Get ready for a thrilling journey back in time with Bungie's latest shooter, 'Marathon'! This game is a real slow-burn adventure that will leave you craving more.
A Unique Take on First-Person Shooters
Bungie, the renowned studio behind Halo and Destiny, has revisited an older game, Marathon, originally released in 1994. After playing the 2026 version for six hours, I'm here to share my first impressions.
The gunplay is exceptional, and the art direction is simply captivating. However, the game's slower pace might not suit everyone's taste.
The Story of Marathon
Set on the planet Tau Ceti IV, Marathon introduces us to human colonists who upload their consciousnesses into disposable cybernetic bodies, becoming 'Runners.' These Runners venture out into the harsh environment, scavenging for resources, artifacts, and data to bring back to their factions.
The backstory is subtly woven into the game, and the details on the factions are surprisingly engaging. It reminded me of Concord, where reading the in-game encyclopedia was almost as enjoyable as the gameplay itself.
Gameplay: An Extraction Shooter
Marathon is an extraction shooter, similar to ARC Raiders. Players jump into a map, collect items, and extract, but with a twist. You're limited in supplies, and any items you bring or collect will disappear if you die. This creates a tense and unpredictable atmosphere, keeping you on your toes.
Unlike Bungie's other shooters, Marathon feels distinctly different. The robotic NPCs are tough, and other human players show no mercy. This dynamic makes for some intense and organic gunfights, leading to unique and exciting experiences.
Retro-Futurism at Its Finest
I absolutely adore Marathon's retro-futurism aesthetic. The font and menus pay homage to Apple interfaces from the 1980s, a nod to the game's origins on early Macintosh computers. However, the game's biggest challenge lies in its user interface, particularly the clunky menus. Similar actions require different inputs, which can be confusing and frustrating over time.
The font is also difficult to read, even on a large screen, and there's no option to increase the size, which we hope will be addressed in an update soon.
Despite these issues, I've thoroughly enjoyed my initial hours with Marathon. I'm eager to explore more of what this game has to offer when it launches on March 5 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Stay tuned for our full review later this month!
