Bungie's Marathon Returns as a Team-Based Extraction Shooter

Bungie's iconic sci-fi shooter, Marathon, is making a comeback as a team-based extraction shooter. Set to release on September 23, 2025, this new version offers a fresh take on the classic series. Players can join the closed alpha test starting April 23 to experience the game early. Marathon revisits the human colony on Tau Ceti IV, blending narrative depth with modern gameplay mechanics.

Bungie is set to revive its classic sci-fi shooter franchise, Marathon, with a new release slated for September 23, 2025. Originally a trilogy of games launched on the Mac in the '90s, Marathon was Bungie's stepping stone to fame before the company introduced the world to Halo. This new iteration of Marathon is a significant departure from its original format, transforming from a traditional 3D FPS into a modern team-based extraction shooter.

In this revamped version, players assume the roles of 'runners' who venture onto the planet Tau Ceti IV, a setting familiar to fans of the original series. The gameplay involves exploring zones filled with rival players, AI-controlled adversaries, and various threats, all while searching for loot and uncovering secrets. The extraction shooter genre requires players to successfully escape with their loot to retain it, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.

The closed alpha test for Marathon will begin on April 23, offering players a chance to experience the game ahead of its official release. Interested participants can join the Marathon Discord channel to sign up. While Bungie has not yet announced the game's price, it has indicated that Marathon will not be a full-priced title, suggesting a price range between $40 and $50. However, this could mean the inclusion of microtransactions.

Marathon's storyline revisits the human colony on Tau Ceti IV, which was destroyed by the alien race Pfhor in collaboration with an AI named Durandal. As players explore the planet, they will uncover the mysteries surrounding the colony's fate. The game promises to deliver a rich narrative experience, blending elements of the original series with new gameplay mechanics.

QuarkyByte is excited to see how Bungie's innovative approach to Marathon will influence the gaming industry and inspire future developments in game design. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on the latest tech trends and gaming innovations.