Curious about the mystery surrounding the ghost colony on Tau Ceti IV and the legendary Marathon ship? Bungie is revisiting this captivating world with their latest team-based extraction shooter, Marathon, set to drop on September 24 for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. We’ve rounded up the key moments from the Marathon Gameplay Reveal Showcase. You can catch all the details in the live stream linked here.
Let’s talk about the fierce competition awaiting in Marathon. Players will join forces in teams of three, scavenging what’s left of the colony on Tau Ceti IV. As they search for valuable gear and weapons, they’ll encounter hostile AI forces, eerie creatures, and rival squads eager to snag the loot themselves. In this ruthless environment, you won’t always come out unscathed. However, every successful mission lets you keep what you’ve acquired, increasing your strength over time. Remember, each run could lead to your next major haul.
If you’re eager to see the game in action, check out the Gameplay Reveal Trailer featured in today’s livestream.
Meet the Runners, the core characters of Marathon. These cybernetic mercenaries have traded their human form for advanced biosynthetic bodies. This transformation offers them the unique ability to transfer their consciousness even after defeat. You’ll choose from a diverse selection of Runners, each with specific skills, stats, and looks. Personalize your experience by collecting implants and gear during missions, allowing you to adapt your strategy and refine your playstyle.
Kevin Yanes, Senior Design Lead, explains how the character Glitch embodies agility and speed. Players can enhance these traits with specific upgrades and implants to maintain high energy and mobility. Unique items such as the Prestige Cores offer enhancements like transforming a double jump into a triple jump, adding a new dimension to your maneuvers.
Combining Bungie’s expertise in gunplay with a diverse array of weapons, Marathon empowers you to experiment with various tactics. Discover more about the Runners in the new Gameplay Overview Trailer.
Returning to the scenes of Tau Ceti IV’s original Marathon series, players will find themselves immersed in Bungie’s celebrated storytelling world, first introduced in the 1990s. Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff highlights the intricate blending of story elements that defined the original trilogy. With Marathon, they’re revisiting this style, allowing players to explore this universe through the perspective of Runners, uncovering secrets left behind.
The connection and divergence between the new game and its predecessors will evolve gradually. Just like before, mysteries surrounding Tau Ceti will unfold, inviting players to piece together truths and challenge narratives. “We aim to create spaces ripe for storytelling rather than dictate a rigid storyline,” says Goff.
Don’t miss the cinematic surprise from the showcase, directed by the award-winning Alberto Mielgo, known for “The Witness” and “Jibaro” from Love, Death & Robots.
Bungie has engaged with their community of players and creators from the earliest stages of Marathon’s development. Players have tested prototypes and contributed feedback that has significantly influenced the game’s direction. According to Game Director Joe Ziegler, early design decisions, like persistent map instances, were adjusted due to player feedback. The updated design now ensures each match begins on equal footing, making strategy and teamwork essential as you compete for loot.
Now that Marathon is out in the open, Bungie continues to expand playtesting opportunities with community feedback at the forefront. “We’re thrilled to welcome more players and gather their insights,” says Ziegler. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch approaches, and consider joining the community Discord for a chance to participate in the Closed Alpha Test this month.
Mark your calendars: Marathon is set for release on September 24 for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.