Games Workshop is known for many things, one of which is the rich and dark science fiction universe of Warhammer 40,000. Set in a far flung future, the various human and Alien empires clash in epic battles. Usually at the forefront of these battles are the Adeptus Astrates, The Emperor's Space Marines. The Space Marines of Warhammer 40K have inspired numerous things from the Terrans of Blizzard's hit Starcraft games to the faceless Master Chief of the Halo games. Gamers have longed to have a faithful interpretation of the sheer awesome might that the Space Marines have associated with them in Warhammer lore, but graphics limitations have long delayed that. Although we got to see some of that awesome might displayed in the Dawn of War games, we all wanted to experience the sheer carnage that the Space Marines leave in their wake, up close.
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine looks to be the game Warhammer fans have been waiting for. It is an upcoming third person shooter that is being developed by the same developer of the Dawn of War games, Relic Entertainment. Although Relic are known for their Real Time Strategy games and their experience with third person shooters is lacking, Space Marine looks to be turning out really well. 
Space Marine is going to be in the vein of games like Gear of War. However the difference between Space Marine and Gears of War is that in Gears of War, cover plays a crucial role wheras in Space Marine cover is a small inconvenience in the way of your Space Marine's righteous wrath descending upon the Xenos(Aliens) and Heretics that you fight. Relic has put a lot of effort into making sure that Space Marine truly puts the power of the Adeptus Astrates in your hands. As your Space Marine enters battle you feel unstoppable and literally mow down enemies with devestating weapons while their bullets bounce of your armor.
It is generally accepted that against most foes, a Space Marine can easily win in a one on one fight. So as to keep an element of challenge in play it looks like Relic will be throwing armies of Orks and other classic Warhammer foes such as the demonic forces of Chaos which also look to be playing a role in the games story. The story of Space Marine follows Captain Titus, a soldier of the Ultramarines chapter who is leading a force of fellow Space Marines and Imperial Guard in order to defend a Imperial Forgeworld from an Ork invasion. As is generally the case with almost any Warhammer 40K story, The Forces of Chaos will also be involved in the game and provide you with a far more devious foe than the Orks who will attempt to overwhelm you with sheer numbers.
Any developer that attempts to bring justice to the Space Marines is in for a challenge but it looks like Relic has used their considerable experience with the Warhammer 40K universe to do just that. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is set to be released in the third quarter of 2011 and will be out on Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.