Marathon has just revealed a glimpse into its gameplay, unveiling four of its characters with distinct skills and limitations. These characters, known as Runners, include Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. At its September 23 launch for PC and consoles, two additional Runners will also be playable.
The unexpected return of the Marathon series was first announced in May 2023. This new installment is notable not only as an extraction shooter but also as the first game Bungie is releasing since its acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment in July 2022, a deal which cost $3.6 billion.
A fresh wave of excitement hit fans on April 12 when Bungie finally lifted the veil on Marathon. The studio, now under Sony’s wing, shared a tantalizing mix of gameplay snippets and a short animated feature to introduce the game’s universe. Within this presentation, we got a look at the first playables: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void.
The new Runners each bring their unique flair. While Void and Blackbird tend to be more defense-oriented, their strategies differ significantly. Void excels in stealth, using tools like smoke grenades and an active camo suit to execute a hit-and-run gameplay style. Conversely, Blackbird isn’t about sneaking; instead, she thrives on intelligence, able to locate enemy positions to great effect.
Bungie has formally introduced these Marathon classes:
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Blackbird is voiced by Nika Futterman. This character’s expertise lies in scouting enemy locations, promoting a cautious and strategic approach.
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Glitch, voiced by Erica Lindbeck, is designed for speed and agility, utilizing superior positioning to gain the upper hand.
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Locus remains a mystery regarding its voice actor. Known for high offense and weaker defense, Locus supports aggressive play.
- Void, portrayed by Elias Toufexis, specializes in stealth, emphasizing tactics like active camouflage and smoke grenades for sneaky operations.
While details about the remaining two Runners are still under wraps, Bungie intends to roll out further information before the game’s release. Anticipation builds as fans hope these will be accessible during a closed alpha test, although participants will likely sign NDAs, minimizing the risk of leaks.
The gaming community waits eagerly for more news on Marathon, a game reviving an iconic series under the banner of Sony’s portfolio.