Excitement is building as Marathon has dropped a sneak peek into its gameplay, unveiling four unique Runners to its eagerly awaiting audience. The game, set to make its full debut on September 23, promises even more character classes upon release, ensuring a richer experience right from day one.
The revival of the Marathon franchise, announced back in May 2023, marks a significant milestone. Not only is it reintroducing the series as an extraction shooter, but it also represents Bungie’s first title since joining the ranks of Sony Interactive Entertainment. This merger, completed in July 2022 for a whopping $3.6 billion, set the stage for an exciting new chapter in Bungie’s storied history.
With just a month to go before the two-year anniversary of this announcement, Bungie pulled out all the stops today, April 12, unveiling Marathon in all its glory. Fans were treated to an intriguing mix of gameplay and a nine-minute animated short that adds depth to the game’s universe. Central to this reveal were the four Runners—Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void—each with distinctive elements that cater to varied playstyles.
The diversity among these characters is striking. Void and Blackbird lead the defensive charge but with differing strategies. Void is your classic stealth expert, adept at slipping out of sticky situations using smoke grenades and an active camo suit, favoring hit-and-run tactics. Meanwhile, Blackbird leans on intellect and foresight, scouting enemy positions with precision rather than sneaking around.
Filling out the exciting lineup is Locus, the powerhouse of the group. He is all about a strong offensive strategy, charging headlong into battle, albeit at the cost of defense. Finally, there’s Glitch, who utilizes her speed and agility to outmaneuver foes, leveraging superior positioning to her advantage.
Bungie is still holding a few surprises, with two more Runners set to join the roster at launch. As we inch closer to the September release, eager players can expect more details on these mystery classes. Those lucky enough to participate in the game’s closed alpha will likely get a preview of the full roster—albeit under NDA constraints, minimizing the risk of leaks.
Marathon represents a bold new direction under Sony, with Bungie promising a combination of tactically diverse gameplay and rich storytelling. With anticipation steadily growing, September 23 can’t come soon enough.
