Let's dive into the world of Marathon, the new sci-fi shooter from Bungie, and explore what makes it tick. This game is more than just a blastathon; it's a unique take on the extraction shooter genre, and I'm here to share my thoughts and insights after spending a solid 10 hours with it.
The Return of Marathon: A New Take on an Old Favorite
Bungie, the studio behind the iconic Halo series, has resurrected its Marathon franchise with a fresh approach. Marathon, the game, is an extraction shooter set in the sci-fi universe of Tau Ceti IV, a planet that's become a hot commodity for various factions. What immediately stands out is the game's visual identity. The vibrant, fluorescent colors and the deliberate artificiality of the environments create a stunning contrast.
Graphics and Aesthetics: A Visual Treat
Marathon's graphics are its strongest suit, offering a visually stunning experience. The abandoned research facilities and depots pop with vibrant colors, creating a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. However, the game's self-confident design extends beyond its visuals. Each faction vying for control has its own distinct visual language, from the flashy intro videos to the pink-and-white color scheme of NuCaloric, an artificial agriculture group. It's a feast for the eyes, and each faction feels like a well-defined character in this narrative-rich world.
UI and Onboarding Challenges
While the game's visuals are impressive, its UI could use some refinement. The menus, though stylish, prioritize aesthetics over functionality, making navigation a bit cumbersome. There's a lot of information to process, and players might find themselves overwhelmed, especially with the lack of proper guidance. This could pose a challenge for new players trying to get a grip on the game's mechanics.
Gameplay and the PvPVE Experience
Marathon's gameplay is where things get interesting. It's a player-versus-player-versus-enemy (PvPvE) game, which means you have to be strategic about when and whom to attack. The UESC bots, the game's enemies, are a formidable force, and underestimating them can lead to quick elimination. The proximity chat feature adds an extra layer of tension, as players can communicate and potentially form alliances or betrayals. The balance between bots and human players can be frustrating at times, especially with the time-to-kill (TTK) discrepancy, but it also adds an element of unpredictability and excitement.
Cooperative Play and Character Abilities
The different runner shells, which act as character classes, add a layer of depth to the gameplay. Each shell has unique abilities, encouraging cooperative play and strategic team compositions. The weapons, despite their 3D-printed look, feel satisfying to use, and the sound design enhances the overall experience. Marathon feels like a polished shooter, reminiscent of Bungie's other titles like Destiny and Halo.
Target Audience and Live Service Concerns
Marathon seems geared towards a hardcore audience, with its intense gameplay and lack of hand-holding. The game's $39.99 price tag might be a barrier for casual players, especially when compared to free-to-play alternatives like Apex Legends and Destiny 2. Additionally, Bungie's live service ambitions raise questions. With the failure of Concord still fresh in players' minds, can Bungie sustain and support Marathon in the long run? Only time will tell if Marathon can find its dedicated community and avoid the fate of many live service games that fizzle out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Marathon is a visually stunning and mechanically solid shooter. While it might not be for everyone, especially those seeking a more casual gaming experience, it offers a unique take on the extraction shooter genre. The game's narrative depth and attention to detail are impressive, and I'm curious to see how Bungie continues to develop and support this new IP. For now, I'm excited to see what additional areas and ranked modes will bring to the table when Marathon's first season kicks off.
