While I absolutely love Dark Heresy, playing as a Space Marine has a lot of problems.
Never mind the fact that you're an overpowered killing machine. Space Marines, in my opinion, would lack the free will to be played as characters in a tabletop. I honestly can't see a player being able to pull off playing a Space Marine properly. And if they did, you'd lack the free will/player choice that comes with most tabletops. I dunno though.
I got all of my dakka fix from playing an operative in Dark Heresy who obtained a bolter. Same thing, more believable than a SM negotiating with a xeno "Cuz Inquisition said to be quiet".
I'll admit my knowledge of WH40K is limited and from what I DO know it seems to me Dark Heresy is probably more open to traditional RPG elements where Deathwatch feels more like a tactical squad-based shooty (I mean, that's what I'm guessing)... BUT I could also envision some really interesting interactions between players who choose vastly different chapters to play. Imagine a kill-team of Salamander, Marine Malevolent, Ultramarine, Flesh Tearer and Lamenter find themselves within the reach of the objective that needs to be destroyed... but with a group of civilians right in the middle of their path.
Salamnder: "Wait wait, we must no squander the precious lives of Emperor's beloved! The must be a way around..."
MM: "Those are acceptable losses. Prepare to be sent to His holy embrace."
UM: "Hmmmm, let me see what my pocket edition Codex Astartes says about this situation..."
FT: "RIP AND TEAR RIP AND TEAR!!1" *angry sound of chainsword*
Lamenter: *sigh*
"I'm pretty sure I'll get my ass kicked regardless of what we do..."Which kinda makes me interested: any plans for AARs? Or at least anyone know of a place where I could read ones? My crappy mic, timezone and general ineptness at playing such games prevents me from joining them, but I'd really like to see how this actually plays.