Bungie is renowned for crafting some of the finest first-person shooters globally. In my initial review of Marathon, I highlighted its impressive gunplay and captivating art direction, but after completing the game, my admiration has grown even more, which comes as no surprise. From Halo to Destiny, Bungie’s track record of hits is notable. With Marathon, they revive an older franchise, adding another gem to their shooter collection. It’s Bungie at its finest, reaffirming their top position in the gaming industry. Marathon stands out with its outstanding gunplay, level design, art direction, and soundscapes—there’s nothing quite like it.
Set on the planet Tau Ceti IV, human colonists have transferred their consciousnesses into cybernetic bodies, becoming “Runners.” These Runners frequently explore Tau Ceti IV to gather resources, artifacts, and data for their factions. The central story isn’t front and center, but the factions are intriguing. It reminds me of Concord, where diving into the lore through the in-game encyclopedia was more engaging than the gameplay itself.
Marathon features six factions, each representing different aspects of its universe, such as Cyberacme’s AI expertise and NuCaloric’s focus on agriculture. The faction contracts change the gameplay, like MIDA’s chaotic missions and Sekiguchi’s challenging tasks. This worldbuilding is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay through these factions.
Fortunately, Marathon’s gameplay loops are robust. It’s an extraction shooter, akin to ARC Raiders, where players enter maps, collect items, and evacuate. For dedicated Destiny players, Marathon presents a different experience. Supplies are limited, and items acquired can be lost upon death, encouraging careful planning and exploration to avoid confrontations. This creates a tense atmosphere full of unpredictability and excitement. The presence of tough NPCs and ruthless human players adds to this thrill.
Marathon’s distinctiveness is apparent when compared to Halo, Destiny, and even ARC Raiders. Engaging NPCs in gunfights often leads to being overwhelmed, contrasting with Bungie’s other shooters. Unlike ARC Raiders, where teamwork prevails, Marathon pits players against each other for survival on Tau Ceti IV. It’s a survival of the fittest.
Gunfights unfold naturally, leading to emergent moments and making Ceta Tau simultaneously oppressive and exhilarating. Bungie’s craftsmanship is evident in how slick and impactful the weapons feel, enhancing every shootout’s thrill.
Successfully evacuating means selling collected items to purchase equipment for future runs. However, even the best tools don’t guarantee survival. This creates a compelling loop, where each run feels fair due to sponsored kits from factions offering basic gear. Even without advanced gear, skillful play can lead to successful extractions, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Marathon’s map design is remarkable, featuring four escalating maps: Perimeter, Dire Marsh, Outpost, and Cryo Archive. Perimeter serves as a beginner-friendly introduction, while Dire Marsh demands more careful navigation due to fog and dense vegetation. Outpost presents a tighter, riskier environment with potential high rewards. The ultimate test is Cryo Archive, a complex and challenging labyrinth with high stakes, locked behind a gear requirement and weekend availability. Its ingenious level design encourages strategic planning, offering immense rewards but equally significant risks.
The retro-futurism aesthetic ties Marathon together, with menus and fonts reminiscent of Apple’s ’80s interfaces, paying homage to its Macintosh roots. Audio design plays a crucial role, as sounds can reveal positions and influence the outcome of encounters. The evolving nature of each run is captivating, showcasing Bungie’s mastery with just four maps.
However, the user interface and controls pose challenges. Inconsistent input actions disrupt intuitive gameplay, requiring thought even after extended play. Additionally, the font can be hard to read, lacking customization options. These issues, hopefully, can be addressed in future updates.
Marathon isn’t for everyone—it won’t achieve the broad appeal of Halo or Destiny. Yet, it embodies Bungie’s expertise, creating an extraordinary experience. Marathon delivers top-tier gunplay, level and audio design, and striking aesthetics that captivate players. Its engaging lore adds depth to its universe. While demanding, those who embrace its challenges will find a profoundly rewarding experience. Marathon is now available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox.