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Bungie Unveils Gameplay for New Marathon Extraction Shooter
Renowned developer Bungie, the studio behind Destiny and Halo, has presented the first look at gameplay for its upcoming title, Marathon. Announced in 2023, this new iteration revives the Marathon franchise, a precursor to Bungie’s later successes. During a recent livestream, Bungie team members shared initial details and showcased video footage providing a clearer picture of the game’s visuals, mechanics, and overall feel.
A New Direction for the Marathon Series
The original Marathon series marked Bungie’s early forays into game development, launching its first title in 1994. This new project represents a significant evolution, adopting a different genre while seemingly retaining thematic connections to the established Marathon lore.
Team-Based Extraction and Runner Roles
This reimagined Marathon is designed as a team-focused extraction shooter, incorporating both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) elements. Players assume the role of Runners, cybernetic mercenaries who have transitioned into artificial bodies. Their mission is to infiltrate an abandoned colony on Tau Ceti IV to secure valuable assets.
Visual Style and Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game’s aesthetic embraces a vibrant neon style, a visual shift from Bungie’s recent work on Destiny. However, observing the gameplay in action reveals familiar Bungie hallmarks. The weapon handling, aiming mechanics, and fluid movement—including running and sliding—underscore the intuitive and responsive shooting experience synonymous with the studio’s titles.
Meet the Runners: Unique Characters
Each Runner possesses a distinct name and personality, with examples including Glitch, Void, and Blackbird. The choice of Runner initially influences playstyle, but customization through in-match equipment acquisition and upgrades allows players to refine their character build to suit preferred tactics.
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Match Structure and Objectives
Matches accommodate up to 18 participants, typically organized into crews of three. Options for solo play, described as “lone wolf” extractions, were also mentioned. Within a match, teams explore alien ruins, contending with AI-controlled robots and environmental hazards, in addition to confronting rival player-controlled Runners. Each session is time-limited, requiring players to extract as much loot as possible before expiration. Successfully extracted equipment contributes to progression in subsequent matches.
Tactical Abilities and Gear Variety
Exploration of the game maps unveils a range of weaponry, specialized abilities, and equipment enhancing tactical depth. Gameplay previews highlighted items like stealth tools, explosives, agility enhancements, shield boosts, and other augmentations, suggesting diverse strategic options.
Animated Short by Alberto Mielgo
In addition to the gameplay reveal, Bungie presented an extended animated short film directed by Alberto Mielgo, known for his work on “The Witness” from Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots. Mielgo’s Marathon short establishes the game’s tone, emphasizing themes of body horror and existential unease. The film depicts Runners navigating conflicts on Tau Ceti IV, grappling with questions of identity and the darker aspects of humanity’s future. Echoing the atmosphere of the original Marathon games, the short suggests a disturbing undercurrent to this futuristic world.
Release Details and Community Access
Marathon is scheduled to launch on September 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. Bungie has indicated that joining the official Marathon Community Discord server offers opportunities for direct interaction with the development team and potential participation in early playtests.