Bungie’s New Frontier: Hands-On with Marathon’s Sci-Fi Extraction Gameplay

The gaming world has been waiting for a definitive look at Marathon, Bungie’s bold revival of their classic IP as a sci-fi extraction shooter. After an early alpha that left some players skeptical, OperatorDrewski recently visited Bungie’s studio to test the latest build. His verdict? Bungie has been listening.

From shortened time-to-kill to immersive soundscapes, here is everything we learned about the current state of Marathon ahead of its upcoming Server Slam.

1. The Core Loop: Scavenge, Fight, Extract

In Marathon, players step into the cybernetic chassis of Runners. These mercenaries are deployed into hostile, abandoned colonies to secure loot and complete contracts. The gameplay loop follows the classic extraction formula but with that signature Bungie polish:

• Character Classes: Players choose specialized characters with unique abilities, such as the Thief, who can use drones to steal loot from a distance or transfer items to teammates.
• High-Stakes Combat: Matches involve navigating AI threats and other player teams, where dying means losing your hard-earned gear.

2. Addressing Alpha Feedback

One of the biggest takeaways from this playtest was how much Bungie improved the experience based on early alpha feedback. Notable changes include:

• Solo Queues: Players are no longer forced into 1v3 situations, as dedicated solo queues are now a feature.
• Gunplay Tuning: The time-to-kill (TTK) has been shortened, and weapon spread has been notably reduced, making the gunplay feel "sharp and punchy."
• Communication: The addition of in-game Voice-over-IP (VOIP) allows for organic interactions—or betrayals—between squads.

3. A "Dirtier" Aesthetic and Immersive Sound

Visually, Marathon has evolved from its clean, vibrant initial reveal to a look described as "positively dirtier." Environments show more wear, tear, and environmental damage, giving the world a lived-in, decaying feel.

The sound design is equally impactful. Gunshots and equipment noises reverberate realistically in claustrophobic interiors, creating a sense of tension when navigating the map. Drewski noted that the "muffled" effect when moving from outdoors to indoors significantly changes how you track nearby enemies.

4. Advanced Tactics: The Thief’s Drone

The gameplay showcased the strategic depth available through character build-crafting. A highlight was using the Thief’s drone to "pester" enemies. In one instance, a player used a drone to repeatedly snatch medicine and loot right off the ground while an enemy team was distracted, forcing them into a panic as they tried to recover their gear.

How to Play: The Marathon Server Slam

If you want to experience the perimeter zone for yourself, you don’t have to wait long. Bungie is hosting a Free-to-Play Server Slam event:

• Dates: February 26th to March 2nd.
• Content: Access to the Perimeter Zone and Dire Marsh maps, various runner classes, and opening contracts.
• Goal: Help stress-test the servers across all platforms before the full launch.

Marathon is shaping up to be more than just a shooter; it’s a high-stakes tactical playground. Will you be jumping into the Server Slam this week?