Marathon Franchise: Bungie's Classic Sci-fi Shooter Returns in a New Avatar

At the recently concluded PlayStation Showcase, Bungie unveiled the long-awaited revival of its iconic Marathon franchise. This announcement comes 26 years after the original trilogy drew to a close with Marathon Infinity in 1996. The legendary sci-fi FPS series is set to make a comeback as an extraction PvP shooter, introducing a fresh take on this classic gaming experience to old fans and new players alike.

For those unfamiliar, the Marathon trilogy comprises three titles: Marathon, Marathon: Durandal, and Marathon Infinity. These games followed Bungie's earlier FPS shooter, Pathways into Darkness, and were initially released for Macintosh between 1994-1996. Known as groundbreaking titles in the FPS genre at that time, these games left an indelible mark on gaming history.

One key innovation within the original Marathon series was the introduction of the "mouselook" feature—allowing players to aim freely using their mouse—a standard now deeply ingrained within FPS games. Till today, this capability is still considered one of the most significant advancements in FPS mechanics.

Rumors about Bungie's intention to revive the Marathon franchise began circulating in October 2022. This resurgence marks Bungie's first new game since Destiny 2 launched back in 2017. The revitalization of this series highlights Bungie's dedication to breathing new life into beloved classics while adapting them for modern gaming sensibilities.

In conclusion, Bungie’s decision to revive its revered Marathon franchise heralds exciting times ahead for fans of classic sci-fi shooters across generations. By redefining the gameplay as an extraction PvP shooter, this move ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers will find something fresh and engaging when they eventually step into the revamped universe of Marathon. Keep an eye out for further updates on this sensational comeback from Bungie as anticipation for its modernized release continues to grow.

Ava Martinez 25 May 2023