If you’ve been online recently, you’ve probably come across a buzzing conversation about a game called Marathon. It’s the latest offering from Bungie, a company known for its strong fan following, thanks to its consistent delivery of quality games over the years. The recent release of gameplay footage has managed to stir excitement among gaming enthusiasts. While there are mixed feelings in the community, I find myself leaning towards optimism for what could be Bungie’s next big hit.
The gameplay trailer took me by surprise in the best way possible. I’ve had my fair share of struggles with extraction shooters. Take Escape from Tarkov, for example – I joined the party late, just as the game was grappling with rampant cheating issues, which made my experience less than enjoyable. Another game, Forever Winter, briefly piqued my interest with its captivating, dystopian future and robotic apocalypse setting, but eventually, the charm wore off, along with my enthusiasm for scavenging in its bleak world. Time and time again, I found myself stepping away, unable to connect with the genre.
Oddly enough, Marathon has sparked a newfound interest in me. I wouldn’t call myself a diehard Destiny fan, having dipped in and out of the game over the years for work-related purposes, but I’ve always admired Bungie from afar. There’s a special quality in their creations, stemming from the collective brilliance of their artists, combat designers, and countless others who bring these games to life.
The visuals in Marathon are precisely what one would expect from Bungie—eye-catching and crafted with a clear artistic direction. It’s not your run-of-the-mill graphics-heavy game; it’s unique, standing out with its distinct aesthetic in a world that feels both futuristic and retro. This space dystopia is vibrant and lively, in stark contrast to the dreariness often found in similar settings by other developers. The environments, weaponry, and characters all hold a freshness that promises something different.
Bungie has a knack for creating captivating environments, a skill honed through their work on the Destiny series. The brief glimpse we’ve had of Marathon’s world evokes a similar sense of wonder and curiosity, reminiscent of my first encounter with The Hive’s mysterious depths.
The action sequences showcase tight, fast-paced, cooperative first-person shooting. It’s filled with intriguing abilities and clever twists on futuristic weapons. The trailer doesn’t shy away from flaunting Bungie’s renowned multiplayer capabilities, which, while sounding mildly self-complimentary, are well-deserved. Destiny’s PvP component has been stellar for ages, and many players stick solely to that. Marathon could benefit greatly from this legacy.
The field of extraction shooters is currently dominated by military simulations or games grounded in realism. Bungie’s expertise in sci-fi first-person shooters could breathe life and originality into Marathon, offering players an experience that feels refreshing. This unique flavor could very well help Marathon capture the attention of players who might otherwise drift back to established titles.
Despite the excitement, there is a potential hurdle that Marathon might face—and that’s the price tag. The market for live service games is tough, with many titles struggling to build a substantial player base over the years. As financial challenges loom for many, convincing players to invest in a multiplayer-only game without a single-player campaign poses a significant challenge. Case in point: Titanfall, which, despite its quality, faced similar obstacles.
Bungie’s experience with Destiny 2, particularly in crafting engaging narratives through periodic updates, might hold the key to Marathon’s success. The studio has shown that it can keep storytelling engaging and introduce fresh content that keeps players coming back. Even amidst layoffs and downsizing, Bungie managed to keep Destiny 2 exciting and relevant.
If there’s any studio capable of bucking the trend and delivering a live service extraction shooter worth paying for, it’s Bungie. It’s crucial for Marathon’s team to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the game and to roll out compelling post-launch content. That said, based on their track record and the intriguing nature of Marathon’s premise, I find myself genuinely excited about what’s to come with this release.
