June 20, 2023

Bungie Marathon: Everything We Know and More

Bungie has come up with more news on the revival of the beloved Marathon series.

The latest addition to the Marathon series was revealed at the PlayStation Showcase Event. Rounded in a minute and a half, the short CGI trailer left fans on the edge of their seat. And now, Insider Gaming has unveiled even more details about the highly anticipated title.

What Is Marathon?

Marathon is a unique three-player extraction-based shooter. You will step into the shoes of cybernetic mercenaries, Runners, and embark on a daring expedition to the enigmatic colony of Tau Ceti IV.

The gameplay usually revolves around team play. However, Bungie understands the desire to fly solo or partner up as a duo. So, they offer gamers the option of extracting without depending on teammates. That said, it’s important to note that you will still face formidable foes from larger teams throughout your mission. And to make the encounters even more intense, the game will feature a permadeath system.

Marathon has three main types of items:

Loot: valuable objects you can collect, such as weapons, artifacts, and currency. You will lose them all if you die
Implants: special enhancements for your character, but they can be lost during gameplay
Perks: abilities that you acquire and stay with you indefinitely

As for the maps, Bungie is currently working on creating three of them. However, it’s uncertain whether all three will be available when the game launches.

There has yet to be a concrete time set for Marathon’s release date.

Oxygen System and Injury Dynamics

According to Insider Gaming, Marathon introduces an oxygen system that affects gameplay significantly. Each player has a limited oxygen supply, acting as a countdown timer. When your oxygen runs out, your HP starts falling down.

The primary objective is to successfully extract before succumbing to this double danger. But don’t fret. Throughout the game, you can find O2 canisters within the match or opt to purchase them at a high cost from the market before engaging in battle.

What makes this system all the more interesting is it ties to how you are injured in the game. In other words, injuries incurred during gameplay can have diverse effects. For instance, sustaining a waist injury damages the oxygen supply, hastening its depletion. Similarly, a concussion may periodically blur the player’s screen, adding a layer of realism and intensity to the game.

Perks, Abilities, and Progression

Marathon incorporates familiar elements of perks and abilities. You can unlock many advantages by investing time in figuring out the most suitable perks for your playstyle. Some examples are: reduced oxygen consumption, improved underwater movement, faster revives, and more. Just like in other shooter games, exploring and discovering the right perks can give you a competitive edge during gameplay.

On the other hand, abilities in Marathon are game-changing powers. They will no doubt significantly impact how your encounters play out. For instance, Night Vision grants you the ability to detect enemy outlines, enhancing your situational awareness. As you progress through the game, you unlock a broader selection of perks and abilities. Thus, allowing you to become a more formidable and potent Runner.

The Ultimate Live Service

To accomplish this, the studio is dedicating efforts to minimize wait times. Their goal is for players to spend less than 10 seconds transitioning from “Readying Up” to joining the server.

For long-term replayability, the maps are brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered. As the game progresses through different seasons, new surprises will be added periodically. So, you can always expect a fresh and exciting experience with something new to uncover. The game is designed to keep you in a state of all-time thrilled and curious.

Bungie Marathon Gameplay

Regarding how the game works, here’s a breakdown:

You begin by selecting missions to complete in the game
Next, you have the option to buy or choose your loadout, perks, abilities, and gear
Once you’re ready, you enter a server where the action takes place
In the game, you embark on a thrilling adventure where you hunt for valuable items, accomplish missions, and uncover hidden secrets
After your mission is complete, you extract from the server
With the experience points you’ve earned, you can enhance your character by purchasing updates
Finally, rinse and repeat

Marathon will be available across a variety of platforms. Namely, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for further updates on the release date and immerse yourself in Bungie’s next epic project.