The dependable twin-stick shooting mechanics boasted by Xenowerk are evident once again in Space Marshals 2, along with a raft of new features that add some great depth to the combat. It seems from these early levels, that players will have a choice whether they want to complete a mission by going in guns-a-blazing, or by using a stealthy, Space Ninja approach.

Staying quiet by sneaking along in stealth mode, and staying out of an enemy’s line of sight, enables you to get up close behind an enemy and take them down without raising any alarms. It’s a satisfying mechanic that’s easy to learn thanks to the great opening tutorial level, which involves breaking your team of heroes out of Space Pirate captivity. If noise is your thing, then go hard. Dealer’s choice. It’s great to have two ways to play, and of course you can mix and match.

A successful mission will present you with a choice of rewards: Fancy a new and better gun? Or maybe some improved body armour? Or would Sir prefer these ever-popular pipe bombs? Surely a use can be found for those.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, a hub-world between missions gives you a chance to gather your thoughts, try out newly acquired weaponry at the shooting range, cash in your collectible tokens for loot, or try on the new hat you found. So far I’ve found a stylish white hat, and a black hat with a white band, both of which seem purely cosmetic, and neither of which bring out my eyes. It remains to be seen if hats have a purpose or if they’re just for fun, but either way, I want more hats. You can never have too many.

Sure, it’s early days, but know that Space Marshals 2 is great justification for having bought yourself one of those shiny MFi controllers. It’s a console title with all the trimmings, and this is an area of space I look forward to getting lost in.

For now though, I’m going to refocus back onto Smash Club and see if I can get a review live sometime soon. But I wanted to post some thoughts on Space Marshals 2 for readers who might be curious as to the gameplay, so hopefully this quick post has helped kill that cat.

Roll the video!