Marathon FPS Launches March 5

The new *Marathon* is a revival of Bungie's classic sci-fi franchise from the 1990s, which predated both *Halo* and *Destiny*. The original trilogy was acclaimed for its deep, complex narrative told through in-game computer terminals, a novel approach for first-person shooters at the time. This reboot is not a direct sequel but is set within the same universe, taking place on the planet Tau Ceti IV. The game is a PvPvE extraction shooter, a departure from the original's single-player focus. Matches will feature up to 18 players, either in squads of three or as solo operatives, who must compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure valuable loot and escape. This design is intended to evoke the paranoia and tension of the original games, where alliances were fluid and information was often incomplete. Players will take on the roles of "Runners," cybernetic mercenaries who have traded their human bodies for specialized shells. There will be six distinct "Runner Shells" at launch, each with a unique set of abilities, such as the stealth-focused Assassin, the loot-oriented Thief, and the aggressive Destroyer. A seventh frame, the Rook, is designed for low-risk, solo scavenging runs. Instead of a traditional campaign, the story will unfold through a seasonal, evolving narrative influenced by player actions. This method of storytelling is meant to be a modern interpretation of the original trilogy's terminal-based lore delivery. The game is a premium title with a $40 price tag and will feature a live service model with ongoing content updates.