So - I'm reading the core rulebook a few times before I start the first Deathwatch mission for the group. What do you guys make of the abilities, especially Solo Mode? Do you find them excessive at all? Do players use them often? Since we haven't played a game of Deathwatch yet I'd like to get some opinions from people who've seen them in action, as it t'were

Solo mode abilities get used a lot in the game I run.

Squad mode codex abilities get used a lot, and the teams favourite is Oath of Weapon, as it means they can go nuts and never jam.

The chapter specific abilities not so much as each character is from a different chapter.

This is the only real issue I have really, though tac marine takes the ability then they can use his ability is good, overall it's a limitation.

However on a joint venture with other "normal" space marines the chapter squad abilities worked really well.

My group actually stays in squad mode rather regularly. It has saved them several times now.

Being able to switch between abilities and use different tactics adds a new dimension to the combat system that was not present in the prior two iterations of the setting.

Ultramarine tactical & squad mode for lead by example is our group's standard at the moment, it seems.