Marathon

Marathon is an incredibly intense, nearly perfect first-person shooter in a visually breathtaking scenario. It keeps you engaged with an incredibly well-tuned cycle of looting and improving, while you constantly progress even after failing a mission.

Marathon is a thrilling extraction shooter with satisfying gunplay, beautiful art direction, and tough-as-nails difficulty. It's a breath of fresh air in a packed genre, and one of the best games of the year.

Marathon delivers a standout sci-fi experience with a unique visual identity, deep lore and the signature Bungie gunplay that feels precise and rewarding. Its extraction-based gameplay is intense, highly challenging and often punishing, creating moments of tension and strong payoff for dedicated players. The mysterious narrative and faction-driven progression add depth, while the atmosphere and sound design elevate immersion. However, its difficulty, pacing issues in looting and some design choices make it a very selective experience. It’s an excellent game, but one that clearly isn’t for everyone.

Marathon is proof that Bungie still understands what makes an FPS special. Delivering singular technical mastery, the studio brings identity, cohesion, and, above all, a gameplay loop that hooks you in an almost inescapable way. Between its striking aesthetics, refined gunplay, and a progression system that turns even defeat into advancement, the game builds an experience that goes beyond the extraction genre and establishes itself as one of the most engaging in the current multiplayer landscape.

At first glance, Marathon may seem like a fundamentally solid game with a lot of potential, but one that simply feels too intimidating to invest in. But if players are willing to jump over the unnecessary hurdles in Marathon's opening hours, they'll likely discover that Marathon doesn't just live up to its potential, but it exceeds it, with the current version offering a host of replayable maps, an engaging progression system, and a core loop that should keep extraction shooter fans coming back time and time again.

Marathon is a challenging, gorgeous, addictive, and deceptively deep extraction shooter. Bungie has created a gorgeous world with a captivating sci-fi story lurking beneath the surface, and thrown in their signature gunplay to create one of the year's best games. It is for a very niche audience. But for those willing to accept its extreme highs and lows, there is something quite compelling about its gameplay loop.

Marathon is a game but it is also a statement piece. One that brazenly pushes against the player, creating friction where we usually would expect none. This is not a kind extraction shooter. It is violent, ruthless, and exacting. Players clash with each other in the promise of exponential, evolving power and, much like its AI counterparts, have no qualms about taking their pound of flesh. By design, Bungie has created something confident and singular. And by definition, those are the types of products that will ostracize and exclude. Only at those weakest moments is the player able to capitalize on their own survival instinct and take charge, using the provided tools to complete the cycle and escape into the heavens. You merely have to want it.

So far, Marathon is an absolutely fantastic multiplayer shooter. The narrative manages to be compelling, even without a single-player campaign; the presentation is a treat to look at, and the gameplay still has me hooked. While I fear for its ability to deliver consistently good content in future updates, Bungie's care for the game thus far and the fact that it already has a committed fanbase have me hopeful and even excited to see how Marathon continues to grow in the coming weeks, months, and years. If you're a fan of multiplayer shooters, then this is a must-play.

I've now sunk nearly 90 hours into Marathon, and it has quickly eclipsed many of my other go-to multiplayer games. It's currently all I'm thinking about and all I want to play. I'm excited to see how else the game will change over time, whether that's with new Shells, new contracts, new story, new modes, or new enemies. And so far, Bungie has been highly attuned to player feedback, and that has already resulted in lots of tweaks and improvements to the experience...Even those frustrating losing streaks often just have me jumping back into another match, eager to replace the gear I've lost, and most battles are fun, tense, and tactical, pushing you to play smartly and work together with your teammates. How the developers support Marathon over the long term will determine whether it can sustain interest the way other successful live-service games have, but Bungie's fundamentals are incredibly strong, and Marathon is much richer and deeper than its 20-minute matches would suggest. Tau Ceti IV calls, and there are runs to complete.

Marathon doesn’t have that instant fun factor and casual appeal that an extraction shooter like ARC Raiders does. And for a lot of people, that likely means it isn’t the game for them. But Marathon is a game that gives more to you the more you give to it. With impeccable Bungie gunplay, a gorgeous world and artstyle, and a gameplay loop much denser than its competition, we think Marathon is something special. The more we play, the more we love it.

