Key Highlights
- Bungie’s Marathon is a standout in the renaissance of extraction shooters.
- Stellar gunplay and interesting lore make it an engaging experience for players.
- The PvP aspect deviates from typical cooperative games, offering intense firefights.
- Loot grind keeps players motivated, even after repeated failures.
The Resurgence of Extraction Shooters
From the ARC Raiders to Escape From Duckov, extraction shooters have been enjoying something of a renaissance. But none has captured my attention more than Marathon since I first played its early alpha over a year ago.
Bungie’s track record with high-stakes looting and deathmatch-style gameplay is legendary. Combining these elements with their unparalleled shooting skills, Marathon promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. After playing for the better part of a day as it kicks off its server slam ahead of launch next week, I can say that the concept has turned out about as well as hoped.
Stellar Gunplay and Lore
Bungie knows how to make guns feel good, and Marathon nails this down. Whether it’s the crisp snap from a rifle report or the rhythmic recoil, every shot feels deliberate and impactful. The world reacts in perfect sync with your shots, making each encounter thrilling.
Even without visible qualities, the almost perfectly tuned bullet magnetism and projectile speeds create an addictive experience.
The story plays a larger role than expected, offering new factions to meet and lore to uncover. This adds depth beyond just gunplay and loot grinding, keeping me engaged even when things go awry in battle. The cyberpunk aesthetic is intriguing, though it’s too early to say if the pacing of lore will maintain its current pace.
Deviation from Cooperative Norms
One of the most refreshing aspects of Marathon is how far it deviates from the group hug energy found in ARC Raiders. PvP shines when it happens, and Marathon delivers intense firefights that are rarely seen in cooperative games. The pressure to outmaneuver opponents in claustrophobic, dark hallways creates some of the most exhilarating encounters I’ve had.
The loot reward for winning these firefights is worth the stress, making each match a high-stakes battle. However, the frequency and intensity of PvP are still up in the air as we approach full launch next week.
Loot Grind and Progression
Marathon’s long-term loot game is engaging, with both weapons and gadgets to unlock through quests. This system keeps players glued to their screens, poring over dense menus to figure out which map will yield the best loot or quest items. The progression feels fast, even during failed runs, as you make some kind of progress despite losing valuable loot.
Customizing your weapons with neat mods found along the way adds to the overall experience.
Unlocking new abilities like a larger backpack or better shields in the store also keeps the game dynamic. Despite losing white-rarity weapons on failed runs, my desire to immediately jump back into battle remains strong.
In conclusion, Marathon is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the extraction shooter genre. Whether it has staying power will remain to be seen, but its early stages leave a very strong first impression.
