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Bungie Unveils Marathon: The Return of a Classic in a New Shooter Format
The team behind Halo and Destiny has officially announced their upcoming project, Marathon, reigniting interest in a franchise that has been dormant for years. Bungie showcased an extensive hour-long gameplay presentation, revealing that Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter set to launch on September 23rd for PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, featuring robust cross-play and cross-save capabilities. An alpha test is also on the horizon for fans eager to experience the game ahead of its official release.
Set in the year 2850, Marathon explores the remnants of Tau Ceti IV, described by the developers as a lost colony shrouded in mystery. The story revolves around competing factions who recruit Runners to uncover the remnants of the abandoned world. Those who take on the role of a Runner abandon their human forms for advanced biosynthetic shells, endowing them with unique abilities and characteristics.
Players will operate in squads of up to three in various zones, competing against rival runners in matches that can feature as many as 18 players—divided into six teams—aiming to gather loot and escape successfully. While the game encourages team play with shared objectives and contextual pings, it also allows for solo gameplay, providing flexibility in how players choose to engage.
Within the game’s different runs, players will contend with security forces—PvE enemies that patrol the terrain—alongside natural creatures posing threats as they traverse the maps. This adds a layer of strategy, as players must weigh the risks of engaging these foes against the potential consequences of revealing their positions to opposing teams in this competitive environment.
Marathon captures players’ attention with its vivid artwork, and various weapons, materials, and equipment are available for scavenging. Prior to embarking on a run, players can select from different runners, each catering to distinct play styles. In the initial alpha test set to begin on April 23rd, players can choose from four runners, one of which is a stealthy character reminiscent of the Hunter class from Destiny 2.
The alpha test introduces runners with special abilities: the Glitch runner offers rapid maneuvers and can disrupt opponents, while Locus resembles a Titan with a shield and a focus on aggressive gameplay. The final alpha option, Blackbird, is tailored for reconnaissance. Ultimately, six runners will be available at the game’s official launch, expanding the strategic diversity for players.
During the livestream, Bungie shared a nearly 20-minute highlight reel featuring the game experiences of 40 content creators, emphasizing community engagement with the title. Players need to be cautious, as dying in-game results in losing their gear; however, surviving allows them to carry their loot into future sessions, fostering an incentive to level up stronger equipment. Additionally, teammates are capable of reviving fallen allies, adding a cooperative element to each match.
Team composition remains flexible, with no restrictions preventing all members from selecting the same runner, and Bungie has plans for end-game challenges, ranked matches, seasonal narratives, and community-driven events to keep players engaged long-term.
Furthermore, Bungie has crafted an original short film set in the Marathon universe, directed by Alberto Mielgo, known for his work on Love, Death & Robots. This nearly nine-minute cinematic serves to deepen the narrative intrigue surrounding the Marathon saga and will likely captivate fans as they analyze its details.
Despite its alluring aesthetics and engaging gameplay, Marathon enters a competitive landscape filled with shooters and live-service titles that have struggled to maintain player interest. High-profile failures, such as Concord and Spectre Divide, amplify the stakes for Bungie’s new venture. These recent examples underscore the challenges of establishing a successful title in an oversaturated market while navigating the expectations built from Bungie’s legacy with Halo and Destiny.
The upcoming alpha test presents a critical opportunity for Bungie to clarify how Marathon distinguishes itself from established games, potentially attracting players from popular franchises such as Call of Duty and Fortnite towards a genre recently invigorated by titles like Escape from Tarkov.
A lingering question remains regarding the pricing strategy for Marathon. While it’s confirmed that the game will not be free-to-play, Bungie has not provided specific details about its cost. Their approach to Destiny 2, which incorporates a free base game along with purchasable expansions, may inform their decision-making process. Clear pricing will be essential to avoid confusion among new players enthusiastic about jumping into the Marathon universe.
As anticipation builds, Marathon is set to launch on September 23rd across multiple platforms. Interested players can apply for the closed alpha test on Bungie’s website or join the community on Discord.
Source
www.theverge.com