Marathon has officially lifted the lid on its upcoming gameplay, introducing us to four intriguing playable classes: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. As Bungie sets the stage for its much-anticipated game, fans can expect even more character options upon launch.
The revitalization of the Marathon series was unveiled to the gaming world in May 2023. This new installment marks the franchise’s debut venture into the extraction shooter genre. Additionally, it will be the first release from Bungie since becoming a part of the Sony Interactive Entertainment family, following Sony’s $3.6 billion acquisition in July 2022.
Today, as we inch closer to the second anniversary of Marathon’s grand reveal, Bungie has at last unveiled what’s in store for players. Earlier this morning, on April 12, the studio—backed by Sony—gave us a glimpse of the gameplay through a series of short yet action-packed video features. Alongside these snippets, Bungie also presented a comprehensive nine-minute animated short that sets the stage for the game’s universe. During this reveal, we were introduced to four distinct character classes—referred to in the game’s cyberpunk lingo as “Runners.”
The lineup of Marathon Runners appears diverse and thoughtfully crafted, each offering unique abilities along with distinct vulnerabilities. For defensive fans, Void and Blackbird present appealing options. Void operates as a classic stealth specialist, equipped with smoke grenades and camo technology, ensuring seamless hit-and-run strategies. Blackbird, meanwhile, boasts recon capabilities, giving players who like a broader awareness of the battlefield an edge over their adversaries.
Meanwhile, the offensive powerhouse Locus promises intense upfront action. With strong attack capabilities but limited defenses, Locus is designed to reward players who thrive on aggressive tactics. Glitch, on the other hand, is more about agility and quick reflexes. With her ability to quickly maneuver into advantageous positions, Glitch’s playstyle should appeal to those who value strategic positioning.
As the game gears up for its September 23 release on PC and consoles, Bungie has hinted that two more character classes will debut at launch. It’s likely fans will learn more about these mysterious characters as we approach release day. While some might get an early hands-on experience in the upcoming closed alpha test, strict NDAs are expected to keep further character details under wraps until officially announced.
With the inclusion of these exciting features, enthusiasm for Marathon continues to build. Bungie, established on May 1, 1991, and now operating under the wing of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling new chapter in the series. As we count down the days to launch, players eagerly await their chance to dive into Marathon’s freshly crafted cyber-adventure.
