Key Highlights
- Bungie’s Marathon is a renaissance in extraction shooters with stellar gunplay and engaging characters.
- The game struggles with bad geometry and frustrating movement mechanics but excels in PvP encounters.
- Progression feels fast, though the onboarding process can be challenging due to complex systems.
A New Era for Extraction Shooters?
From ARC Raiders to Escape From Duckov, extraction shooters have been enjoying a renaissance. Yet none has captured my attention as much as Marathon since its early alpha over a year ago. Bungie’s legendary FPS chops on full display make this game a must-play.
The High-Stakes Looting Deathmatch
Marathon combines the high-stakes looting deathmatch of extraction shooters with Bungie’s unparalleled shooting. The gunplay is absolutely stellar, with crisp reports and rhythmic recoil that makes every shot feel impactful. The world reacts to your shots in ways that are both satisfying and deadly. However, bad geometry and hit-or-miss movement mechanics can be frustrating.
World-Class Gunplay and Bad Geometry
The mark of a great extraction shooter is the “one more run” feeling, which Marathon delivers with its world-class gunplay. Bad geometry, though, impairs that experience. Getting caught on parts of the environment that shouldn’t impede me, or struggling to climb ledges while my teammates suffer ambushes are recurring issues. These limitations serve as obstacles but can be irritating.
Deviation from Group Hug Energy
In contrast to ARC Raiders’ PvE-friendly community, Marathon shines in PvP encounters. The pressure of two teams squaring off in claustrophobic, dark hallways creates some of the most tense encounters I’ve ever had. The loot reward for winning these firefights is worth the stress, and Bungie’s FPS chops ensure this aspect remains captivating.
Challenging Onboarding Process
The onboarding process can be tough due to complex systems, confusing mod slots, and poorly explained mission objectives. However, the fast progression feels rewarding, even during failed runs. Acquiring new gear is a messy affair, with menus that are a painful jumble of nonsense. Still, the story plays a larger role than expected, offering lore unlocks and faction meetings.
Visuals and Performance
The game looks and performs impressively for a pre-release Server Slam, with rock-solid frames and stylish environments. Spooky loading screens and an artificial feel to levels add to the cyberpunk aesthetic. While prolonged exposure can be unsettling, the visuals are a significant selling point.
Conclusion
I’ve been completely glued to my screen for over 20 hours, poring over menus and maps to complete quests and collect loot. Despite its flaws, Marathon offers an engaging experience with fast progression and memorable characters. As Bungie’s FPS expertise shines through, the game promises to be a standout in the extraction shooter genre.
