Marathon Review: Bungie excels in intense extraction shooter action according to GameRant
Credit: Playnews

Marathon Review: Bungie excels in intense extraction shooter action according to GameRant

Alexandre Alexandre Jollier
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In brief

Marathon, Bungie's new extraction shooter launched on March 5, 2026 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, marks the studio's triumphant return to the PvPvE genre. Combining Halo's precise gunplay with Destiny's cyberpunk atmosphere, the game delivers intense clashes on the planet Tau Ceti IV, where loot, survival and strategy reign supreme. GameRant confirms that Bungie excels in this field and lays the groundwork for a future must-play in multiplayer shooters.

Marathon, Bungie's first extraction shooter released on PC (Steam), PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on March 5, 2026, follows in the footsteps of the gaming legacy of the developers behind Halo and Destiny, according to GameRant. This PvPvE multiplayer FPS puts you in the shoes of a cybernetic "runner" dropped onto the hostile and abandoned planet Tau Ceti IV, in a relentless struggle for loot and survival.

In terms of feel, the gunplay showcases the precision and intensity that are the hallmark of Bungie's expertise. The weapons carry weight, movement is athletic, and duels come down to good positioning and sharp reflexes. Infiltrate hostile zones, loot resources and gear, complete contracts through a well-crafted faction system, and finally, extract under pressure. Cooperation, stealth, and strategic decision-making are essential.

The graphics seem to do justice to the art direction on offer: a dark, retro-futuristic cyberpunk world set in immersive industrial environments on Tau Ceti IV. The measured pacing of combat reinforces the immersion. On the sound design side, weapon effects and tense atmospheres leave their mark on this oppressive setting.

The game's longevity should be boosted by successive free updates, with cross-play and cross-save ensuring accessibility. Despite criticism over the somewhat limited initial content, Marathon establishes itself as the first step toward becoming a future hit. Still according to GameRant, this is a great confirmation that Bungie remains at the top of the FPS genre!

Strengths

  • Precise, dynamic gunplay inherited from Halo/Destiny
  • Immersive and original cyberpunk art direction
  • Solid progression system through factions and contracts

Weaknesses

  • Initial content a bit light on maps and modes
  • Steep learning curve for newcomers

Verdict

Marathon redefines the extraction shooter with elite gunplay and addictive tension.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an extraction shooter, and how does Marathon fit into this genre?
An extraction shooter combines PvP (player versus player combat) and PvE (cooperation against the environment). Marathon pushes players to infiltrate hostile zones, collect loot, and exfiltrate under pressure, all while managing risks from other runners and environmental threats.
Which platforms is Marathon available on?
Marathon released on March 5, 2026 on PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game supports cross-play and cross-save for a seamless experience across platforms.
What kind of universe and atmosphere does Marathon offer?
The game takes place on the hostile planet Tau Ceti IV and features a dark, retro-futuristic cyberpunk universe. Immersive industrial settings and tense atmospheres reinforce a uniquely oppressive mood.
Does Bungie really master this extraction shooter genre?
Yes, according to GameRant, Bungie excels in this field by applying its legendary expertise in gunplay, level design and art direction inherited from Halo and Destiny.

Key takeaways

  • Marathon's gunplay draws on Bungie's expertise, delivering exemplary precision and fluidity.
  • The PvPvE system combines loot extraction, player cooperation, and tense exfiltration.
  • Tau Ceti IV's retro-futuristic cyberpunk universe offers immersive industrial settings and a captivating, oppressive atmosphere.
  • Free updates and cross-play/cross-save ensure optimal longevity and accessibility.

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