Back in the 1990s, computer gamers became more and more familiar with what have become known as "cutscenes." These animated transitions offer a taste of the world envisioned by the game designers and a bit of movie making magic. I fondly remember the actors in the cutscenes for games like Command & Conquer and CGI-animated ones such as those in Diablo 2. Sometimes the cutscenes were actually better than the games themselves, now that I think about it.
Though I have to admit I haven't played many games with good cutscenes lately, every now and then I see an animated feature that reminds me of them. Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie definitely falls into that category as it merges my love for a good cutscene with another love of mine: roleplaying games.
Warhammer 40,000 was created by Games Workshop back in 1987 with a rich and textured backstory mixed with miniatures, wargaming, and roleplaying game elements. This combination has gained a well-deserved worldwide following over the last 20+ years resulting in many novels, supplements, competitions, and even computer games.
The folks at Games Workshop describe the setting much better than I can:
Welcome to Warhammer 40,000
The 41st Millennium is a savage future age where Mankind must battle for survival in a galaxy riven by bloodshed and destruction. Humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, assailed on all sides by aliens, traitors and Daemons, and only the superhuman strength of the Space Marines and the uncountable numbers of the Imperial Guard stand between the slavering alien hordes and total annihilation.
Ultramarines focuses on a small group of Ultramarines - the best of the best - led by their seasoned commander Severus (voiced by Terence Stamp, Superman II, Valkyrie). Many members of the squad are new and don't yet understand the ravages of war, but are ready for the chance to prove themselves on the field of combat. One of them, Proteus (Sean Pertwee) is even more anxious to prove himself worthy to lead his own squad to victory.
The squad heads to a distant planet to answer a distress call from a full company of Imperial Fists stationed there. When they arrive, they find the bodies of dead marines everywhere. What could have possibly destroyed an entire company of hardened soldiers? As they investigate further, they encounter the priest Carnak (voiced by John Hurt, Alien, Hellboy, V for Vendetta) and his guardian Nidon (Johnny Harris).
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Article comments
1 - Mark
I might have to check this out. I enjoyed Space Hulk, Dawn of War, and am wading through one of the thick collections of stories to get more WH40K in my diet.
2 - Fitz
@Mark - Though I'd seen many Warhammer displays in nearly every gaming store I've been in, I honestly didn't know much about the setting. Now I'm going to have to dive in a bit more to see what else I've been missing. The trailer gives you a good idea of what the film's animation style looks like and once you get used to it, it works well style-wise for the genre and material I think. Hope you enjoy it. :)
3 - Ultramarines
Great review! I love Ultramarines, and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the new Blu-ray release in a couple of months.