Marathon Review: A Superb Shooter Worth the Grind
Despite not achieving the player count success that Bungie or Sony might have hoped for, Marathon stands out as an excellent extraction shooter that demands attention. With its stunning gunplay and meticulously crafted level design, the game transforms its inherent grind into a rewarding experience that will captivate any FPS enthusiast.
A Daunting Yet Deep Introduction
For newcomers to the extraction shooter genre, Marathon can initially feel overwhelming. The game presents a barrage of choices before you even drop into a match, from selecting your Runner Shell to picking contracts and managing gear. This depth, while impressive, does come at the cost of accessibility, leaving players uncertain about the pros and cons of their decisions in the early stages.
Embracing the Marathon Grind
It is immediately apparent that Marathon is designed as a long-term commitment, which may deter some players before they fire their first shot. With six main factions, each offering numerous contracts that must be completed sequentially, the progression path is extensive. The clumsy and confusing user interface only amplifies the sense of a lengthy journey ahead, though the game is transparent about its demands from the outset.
Rewarding Investment with Spectacular Worlds
The key takeaway from Marathon is that the more time you invest, the greater the rewards. The game's world, Tau Ceti IV, evolves beautifully as you progress. Starting in the open, enemy-friendly spaces of Perimeter, you advance through increasingly challenging and visually stunning maps like Dire Marsh, Outpost, and Cryo Archive. The art direction, with its maximalist aesthetic and bright, vivid colours, offers a refreshing departure from the gritty environments typical of extraction shooters, making traversal both interesting and visually appealing.
Phenomenal Gunplay and Movement Mechanics
Marathon's gameplay shines brightest in its gunplay, which is nothing short of phenomenal. As expected from Bungie, the movement mechanics and weapon handling are exceptionally satisfying, blending familiarity with uniqueness. Described as a mix between Apex Legends, Destiny, and Halo, every weapon feels distinct in sound and feel, with no clear meta, encouraging experimentation based on your Runner Shell. The movement strikes a perfect balance between the extremes of Escape from Tarkov and Call of Duty Black Ops 6, offering fluidity without feeling overpowered.
Intense and Enjoyable Combat Experiences
Combined with the inherent tension of extraction shooters and a high difficulty level, gunfights in Marathon are some of the most sadistically enjoyable experiences in recent memory. Every bullet matters, and each encounter feels like a spectacle, driving players to seek more challenges. The unforgiving nature of the player base adds to the sweaty, rewarding gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
Clear Progression and Technical Stability
Despite the grind, Marathon provides a clear path for progression, making every extraction—successful or failed—important for leveling up, completing faction contracts, and gaining reputation. Additionally, the game boasts impressive technical stability, with no matchmaking issues, crashes, or visual glitches reported during extensive play, a rarity in today's gaming landscape.
Final Verdict: A Highly Recommended Shooter
In summary, Marathon may have a messy UI and an overwhelming amount of initial information, but it delivers a slick, gorgeous extraction shooter with seriously enjoyable gunplay. If you are looking for a new shooter, Marathon is a standout choice that, once it gets its teeth into you, becomes hard to put down. The grind becomes more bearable as you immerse yourself in its world, making it a game that deserves more credit in the crowded shooter market.
Marathon review score: 4/5
