This past weekend, Bungie took the wraps off Marathon, showcasing its vibrant sci-fi gameplay that’s set to bring something fresh to players. Known for crafting impeccable first-person shooter experiences, Bungie is now diving into the extraction-shooter realm with Marathon, due to hit the shelves on September 23. The concept is straightforward yet captivating: gear up your Runner, challenge others to amass loot, and gamble everything to extract with the spoils.
I had a chat with Joe Ziegler, Marathon’s game director, to delve into what makes this exciting project tick. We got into everything from Bungie’s foray into uncharted waters with a new genre to how the game leverages the PS5’s power, along with its bold artistic flair.
Talking to Joe, I asked how he and his team were feeling post-reveal. He said it’s been a whirlwind of excitement. For years now, they’ve been nurturing this project with great passion, and it’s rewarding to finally see it shape up. Yet, there’s a bit of nervousness too—hoping players embrace those choices they’ve painstakingly made, waiting eagerly to hear the community’s feedback.
I was curious if there were standout moments during development that hinted Bungie had something unique. Joe recounted several unexpected experiences—those adrenaline-spiking moments where the game could throw players into intense confrontations with formidable foes or lead to unexpected twists in rival encounters. These dramatic escapes and narrow victories contribute to the unforgettable experiences they’re eager for players to discover.
Ever wondered why it’s called Marathon? Joe filled me in on its roots, tracing back to a 1994 game where the UESC Marathon embarked on an epic 500-year journey to a distant solar system. They’re embracing this legacy, weaving in nostalgic elements and reimagining them for today’s audience.
Bungie’s signature weapon handling is a staple in the FPS scene. So, how do they preserve that legacy while ensuring Marathon’s action stands apart? It’s all about survival. Players must navigate resource management and decision-making under pressure, with familiar action dynamics layered with survival mechanics. Decisions—like when to strike or fall back—are crucial, influenced by the resources at hand.
For players new to extraction shooters, the game promises to be both challenging and rewarding. Joe stressed that understanding and mastering survival will provide a satisfying journey, designed intuitively for console controllers to fend off any trepidations about diving into a new genre.
On the progression front, they’ve structured Marathon to ensure every match counts. From leveling up to upgrading with faction-aligned perks, progress is continuous, enhancing characters’ abilities and options available in the Black Market for in-game trade.
Marathon’s PS5 experience takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities. With features like haptic feedback in gunfights and immersive audio via Tempest 3D Audio, players will find themselves deeply immersed. Additionally, technological advancements in rendering will offer stunning visuals for PS5 and PS5 Pro users.
The game’s art style is something to behold. Rooted in modern graphic design yet pushing creative boundaries, its distinct visuals combine striking imagery with sci-fi elements to create an aesthetic that draws you in, intriguing players with its unique allure and thematic intensity.
Joe left a message for potential players: if you’re into challenging survival games and want to measure your skills against others in thrilling scenarios, Marathon is worth your attention. It’s designed for a seamless experience across platforms, fostering a community that’s passionate and energetic, as they strive to conquer this new frontier.
Marathon is poised for a launch on September 23 across PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S, ready to captivate and challenge players with its immersive world.