The gaming landscape rarely sees a PvP first-person extraction shooter like Bungie’s new Marathon. It blends fun, engaging gameplay with fast-paced matches and smartly chosen mission structures. Tao Ceti IV feels like a vision of the future that we haven’t already encountered in sci-fi, boasting a unique visual design and a futuristic soundtrack that shapes the atmosphere like no other. I really hope this game finds a consistent player base, because I want Marathon to stick around and show me more of its world for years to come.

All that said, Cryo Archive is still an incredible endgame reward for the players who make it there, and in the meantime you get to enjoy the rest of Marathon's wonderfully designed zones. Now that I've experienced Cryo Archive, I can definitively say Marathon is the full package for shooter fans, stealth game fans, and anyone who feels like they've been missing some of the magic that made Bungie the iconic studio it is today.

Marathon is further proof of Bungie's pedigree and ability to create enthralling, engaging, and addictive shooters. While Marathon is brutally challenging and unforgiving, especially for the solo or casual player, it begs to be experienced.

Marathon is a game that is truly unmatched, especially in terms of style and gunplay. Beneath its visual presentation and incredibly strong soundtrack lies a game that is remarkably special, though it will not immediately appeal to everyone because it is so hardcore. For me, it is one of the best first-person shooters ever made. In terms of level design, Marathon is even better than Destiny, and the release of its most recent level, Cryo Archive, only reinforced that even further. It takes a little while to get into at first, but once you push through that initial barrier, you are in for an unforgettable experience.

Marathon finds itself in a difficult position. On one hand, it is a title unafraid to make you eat dirt and learn from your mistakes, all while delivering an experience with few apparent downsides—at least on paper—and featuring a presentation that stands out amidst the endless array of hyper-realistic offerings currently flooding the market. On the other hand, it is a tough sell to an audience whose sheer fatigue with "games as a service" keeps them at a safe distance from the blast zone.

Marathon is an excellent experience, and a great shooter made by a great developer. Taking all the lessons they’ve learned from decades of FPS design, Marathon succeeds with gameplay and gunplay that’s leagues better than anything else on the market. I’ve lost more sleep in the last few weeks than I have playing any other game recently, and while the online crowd may be a bit too hostile at times, those willing to engage with its dynamic loop will be rewarded with one of the finest first-person shooters this generation.

Marathon is a game that, over time, could well become a cult classic. With its intense gameplay, Bungie-quality shooting mechanics, and the risk of losing everything, it creates an addictive gameplay loop. It has a strong chance of building a solid community, though casual players are likely to opt for less demanding options.

After dozens of hours, Marathon left me with something rare: a deep, renewed respect for a studio that, week after week, always seems on the brink of collapse. It’s not a perfect extraction shooter, nor an accessible one, let alone easy to love. But it is authentic and consistent. It’s a production that doesn’t seek compromise, that rewards dedication, punishes improvisation, and above all refuses to follow any trend.

Marathon is a very good shooter, but in the long run, it may paradoxically suffer from being limited to just one game mode.

Marathon is special within its own universe and shows how Bungie continues to deliver high-quality first-person shooters over decades. It still needs slight refinements and more content over time to remain consistently interesting, but its release is a huge success.

Marathon is an addictive extraction shooter featuring the same masterful gunplay that has made Bungie legendary, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and even those adverse to it.

Marathon is a radical proposition (you either love it or hate it), and if you have nothing against its unforgiving PvP and art direction, then I highly recommend it. The art direction, the atmosphere, the demanding nature of the game captivated me. I was completely absorbed on the planet Tau Ceti IV, displaying heightened vigilance against other Runners, fascinated by the universe Bungie has created. The creators of Halo and Destiny have put their FPS expertise to work in service of an excellent extraction shooter.

Marathon is a difficult game to recommend. It's undeniable that Bungie has done a great job with this title, but it's not an experience for everyone. The gameplay is too aggressive for a large portion of the audience, and even those initially interested may be discouraged by the steep learning curve. It remains to be seen whether this game has what it takes to survive this challenging period for games as a service, but if anyone can make it happen, it's Bungie.

A visually arresting, mechanically sharp extraction shooter that offers fun and rewards for those with the patience - and the time.

