Bungie’s “Marathon,” available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, marks the studio’s first new universe in over a decade. The game distinguishes itself with a bold, neon-minimalist style that draws inspiration from both futuristic cyberpunk and classic 90s design.
The game’s aesthetic is immediately arresting, featuring stark white, brutalist techno-architecture set against lush, overgrown jungles and vibrant, neon-pink industrial landscapes. The user interface, with its angular typography and forms, evokes the work of “The Designers Republic,” while the enigmatic loading screen videos recall the unsettling sci-fi horror worlds created by Chris Cunningham. This emphasis on visual design signals a new direction for Bungie, while still honoring the studio’s legacy.
While the original “Marathon” trilogy, released over 30 years ago for the Mac, was a groundbreaking single-player shooter, the 2026 iteration is a purely multiplayer experience – specifically, an extraction shooter. This genre, popularized by titles like “ARC Raiders,” centers around a risk-reward loop where players venture into dangerous environments to collect valuable loot, knowing that death means losing everything they’ve acquired.
Keep Running
In “Marathon,” this cycle of risk and reward is framed by a narrative set on Tau Ceti IV, a wild, abandoned colony planet. Players take on the role of android clones spawned from 3D printers, tasked with scavenging the planet’s surface. While a cohesive overarching story is absent, players can uncover a Bungie-typical, enigmatic science fiction universe through numerous details and codex entries.
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Gameplay is characterized by Bungie’s signature “gunfeel” and a tightly designed arsenal of weapons and gadgets. Players can choose from distinct character classes, each offering a unique playstyle. Matches can be undertaken solo or with a team of up to three players, with options for exploratory runs using low-level gear or even as a weak robot drone focused solely on scavenging.
“Marathon” by Bungie, distributed by Sony, is available for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series XS.
Players can engage in story missions or pursue other players for their loot, with the potential loss of valuable equipment adding significant stakes. However, navigating the game’s backend menus can be a frustrating experience due to their chaotic design. Bungie has already addressed some initial monetization concerns following player feedback.
The game’s radical departure from the studio’s previous titles has sparked debate among longtime fans. “Marathon” isn’t “Halo” or “Destiny,” and players who can accept that will identify a challenging and rewarding multiplayer experience.
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Shoot to kill
A major endgame map is scheduled for release in late March, laying the foundation for Bungie’s ambitions for “Marathon” as a long-term live service game. Whether the extraction shooter can maintain a dedicated player base in the competitive online gaming landscape remains to be seen.
The success of “ARC Raiders” demonstrated the importance of player cooperation within the genre. However, “Marathon” fosters a more competitive environment, with limited opportunities for collaboration between teams. Players who can withstand the intense PvP combat will find a highly polished and stylish extraction shooter experience.
