Marathon Faces Player Division Amidst Extraction Shooter Launch
Bungie's new extraction shooter, Marathon, has launched to mixed reviews, praised for its solid gunplay and challenging loop. However, its steep learning curve and PvP focus have polarized players, leading to review bombing campaigns. Fans are actively defending the title, highlighting its potential despite genre competition and initial player friction.
Coverage across 24 outlets
Marathon Review in Progress – The joys of accidentally abandoning your friends
This review in progress for Marathon highlights the roguelike gameplay loop of looting and dying repeatedly. The article touches on the experience of playing with friends and the potential for accidental abandonment within the game's structure.
Review in Progress: Marathon (PS5) - Bungie's Extraction Shooter Is Brilliant, and Only Gets Better
Marathon is a bold new extraction shooter from Bungie that excels in its deep build-crafting and satisfying gunplay, offering a rewarding experience that improves the more players invest. Despite a steep learning curve and a lack of instant casual appeal, its vibrant world, solid performance on PlayStation 5, and engaging gameplay loop make it a standout title in the genre.
Bungie ask Marathon critics to delay "full reviews" till the release of an endgame zone, and I am wistfully reminded of Vault of Glass
Bungie has requested that critics delay full reviews of its new game Marathon until a later endgame zone unlocks in March, a move the author likens to similar tactics used during the launch of Destiny. This request, while not a mandate, is seen as potentially influencing reviewers to soften their critiques, especially given that microtransaction details were also revealed late. The author expresses frustration with what they perceive as marketing manipulation, despite having enjoyed the parts of Marathon they have played.
Site News: Where's Our Marathon PS5 Review?
Push Square will delay its PlayStation 5 review for the live service game Marathon until its end-game content, the Cryo Archive, is released later this month. The publication wants to test the full scope of Bungie's creation, including its raid-like puzzle solving and close-quarters combat, before submitting a scored review.
Marathon day one check-in: Thief impressions, broken Deluxe Edition bonuses, and so many Assassins
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon is now live, with initial impressions highlighting its high-stakes shootouts and loot juggling. Players are experimenting with various 'runner shells' like Assassin and Vandal, while the new Thief shell offers intel and trickery. The article also notes ongoing issues with Deluxe Edition bonuses not appearing for some players.
Marathon review in progress – extracting the fun
Bungie's reboot of Marathon is a challenging extraction shooter that requires perseverance to appreciate its potential, despite a troubled development. While the game features a striking art style and the studio's signature gunplay, its steep learning curve, convoluted menus, and unforgiving gameplay can be frustrating for newcomers. Early impressions suggest that Marathon may eventually offer compelling high-stakes gameplay, but it faces stiff competition from similar titles.