Those who manage to get past Marathon’s most challenging phase will discover a memorable, tense, and addictive extraction shooter brimming with ideas that push the genre in new directions.

Oozing with style and buoyed by Bungie’s consistently slick gunplay, Marathon has already carved out a small fiefdom in the fickle world of extraction shooters. Unforgiving but rarely unfair, that risk/reward gameplay loop will prove endlessly enjoyable to some, though casual FPS fans who want to see guaranteed progression in exchange for the time they put in will find themselves well out of their comfort zone. Marathon’s staying power hinges entirely on post-launch support and the allure of new content. If the maze-like, puzzle-filled Cryo Archive is anything to go by, we could see Bungie rolling out a creative gauntlet of new gameplay experiences.

A tough, flashy, and surprisingly versatile extraction shooter which houses a magnetic loop of death and loot beneath its occasionally obtuse idiosyncrasies.

At first glance, Marathon feels strange and confusing. It’s a game that demands a lot of patience from the player, as only then can you truly discover the wonders of its world. This extraction shooter doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it stands out thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, which always feels satisfying, and its distinctive style.

Bungie’s Marathon reboot successfully transforms a sci-fi classic into a tense, visually stunning extraction shooter. While a steep learning curve and punishing seasonal resets may alienate some, the satisfying gunplay, unique Runner Shell abilities, and addictive loop of high-stake runs make it a rewarding experience for those who brave the dangers of Tau Ceti IV.

Marathon demands a great deal of patience and time before you begin to truly enjoy it, but as the hours pass, it manages to transform into an obsession. Bungie’s signature touch is evident in its gameplay, as well as in the construction of its universe and its difficulty. It stands unique among extraction shooters, yet its high barrier to entry—along with the constant dedication it demands—won't win over everyone.

It delivers an exceptional extraction shooter experience defined by Bungie’s signature gunplay and an addictive, roguelike progression loop. While the atmosphere is immersive and the endgame content is thrilling, the cumbersome interface and steep learning curve create unnecessary friction. It is a brilliant, high-stakes rebirth that demands patience despite its clunky menus.

Bungie are once again at the forefront of sci-fi with their extraction shooter Marathon. Whilst none of the elements are purely unique individually, Bungie have cultivated a brutal ecosystem that gives you as much as you're willing to put in. The barrier to entry is high, and the player base are already daunting, but what is on offer is an FPS with exceptional gunplay and heightened encounters, wrapped in a brilliant setting.

Memorable for its excellent game feel and striking artistic direction, Marathon is a punitive, extreme and exponentially addictive extraction shooter.

Marathon is not a game for everyone. The hardcore nature of Bungie’s latest effort creates an experience with a high barrier to entry—one that will drive away anyone unwilling to commit to mastering its intricate mechanics, while conversely trapping everyone else in an endless loop of runs. This specific quirk ensures the game will likely never become a mainstream hit or reach record-breaking levels of popularity; yet, there is no doubt that Bungie’s take on the extraction shooter genre is one of the most compelling titles currently available on the market. Anyone with a visceral love for this subgenre should at least give it a chance—or, to put it more aptly, try going for a run.

Longevity is a touchy subject in this day and age, as many live-service titles have struggled to keep up with the gaming landscape. Marathon, for a while, looked to be one of those one-and-done that would be lost to time...Fortunately, Bungie has crafted something that proves that wrong, but looks to get better with each update. While not a single-player haven or easy-to-enter title, what you get is a great multiplayer extraction shooter that many should get in on as soon as possible.

Marathon has me locked in, sitting in my brain until my next run. The barrier to entry is high, but it’s rewarding, with each death being a lesson learned.

Bungie’s latest game, Marathon, marks the return of a historic franchise in a whole new way, transforming it into an extraction shooter. The result is better than we expected, after the initial cold sensations (and initial hours of general confusion): the shooting is excellent, the atmosphere and art direction are striking, even if getting into this world is not at all easy. Unfortunately, two major questions remain: the content is currently limited, and above all… how long will it really last?

Marathon PS5 Review: Does Bungie’s new sci-fi shooter live up to expectations, or does it offer a surprise that will take players by surprise?

Marathon offers the best of what Bungie has to offer in terms of pure gameplay and a unique hardcore experience within the extraction shooter genre. However, pacing issues and its appeal to a niche audience make the barrier to entry too high for the vast majority of players.

