Marathon Reviews
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!
Once again, Bungie reinforces its reputation among FPS fans. Marathon offers a fresh take on the extraction genre with precise gunplay, varied shells, and a faction system that ties into both story and progression. While it may feel overwhelming at first, it becomes intuitive after a few runs. However, the user interface remains the main drawback, especially in extraction mode, where it feels cluttered and needs smoother design and navigation.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
While there’s no denying Marathon is an aggressive PvPvE extraction shooter, it is also a remarkably moreish one. The core loop of exploration, looting and fighting feels great as we’d hope from FPS veterans Bungie, and while the UI could use some touch ups in both inputs and clarity, that one more game feeling is present and correct enough that I can see myself sticking with this for some time to come. With constant updates and additions promised, I think the future is bright for Marathon indeed.
[Marathon has] brought a multiplayer shooter back into the rotation for my friend group. A central game for us to rally around, to share memes, tips and tricks, and just discuss theories and where it could go next. The possibilities in Tau Ceti IV feel endless if Bungie is given the runway to continue building out this universe.
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.
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Review in Italian | Read full review
Not even Destiny's brilliant gunplay can save Marathon from its own mess. Bungie's new shooter drowns in too much visual noise, rudimentary menus and boredom. An extraction shooter that doesn't innovate and becomes tiresome long before it becomes fun. If you're hardcore in this genre, Marathon can be seen in a much more optimistic light.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The foundational elements of Marathon are extremely solid and fun. However, while the gameplay, art design, music, and lore are all great in a vacuum, they combine inside a genre that doesn’t always allow the game’s best elements to shine. Right now, Marathon is very good. It could be great, though.
It can be hard to contain expectations at the idea of a new Marathon, once again from the studio that created it. But much like its classes, Marathon is a mere shell of its potential, with content that only satisfies those who resist its true nature as an extraction game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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Review in German | Read full review
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?
Review in Italian | Read full review
Marathon has a rock-solid core. The gunplay is top-notch and addictive, weapons feel unique, PvP is tough but exciting because of it, and the AI is a real threat rather than filler. Visually and technically, it is also one of the most impressive extraction shooters at the moment. But the package is not yet complete. The UI is frustrating, content is too meager with just three maps, and the endgame is also very limited by being made available only on weekends. The store is too expensive while the cosmetics offer little, and the contract system feels artificially slowed down by the limitation of one active mission, even though matches are long enough to complete multiple objectives. At its core, Bungie has a surprisingly strong extraction shooter with Marathon, but it will still have to work hard to hold players' attention for an extended period.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Marathon has undeniably stylish shooting and potential to grow - it just needs to do so quickly. For now, a notable lack of variety and limited emergent chaos hold it down from competing in an increasingly crowded market.
"A Legendary Name Returns with a New Vision" Marathon reinvents itself as an Extraction Shooter game built on tension, risk, and skill, with a solid mechanic driven by a sophisticated shooting system and a clear variety of gameplay styles. However, the experience suffers from interface and map design issues, as well as a complexity that may deter new players. The game isn't for everyone, but it offers a deep and rewarding experience for those seeking a genuine challenge. Its future depends heavily on developer support and improvements to its technical and design aspects.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Marathon is recommended because it’s a challenging and rewarding shooter, where the gunplay, frame customization, and teamwork stand out as its greatest strengths. Despite its flaws, it offers a solid experience. It’s a game with enough potential to establish itself as a benchmark within the extraction shooter genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Marathon isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. Its first impression is harsh, but its long-term experience is rich, rewarding, and full of moments that will make you want to come back again and again. Once you learn its systems, understand its maps, and invest in its progression, you’ll see why it’s one of the more compelling extraction shooters released in years.
Bungie delivers another thrilling FPS experience in Marathon, complete with their signature gunplay and player mechanics. The game's polish is immediately apparent; everything from the cutscenes to the menu designs feels next level and highly memorable. However, the game struggles with player retention—the "hook." A major concern is how players will remain engaged after a progress reset and how many consecutive losses they can tolerate before giving up.
Marathon is a hugely inconsistent game. Some marvelous vistas and stylistic choices, yet the world feels void of interesting events and feels small, with only a few small, static and repetitive maps. Some great shooting is accompanied by a crazy low TTK that encourages playing as passively as possible.
Once the gameplay loop of Marathon clicks with you, it is a fantastically polished experience with exceptional gunplay. Sure, there is a big learning curve, and a lot doesn’t make sense at first. What I enjoyed about the fact that your hand isn’t held here whatsoever is that you’re left to learn it all alone or with friends. Whilst the gameplay does have some Destiny similarities, it isn’t a direct clone and stands on its own feet. Aesthetically, it’ll please most, while others dislike how it’s presented. Diving into runs, ticking off challenges, unlocking rewards, and gathering currency for unwanted loot is an addictive, rinse-and-repeat loop. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a promising start to a solid shooter with well-grounded foundations. Playing with your mates is obviously the way to go here. But you can go lone soldier as a rook, or see out runs with randoms. The atmosphere of constant tension, chaotic gunfights and exploring the small but detailed worlds on offer is an enjoyable feat. My only concern is how long the fun lasts before it becomes stale, but after 30 hours, I’m still plugging away and enjoying it. Fingers crossed, Bungie will support this one for the long haul, but this will only be with Sony’s blessing.
Marathon (2026) 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.