Recently, after fans deciphered a series of alternate reality game (ARG) puzzles, Bungie gave everyone a sneak peek at its upcoming multiplayer title, Marathon. Initially revealed in Spring 2023, this reboot is set to release on September 23 for the Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. It marks Bungie’s first new game since Destiny 2 hit the shelves in 2017.
Over the weekend, Bungie not only dropped the initial gameplay reveal but also shared a detailed overview and a lengthy showcase. The reactions from the gaming community have been a mixed bag. While the game’s high production quality is evident, some players feel it doesn’t have enough distinct features to differentiate itself from other games in the genre.
Personally, I understand these mixed sentiments, even though I appreciate the aspects of Marathon that have been showcased so far. The game flaunts a glitchy, futuristic, punk-inspired aesthetic with practical architecture and vibrant colors. Its core shooting mechanics and movement appear crisp and satisfying, powered by impactful sound effects and meticulously crafted animations, some of which are reminiscent of Destiny. Despite its promising appearance as an engaging shooter, it hasn’t yet established a unique identity.
Interestingly, content creators who were discreetly invited to test Marathon have now shared their initial impressions. One such YouTuber, Skarrow9, mentioned an intriguing feature that hasn’t been highlighted in Bungie’s presentations. According to these creators, the game’s Marathon colony ship map includes PvE puzzles and hidden mechanics for players to unravel while engaging in battles with rival squads. This suggests Bungie is infusing elements from Destiny’s beloved raids and dungeons into this new PvP format, adding a unique twist.
Skarrow9 expressed his excitement, likening the ship’s map to a raid experience without fully equating it to Destiny’s complexities. He believes these puzzle and secret-solving elements during PvP encounters are what will make Marathon stand out. This level of engagement is the sort of unique touch that can set it apart and appeal to FPS enthusiasts already spoilt for choice.
It’s curious why Bungie chose not to spotlight this feature. Perhaps they weren’t ready to unveil these PvPvE interactions. Regardless of its readiness, I think emphasizing this aspect could have generated more interest. As a mid-priced “premium title” likely around $40 and accompanied by a battle pass and potentially a microtransaction shop, Marathon faces stiff competition from free-to-play alternatives. To convince players to invest in the game, Bungie needs to showcase what makes it special. The failure of Concord is a reminder of what can happen if a game doesn’t capture its audience.
Focusing on raid-like mechanics could indeed be a game-changer, and highlighting classic Marathon aliens could enhance its appeal. As the countdown to the game’s September release continues, I hope Bungie reveals more of these unique features. Fingers crossed for an exciting lead-up!
