In an eagerly awaited announcement, Bungie, the renowned developer behind iconic franchises such as Destiny and Halo, has unveiled its latest project: a new iteration of the Marathon franchise. This significant reveal comes after the project was initially announced in 2023, and it introduces a fresh take on a series that has its roots dating back to 1994. During a recent livestream, Bungie members presented early details about the game, showcasing gameplay videos that highlight its new features and aesthetic.
The upcoming Marathon game marks a dramatic departure from its predecessors, which were part of Bungie's earliest catalog of game releases. While the new title draws some connections to its original lore, it innovatively introduces a team-based extraction shooter format that features both Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) elements. Players will assume the roles of Runners—cybernetic mercenaries who have sacrificed their natural bodies to explore and retrieve valuable artifacts from a mysterious, abandoned colony located on the planet of Tau Ceti IV.
One of the most striking aspects of the new Marathon is its vibrant and neon aesthetic, which sets it apart from Bungie's recent work on Destiny. However, the gameplay mechanics showcase familiar elements that will resonate with long-time fans of the studio. From the handling of weapons and scopes to the fluidity of movement—running, sliding, and more—the new title maintains the tight and intuitive shooting action that Bungie is known for.
In this new iteration, each Runner boasts a unique name and personality, with options such as Glitch, Void, and Blackbird. Players' choice of Runner establishes a baseline for their playstyle, while subsequent matches, equipment selection, and upgrades allow for extensive character customization tailored to individual preferences. Matches will accommodate up to 18 players, typically organized into crews of three, although solo players can also choose to go it alone.
During matches, players will scavenge through the alien ruins of Tau Ceti IV, facing not only computer-controlled threats but also rival players controlling their own Runners. Each match is time-limited, prompting teams to extract as much valuable equipment as possible before the clock runs out. The gear collected can be utilized to enhance future runs, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
As players navigate through the maps of Marathon, they will encounter various weaponry and special abilities that contribute to the game's tactical complexity. The gameplay snippets revealed stealth tools, explosives, agility implants, shield charges, and other enhancements that expand the possibilities for player strategy and teamwork.
Alongside the gameplay reveal, Bungie's showcase featured a captivating animated short directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alberto Mielgo, known for his work on “The Witness,” part of Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots. This short film helps convey the tonal direction Bungie is pursuing, exploring themes of body horror and existential angst. Viewers witness various Runners navigating through battles on Tau Ceti IV, grappling with profound questions about their own pasts and the essence of humanity. This unsettling narrative echoes the disquieting atmosphere of the original Marathon game.
The new Marathon is set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam) on September 23. Ahead of the release, Bungie encourages fans to join the Marathon Community Discord, providing an opportunity for players to engage directly with the development team and participate in early playtests. Stay tuned for the gameplay premiere trailer and prepare for an exhilarating new chapter in the Marathon saga!