Bungie once again nails the shooting, delivering consistently satisfying combat moments in Marathon. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic and lore create a dilapidated sci-fi world that feels both mysterious and captivating. During traversal and tense firefights, as you attempt to extract valuable loot, the game offers a thrilling and engaging experience. However, it’s baffling how convoluted the menus are, creating unnecessary confusion even for simple tasks. Additionally, in its current state, the content feels somewhat lacking,though Bungie has promised to expand it in the near future.

Marathon is a challenging PvPvE shooter from Bungie that blends intense gunplay, class-based strategy, and loot-driven extraction. Each role feels unique, with distinct abilities and movement, making teamwork and inventory management crucial. The game rewards patience and planning, while its visual identity and lore add depth to the universe of Tau Ceti IV. Steep learning curves and early-game difficulty may frustrate newcomers, but dedicated players will find a rich, satisfying experience.

Deep within Marathon, there lies a shooter that’s simply fantastic—especially in its end-game maps and core weapon mechanics. For hardcore players who find ARC Raiders too easygoing and forgiving and are craving a bloodier experience, this could be a fantastic playground. However, when viewed as an extraction game that constantly demands you risk your efforts, the pieces don’t quite fall into place. It’s completely lacking the warmth and motivation that would draw in casual players or those looking to dip their toes into the genre. It’s a game where ideas with immense potential are crushed under mechanics that unnecessarily overwhelm the player.

Marathon gets better the more you play, but in today’s gaming landscape, it’s fair to ask how many players are willing to invest many hours before the real fun begins. The foundations are solid: the artistic vision is striking, and the gunplay is satisfying. Yet, many of Bungie’s new shooter’s mechanics seem almost designed to push players away rather than draw them in. A confusing interface, overly convoluted weapon and item design, a low TTK paired with punishing PvE, and progression systems that only balance out after unlocking most skill trees create significant early hurdles. And even when everything finally starts falling into place, some design choices remain puzzling, including the mandatory quarterly wipe, which currently raises more questions than answers. When it all comes together, Marathon is undeniably fun, but at this stage, the game still needs quite a few key tweaks to fully realize its potential.

If you're not willing to put some hours just learning the ropes, this is a Marathon that you'll need to run in the opposite direction. If you do - welcome - you're in for a wild ride.

Marathon is a technically brilliant and satisfying shooter that nails the fundamentals but struggles to build beyond them. It delivers incredible moment-to-moment gameplay, yet lacks the depth and long-term pull to match its ambition. Right now, it feels less like a fully realised experience and more like the start of something new waiting to be expanded, a game that will live or die by how Bungie supports it from here.

Marathon delivers a plethora of deep mechanics, engaging gunplay and a truly unique look, but there's simply too much tedium and way too much busywork between fights.

If you give Marathon your time, it will reward your patience. I really believe that. I also think the time commitment is a big reason this game won’t be for everyone. And maybe it doesn’t have to be. After all, a game for everyone is a game for no one. This isn’t a casual shooter that’s welcoming to new players. If you’re willing to stick with the game, learn the systems and play with friends, then there’s a good chance you will find a shooter you really enjoy. If you’re looking for something easier to jump into and understand right away, then Marathon is going to be a much tougher sell for you and your friends.

Against some odds, Marathon is a compelling extraction shooter that offers some really satisfying combat. I do think having only one contract at a time slows progression down but there's plenty of other meters to work towards. Solo play has a tension to it which I really enjoy, although the game seems to be built more around squads. With just a few maps available at launch, I only hope that the game evolves and grows over time. I love the aesthetic and, generally speaking, it's doing quite a few things right.

Marathon’s foundations are solid, strong, and well-functioning, and although the game might lack a hook, or simply maps that build on this solid foundation, I feel confident enough, even without Cryo Archive, to recommend Marathon solely on the basis of this rather fantastic loop. That doesn’t mean Marathon is a fantastic game in itself, but it could very well turn out to be one, and that’s more positive than for a great many other live-service games.

Marathon is a wildy inconsistent game that reaches blood-pumping highs, in between rounds of pure frustration. There's a great shooter hiding in there, but players will jump off before they find it.