loyalist legions, 6 Champion Packs with the addition of the White Scars, and the remaining 3 being the Blood Angels, Iron Hands and the Raven Guard not selected yet. Unless Saber intends to create more classes, I do hope they allow each class to have more than one legion as their Champion Pack. With that, it’ll be possible to see the remaining 3 be selected as Assault for the Blood Angels, Heavy/Tactical for the Iron Hands, and Sniper for the Raven Guard.
Moreover, another amazing addition would be the inclusion of traitor legions in the PVE modes as well and eventually have Champion Packs released for them. However, until that happens, one can only wait.
This article was contributed by TJ.
